Scott Russell Wins Supervisor Race; Sarah Nappa Elected To Board

NORTH FORK, NY — After a nail-biter race, with results too close to call on Election Day, the absentee ballots have been counted at the Suffolk County Board of Elections offices in Yaphank Friday — and incumbent Scott Russell, a Republican, emerged the winner of the Southold Town supervisor's seat, despite a strong showing by opponent Greg Doroski, a Democrat.

After the dust settled, Democrat Sarah Nappa unseated incumbent councilman and Deputy Supervisor Bill Ruland, a Republican; incumbent Jill Doherty, also a member of the GOP party, retained her seat.

Nappa will serve as the only Democrat on the Republican-majority town board — Councilman Jim Dinizio is a registered Conservative — Democrat Dan Ross also won the race for town justice, unseating Brian Hughes, a Republican.

On election night, Russell garnered 3,988 votes to Doroski's 3,768; after the absentee ballots were counted, Russell emerged victorious with 4,220 votes to Doroski's 4,107.

"I am grateful that the public has shown confidence in me to serve as their supervisor for the next four years," Russell told Patch via email. "It is clear, however, that many people believed it was time for new leadership. It is now my job to figure out why, and earn their support by doing a better job representing their interests. I also want to thank Greg Doroski. He was a gentleman and a consummate professional throughout the campaign. I look forward to advancing the board's agenda of protecting our environment and providing the services the public needs — all while continuing to work in a non-partisan manner."

Reflecting on the results, Doroski said: "As we learned on election night, a near-majority of Southold Town voted for a change in leadership for each contested seat. The final absentee ballot count only places this into sharper relief. Although I was unable to overcome Russell’s election night lead, I am proud of our efforts and grateful for all of the help and support I received throughout the campaign. I remain hopeful he will take the broadly expressed dissatisfaction with his leadership to heart, and embrace a kinder, more empathetic, open and collaborative posture."

In the race for town council, Nappa, who had 3,731 votes on election night, emerged with 4,078 after the absentee ballot count Friday. Incumbent Doherty, who had 3,896 on Election Night, remained in the lead after the absentee ballots were tallied, with 4,118. Ruland, who'd had 3,778 votes on election night, received a final count of 3,993 votes; Democrat Bob Hanlon, also running for a town council seat, came in with 3,618 votes after Election Day and emerged with 3,948 Friday.

"This is a historic win for Southold Town," Nappa said. "I feel honored to have been chosen by the farmers, small business owners, families, and community members of Southold to represent them on the town council. My colleagues ran an incredible race, all coming within a small margin. Congrats to Nick Krupski and Dan Ross on their victories, as well. I’m so proud of all of our team and what we have accomplished in this election. I look forward to serving you on the town board."

After the final votes were tallied, Ruland weighed in: "As I have said in the past, you serve at the will of the people. The voters have spoken; it is time to move on. I have been honored to serve the people of the Town of Southold."

For the town justice seat, on Election Night, incumbent Brian Hughes, a Republican, had 3,870 notes to Democrat challenger Dan Ross' 3,775. After the absentee votes were counted, Ross took the seat with 4,117 to Hughes 4,093.

Southold Town Democratic Party Commitee Chair Kathryn Casey Quigley said the results indicated "strong candidates, a strong coordinated campaign and an electorate clearly ready for change. I’m thrilled for Sarah and Dan: they will bring integrity, intelligence and great insight to their work in Town Hall. And I look forward to continuing to build and strengthen this Democratic Party in Southold.”

Southold GOP Committee Chair Peter McGreevy reflected on the results: "As always, the race for supervisor is paramount, and maintaining Scott Russell at the helm of Southold Town's government for four more years ensures our town will continue on a course of sound financial management and environmental preservation," he said. "We are also grateful for the re-election of Jill Doherty, Glenn Goldsmith, and Rich Caggiano, and in electing Conservative party member Kelly Fogarty to succeed George Sullivan as Receiver of Taxes. Of course, we thank Bill Ruland, Brian Hughes, and George Sullivan for their years of service to the people of Southold — three voices that will definitely be missed in Town Hall."

He added: "That said, the changing demographics in Southold, combined with the recent overabundance of second homeowner absentee ballots, requires us to continue to strengthen our local Republican party, our campaign efforts, and our candidates.These are good things, that help develop political interest on both sides of the aisle, help drive voter turnout in Southold that is unparalleled elsewhere in our county, and evidence just how much the people in Southold care for this town and its future."