East Hampton Town Supervisor Peter Van Scoyoc, who is seeking a third term in Tuesday's election, has won the endorsement of Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and County Legislator Bridget Fleming, as well as a pledge of support from Gov. Kathy Hochul and a complimentary statement from Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele Jr., who also spoke highly of Mr. Van Scoyoc's challenger, Councilman Jeff Bragman.
"I have worked with Peter Van Scoyoc since he was first elected supervisor and I am so happy that he is seeking re-election," Mr. Bellone said in a statement issued by the East Hampton Democratic Committee. "Peter has been an outstanding supervisor, and I was proud to partner with him to help prevent the spread of Covid-19. Thanks to his leadership, infection rates in East Hampton consistently remained among the lowest in the county and on Long Island. We have also worked together on critical issues like affordable housing and coastal resiliency in which he has demonstrated great vision and intelligence."
Ms. Fleming, who herself is seeking re-election and is a candidate for the Democratic Party's nomination to represent New York's First Congressional District, endorsed Mr. Van Scoyoc in a separate statement issued by the Democratic Committee. "I have known Peter for his whole career on the town board and have worked alongside him as county legislator for the East End to address our most pressing issues," she said. "His leadership in management of the pandemic, responding to the climate crisis with responsible solutions to coastal resiliency, renewable energy, and water quality, and addressing our affordable housing needs are hallmarks of his current term."
A third statement issued by the Democratic Committee said that the governor had "pledged her support to Supervisor Van Scoyoc and his team to continue their efforts in fighting the impacts of climate change, particularly coastal erosion, and the town's efforts to preserve open space while at the same time providing affordable housing."
"Peter has provided critical leadership on the important issues confronting the South Fork," Mr. Thiele said. "He was a valued partner in establishing the groundbreaking South Fork Commuter Connection as a speedy alternative to crushing commuter traffic. He is to be commended for his local pandemic response, including getting the vaccine to those who needed it most."
Of Mr. Bragman, Mr. Thiele said that he is "not only one of the most knowledgeable people in local government today, but he puts that knowledge to good use for the people of East Hampton. Town government is more open, transparent, and responsive because Jeff Bragman is there. He possesses one of the most important traits in an elected official: He listens."
