It’s official: Incumbent Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell has decided to throw his hat into the ring for another term and seek nomination by the town’s GOP.
Russell, who, after first being elected to a two year term in 2005, has served two four years terms and announced his decision today.
“The decision to seek re-election has not been an easy one. I have thought long and hard to assess if I could continue to serve as supervisor with the vigor and sense of purpose that I brought to the position every day since January 01, 2006,” Russell said in a statement.
“I am confident that I can and will bring purpose, vision and vitality and, therefore, I am seeking the nomination to continue to serve as Southold Town supervisor. I will ask the people of Southold to continue to put their faith in me and to continue to offer me guidance as I strive to do the best that I can on behalf of this town. I have worked hard to earn the faith and trust that the voters have given me in the past and I would like the opportunity to continue.”
Russell said he believes the position of supervisor is “one of the highest honors the people of Southold can bestow upon an individual. In three previous elections they have entrusted me to steer Southold’s future, from land use to public safety, from preservation to fiscal management, I have tried to live up to that trust.”
Reflecting on his years in office, Russell said, “To be sure, there have been successes and there have been setbacks. We continue to try to build on those successes and continue to try to learn from those setbacks. I am fortunate to work with employees who put their best foot forward each and every day and work tirelessly to serve the people of this town.”
As for the coming election season, Russell added, “I look forward to a campaign with substantive discussion that focuses on the issues and the challenges that we face as a community. Keeping Southold unique and vital is worthy of the commitment and challenge.”
Russell has an opponent in the race, also seeking a nomination: Last month, Damon Peter Rallis, a North Fork native who lives in Mattituck with his wife Joanna, announced that he was “actively seeking the Democratic nomination as a candidate for Southold Town Supervisor in 2015.”
Rallis commented on Russell’s announcement today: “I wish Mr. Russell the best of luck and I look forward to a healthy and productive campaign season.”
Southold Town GOP chair Peter McGreevy added, “I’m pleased to hear that Scott has decided to seek re-nomination and re-election and am confident that the Southold GOP will continue to support him as he works to ensure the sound fiscal future of this town, and its valuable quality of life.”
