Town Bids Adieu To Southold Supervisor At Heartfelt Farewell Gathering

SOUTHOLD, NY — In a scene much like "This Is Your Life," a crowd packed Duck Walk Vineyards in Southold last week to share laughter, stories, and so many, many memories — as all who attended had the singular wish of bidding retiring Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell the fondest of farewells.

Russell, who has served in Southold Town Hall for 33 years, with 18 of those as town supervisor, announced in past months that his current term would be his last; current Suffolk County Legislator Al Krupski won a race in November to fill the seat and will be inaugurated on January 2.

At Russell's good-bye gathering last week, a steady stream of longtime colleagues and friends, residents and loved ones— from all sides of the political aisle — took the mic and lauded Russell for a veritable lifetime of tireless hard work, dedication, and accomplishments.

Former assessor Bob Scott said in 1990, he encouraged Russell to run. "I hope in some small part he listened to me. We were working together in Southampton at a big catered affair and I had a long time to talk with him. I told him that with his George Washington University experience, and his experience in political science, he'd be perfect for the job. I think I've been proven right."

Russell took office as an assessor in November, 1990. There were three, brand-new board of assessors "with probably less than 14 and a half months of experience. It was quite a daunting task and undertaking,"Scott said.

One of the first time times he and Russell went out to do field inspectionss, "I tried to show him all the things, with my worldly experience of 11 months more than him," Scott said. "We go to the house to knock on the door to tell the person what we were doing. Scott Russell said, 'Bob,is that ours?' It was an assessor's vehicle further down the street. It had slipped out of gear; I was driving, so it was probably my fault. You've never seen two people run as fast!" Scott laughed. "I guess that's what they mean by running for office."

The night was laced with humor, which has long been a hallmark of Russell's tenure. Russell's time in office has also been marked by his fierce dedication to serving his constituents, listening to every voice raised in Town Hall and taking the time to make thoughtful decisions to enhance Southold's future, everyone present at the gathering agreed.

Southold Town Clerk Denis Noncarrow said he's known and worked with Russell for many years. "Scott's left this town such a better place, and has done such a good job. I've learned a lot from Scott. I think we've all learned a lot from Scott."

Wherever Russell's path takes him, Noncarrow said: "They're going to get someone who puts forward their community and puts their job before everything else. He's done that with Southold. He's never gone out and worried about himself for a minute, it's always been the town, for the many years i've worked with him. You don't hear him for one iota saying, 'It's about me,' or 'What am I going to get out of this?' It's an impressive thing — and it's a rare thing. "

Noncarrow also lauded Russell's intelligence.

"I consider him a good friend," Noncarrow. said. "God bless you, Scott."

Former Southold Town Comptroller John Cushman discussed his decades of working with Russell, noting that his experience as assessor paved the way for his new responsibilities when he was elected supervisor. "He became a quick study on the town's finances and learning the budget process. He talked the talk, he walked the walk — and he got it. It was his turn now and he took it seriously, and he got it done and made the most of it. During his tenure as supervisor, by my estimation, he has overseen over three quarters of billion in taxpayer dollars."

Cushman also pointed out that under Russell's leadership, in September, Southold Town received the highest possible investment grade of AAA from Moody's. "When Scott called you could tell he was doing cartwheels on the other side of the phone; he was really excited about that," Cushman said.

Cushman than elicited laughter as he read off a long, long list of Russell's many duties, tasks he said Russell won't miss, including meetings, budgets, speaking engagements, deer and tick management, purchase orders and so many more.

One thing he said Russell would assuredly miss, though, was the people with whom he's worked, during his many years in public office.

"You've done a fabulous job as supervisor," Cushman said. "I'm proud to have worked with you side by side for 27 years. It's been a pleasure. Congratulations."

Karen McLaughlin, former human resources director of Southold Town, began with levity. "You've been my boss for 18 years, that's like being born and graduating high school. That's a a long time."

But she soon turned reflective as she listed the many things that have won Russell's legacy a secure spot in the town's rich history.

"Being supervisor is more than a full-time job, it's 24/7," she said. "It takes someone with a strong work ethic, who's committed to developing policy that benefits all residents. Scott, you always had the courage to do what you felt was right by listening to all constituents, not just the ones who spoke the loudest."

She added: "There were times when your position was unpopular but you had the determinaton to hang tough. That's strong leadership. I've alway admired your quick mind and capacity for assimilating even the most complex subject matter. You consistently demonstrated an innate ability for dissecting comprehensive issues into meaningful components for greater understanding."

Russell, she said, listened and responded to constituents thoughtfully and respectfully. "You made government accessible to all. I also admired your deep care and concern for not only the greater community, but for our senior citizens."

Under Russell's helm, close to 1 million hot meals were provided to senior residents of Southold, McLaughlin said. "Your strong commitment was even more evident during the COVID-19 crisis when seniors were at greatest risk. Under your leadership many of our services were immediately expanded to serve vulnerable seniors 7 days a week."

The supervisor also worked to secure vaccines for seniors, more than 6,000, she said.

Aside from his professional achievements, Russell has a "sharp wit and a great laugh, despite his serious demeanor," she said. "Scott can be intense and if you pass him in the hall and he keeps on walking, either he's deep in thought or you didn't speak into the good ear." The crowd laughed.

McLaughlin added: "Scott is a good guy and he is the first person you can call if you need help with anything. Scott is really very humble and he would rather give praise than receive it."

McLaughlin also presented Russell with a number of gifts, some humorous.

"I want to thank you for your kindness and support," she said. Of his parents, McLaughlin said, "I think they'd be very proud of you tonight. Thank you for your many years of distinguished service. Your hard work and dedication have made our community an extraordinary place to live."

Krupski read a proclamation from the Suffolk County Legislature to Russell and commended him for his "utmost care, passion and intellect" while serving the town. "He's the longest-serving supervisor in Southold's history. That's a really big deal," Krupski said.

Krupski also commended Russell on leading efforts such as rezoning Plum Island to protect its future and his work on the town's conservation subdivision code to preserve acres of land threatened by development.

"You deserve a lot of the credit for the way this town is," Krupski told Russell. "Without your hard work, it would be a very different place. I may be a size 13, but I'm going to have a hard time filling your shoes."

A humble Russell also took the mic to thank the crowd. "I did not expect to walk into a crowd like this and see so many faces of so many people with whom it's been an honor to work over the years."

With his trademark humor, the supervisor mentioned McLaughlin's reference to his "bad ear," Russell joked: "I'm not deaf. I've been ignoring you," he joked.

In all seriousness, Russell said: "You don't really retire from something. You retire to something. I'm going to retire to a new chapter in my life. I'm not quite sure yet what my future is going to hold. There are converations I'm going to have with people over the next few weeks."

When asked about his next steps, Russell told Patch: "There are a lot of things to keep me busy."

Looking out at the sea of faces, all having come to thank him for a lifetime of truly meaningful service, Russell said: "I cannot begin to express the amount of gratitutde that I have for everyone that I've worked with over the years. There are so many people here, and I thank everyone."

Russell worked at a law firm in New York City before returning to the North Fork to embark upon building a legacy in Southold Town.

He added: "If you had told me when I graduated Mattituck High School that I would end up becoming an elected official in Southold Town in 1990, I just wouldn't have believed you," he said. "If you'd told me I would be serving the town for 33 years, I would have thought you were off your rocker. I never thought I would serve this long."

So many have helped along the way, Russell said, including his family — his parents and his brothers.

Russell thanked a long list of the many he's worked with in Town Hall for decades.

"Any success I had as supervisor was because I had great people around me. One thing I learned was to let them do their jobs and to stay out of their way as best I could."

Of Krupski, he said: "The people of Southold Town have just elected the best supervisor Southold is ever going to have."

Russell also thanked his children Lily and Carson, who have only known their father in the role of town supervisor for most of their lives. "It's not easy," he said. "I'm sure they paid a price. Half our lives is public and it's not easy for young people. But they've been wonderful every step of the way. You're great kids."

To his closest staff, Michelle Tomaszewski and Lauren Standish, Russell said: "You can't begin to understand how much I am going to miss you."

Although the job was difficult, the friendships he forged with the pair and the fun they had in the office made Russell want to forego vacations and to come back only days after surgery, he said. "You helped me get through the rough spots. You'll never know how much I count on you, not just in the office, but as my very, very good friends."

Addressing the crowd, Russell said, "Thank you for coming here and making this a special night. I never would have expected this."

After the event, Russell told Patch: "The retirement party was flattering and yet humbling. I was aware that Town Attorney Paul DeChance was organizing something but, I had no idea just how big an affair it was going to be. Seeing my co-workers, friends and colleagues there was overwhelming. In addition, members of my family and close, personal friends made it a night I'll never forget."

He added: "Some people I worked with were more than coworkers. They became close personal friends. Some retired yet still found the time to come to wish me well and I am deeply grateful. Former Comptroller John Cushman, former HRC Director Karen McLaughlin and former Town Attorney Martin Finnegan are all good friends who have done so much for me professionally and personally that I couldn't think of anyone I'd want to celebrate the event with more. Lloyd Reisenberg, who is my right hand man, Chief Marty Flatley and all of the department heads that came makes me realize how much I'm going to miss working in Town Hall."

And, Russell said: "Of course, being able to work with the two people most special to me, Lauren Standish and Michelle Tomaszewski, were the reason I loved my job. Lastly, I was able to celebrate the night with my daughter, Lily and my son Carson. That filled me with profound joy and immeasurable pride."

Russell, along with departing Town Councilwoman Sarah Nappa and retiring assessor Rich Caggiano were also honored with proclamations at Tuesday's Southold town board meeting.