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Former Councilman Chris Talbot seeks to unseat supe, provide ‘good, fair and stable leadership’

May 12, 2015, 12:58 pm

It’s only May, but already, election season is heating up in Southold Town.

Former Southold Town Councilman Chris Talbot screened recently for the supervisor’s seat before the Southold Town Republican Committee — posing a direct challenge to incumbent Supervisor Scott Russell, who also announced a run for re-election in March.

“I have had it in my heart for awhile and after speaking with many residents who approached me about running, I choose to move forward in order to provide good, fair and stable leadership in the supervisor position,” Talbot told SoutholdLOCAL.

Southold GOP chair Peter McGreevy confirmed that Talbot had screened. The GOP’s nominating convention will take place on May 21.

Whatever candidate is not chosen for the GOP nomination could also wage a primary race.

Russell said Talbot, his former fellow board member, had indicated for several weeks that he had intended to throw his hat into the proverbial ring. “It is my hope that the committee will continue to support us on the path of sound budgeting, reduced spending, low tax rates and responsive government. All while
maintaining an ambitious preservation program.”

Meanwhile Damon Rallis, who announced his intention to secure a nomination by the Southold Town Democratic Committee in February, said he had no comment on Talbot’s decision to run. The Democratic Committee will hold their nominating convention on May 26.

Russell, who, after first being elected to a two year term in 2005, has served two four year terms.

“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 an earlier statement.

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.”

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 in March: “I wish Mr. Russell the best of luck and I look forward to a healthy and productive campaign season.”

After Russell announced his run, McGreevy said, “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.”

Talbot won a race for Southold Town Board in 2009, has served as a past commissioner for the Mattituck Park District, and is a member of the Cutchogue Fire Department.