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June 26 -- Westhampton Beach Mayor-elect Maria Moore, center, smiles after learning that she had defeated Conrad Teller in the election. She is joined by her daughters, Elizabeth and Jackie.
June 26 -- Ousted Westhampton Beach Mayor Conrad Teller, left, congratulates Village Trustee Ralph Urban on his win.
In a text message, Westhampton Beach Mayor-Elect Maria Moore thanked those who voted for her on Friday and stated that she is looking forward to beginning her tenure at Village hall.
“I’m honored that the voters of Westhampton Beach chose me to represent their interests, and I cannot wait to get started making our collective vision a reality,” she wrote.
Voters in Quogue, meanwhile, overwhelmingly approved a proposition that will allow volunteer firefighters in the village to continue adding to their special retirement fund, known as a Length of Service Award Program, even after they turn 65. That measure passed 90-7, according to officials.
Also, Mayor Peter Sartorius, who was unchallenged, received 84 votes to earn another term in office. Village Trustees Kimberley Payne (92 votes) and Jeanette Obser (84 votes) also were unchallenged and won reelection.
Westhampton Beach Mayor Conrad Teller took Friday’s election loss in stride, though he did note that he has no immediate plans to attend future board meetings in the village.
“The people voted and the numbers are in,” he said shortly after the ballots were counted, “so I can go home now.”
Asked what he plans to do in the future, the 84-year-old former police chief stated: “I’ll do what I normally do—putter around and take the garbage out. I’ve got a couple of places upstate to take care of, so I’ll still be busy.
“I haven’t seen a mayor in this village come back for a board meeting after being voted out,” he continued. “Progress in the village moves on.”
Ms. Moore did not immediately return calls seeking comment following Friday’s election victory.
Political newcomer Maria Moore ousted longtime Westhampton Beach Mayor Conrad Teller on Friday, denying the incumbent of a fifth two-year term by nearly 100 votes.
Ms. Moore, an attorney with a practice in Westhampton Beach, received 284 votes while Mr. Teller finished with 187 votes, according to village officials.
Westhampton Beach Village Trustees Charles Palmer and Ralph Urban did not have to fend off challengers this year and, as expected, both were reelected to second terms. Mr. Palmer received 301 votes and Mr. Urban finished with 265 votes.
Voters in Westhampton Beach and Quogue will cast their votes for their respective villages starting at noon on Friday.
Polls are open in both villages until 9 p.m., with voting in Westhampton Beach taking place in Village Hall on Mill Road and voting in Quogue taking place at the Village Firehouse on Jessup Avenue.
There is only one contested race between the two villages, with political newcomer Maria Moore challenging Westhampton Beach Mayor Conrad Teller, who is seeking his fifth two-year term in office.
Westhampton Beach Village Trustees Charles Palmer and Ralph Urban are both running unopposed for their second terms. Likewise, Quogue Mayor Peter Sartorius along with trustees Jeannette Obser and Kimberley Payne are unopposed in their reelection bids.
Quogue voters also will decide on a proposition that, if passed, would allow volunteer firefighters in the village to continue adding to the department's special retirement fund after turning 65.
The proposition will enable volunteers who respond to a sufficient amount of calls for service to continue adding to the village's Length of Service Award Plan after reaching retirement age, which they currently are unable to do. Volunteers are able to access the fund once they turn 65 or under special circumstances, such as becoming disabled.
Kyle Campbell on Jun 20, 2014