Southampton Town Councilman Tommy John Schiavoni, who is seeking to succeed longtime 1st District New York State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele Jr., has announced that he has been endorsed by the three Democratic town supervisors on the East End.
Besides that of Southampton Town Supervisor Maria Moore, Schiavoni has received the endorsements of East Hampton Town Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez and Southold Town Supervisor Al Krupski in his bid to replace Thiele, who is retiring at the end of this term.
In their endorsements, the supervisors underscored Schiavoni’s experience in Southampton Town government and his understanding of the issues affecting East End residents, especially the preservation of open spaces, the availability of affordable housing and the protection of the environment.
“Tommy John Schiavoni is the dedicated and knowledgeable leader the East End needs in Albany,” Moore said in a release. “His passion for history and government, combined with his deep understanding of the issues affecting our communities, make him the ideal advocate for New York’s 1st Assembly District.”
“I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Councilman Tommy John Schiavoni on the many issues that unite our East End communities, said Burke-Gonzalez. “Tommy John is tireless, dedicated, and deeply knowledgeable about the challenges we face. His passion for public service and his proven experience make him the strong, effective voice we need in the State Assembly.”
“Tommy John’s roots are here on the East End. He knows the issues that impact families from Orient to Eastport,” added Southold Town Supervisor Al Krupski. “As a Southampton Town councilman, he understands the importance of preserving farmland, open space and what’s best about our communities.”
In that same release, Schiavoni said he was honored to be endorsed by his fellow Democrats. “These proven leaders of the East End work hard every day to improve the quality of life in our communities on the North and South Forks, and I look forward to continuing to work with each of them in Albany,” he said.
Besides the Democratic line, Schiavoni has been endorsed by the Working Families Party and the Common Sense Suffolk Party.
Schiavoni will face off against Republican Shelter Island Town Attorney Stephen Kiely, who also has been endorsed by the Conservative Party and the Stop Overdevelopment Coalition.