The Chatham Party Announces Candidates for Elected offices In East Hampton

The Chatham Party today announced its slate for the 2013 municipal election, which includes more candidates than in any previous election. The independent third party that currently holds majority on the East Hampton Town Council endorsed 15 candidates for elected offices at its party caucus .

Leading the slate are five candidates for Town Council – Sue Weintraub, Kyle Dostaler, Derek Johnson, Glenn Suprono and Angela Sarahina. All four incumbent Town Council members are seeking reelection.

In addition to Town Council, Chatham Party members voted to endorse the following candidates:

• Board of Education: Joelyn Leon, Liz Whitty and Peter Levy
• Board of Finance: Scott Sanicki, Pat Gauthier and Paul Hoffman
• Zoning Board of Appeals: Lois McCutcheon and Carolyn Beamer
• Board of Assessment Appeals: Barbara Suprono and John Hines

The slate reflects the Chatham Party’s independent diversity and includes Unaffiliated, Democrat and Republican candidates. Unlike the major parties, the Chatham Party is open and welcomes East Hampton residents of any political party to be considered for endorsement. The only requirement is a commitment to the Chatham Party mission to put community first and consistently represent the best interests of East Hampton. Chatham Party members value independent thinking, hometown pride, and political civility.

This is the first election that the Chatham Party is running candidates for the Board of Assessment Appeals. Both Barbara Suprono and John Hines currently serve on the BAA. Suprono was elected in 2009 on the Republican slate and is seeking reelection with the Chatham Party. Hines was appointed by the Town Council in January 2012 as an alternate and is seeking election as a full member.

“None of the candidates put forward by the major parties have ever served on the BAA,” says Suprono. “I believe that experience is important. John Hines and myself are experienced members and we’re proud to be endorsed by the Chatham Party.”

“Having served and been seated as an alternate for the last two years, I stand ready to provide an unbiased review of assessment appeals for the citizens of East Hampton,” says Hines.

Typically, local third parties only last for one or two election cycles. The Chatham Party has succeeded thanks to the dedication of volunteers and the trust of East Hampton voters. Formed in 2005, the Chatham Party has firmly established itself as a legitimate minor party.

Under the Chatham Party leadership the town has hired a new Town Manager, a new Police Chief, a new Superintendent and a new Director of Public Works. Residents voted to approve the purchase of a new fire truck, pass the budget in just one referendum, and approve a $51 million high school renovation project. The town also has hired new legal and engineering firms to provide high quality services and better value for taxpayers. Additionally, many significant projects are moving forward including energy conservation and emergency safety projects as well as long-term planning for facilities and water.

Town Council Chairwoman Sue Weintraub, who is seeking her fourth consecutive term, says she is running to ensure the positive progress that has been made over the past two years continues. “The budget and high school referendums were tremendous votes of confidence from our community. We delivered on the promises made in 2011 and now are at a critical crossroads. A Chatham Party majority on Town Council, Board of Education and Board of Finance will ensure continued leadership and follow-through for public safety, town facilities, education, energy, water, our farming community and quality of life.”

“The strength of a community can be measured by the level of involvement of its citizens,” says Kyle Dostaler, Chairman of the Chatham Party. “The Chatham Party continues to exist because of the tremendous support and involvement of so many people in the community who have come forward to serve and make our town a better place. As a minor political party, we are proud to offer an avenue for independent and unaffiliated voters to participate in our local government.”

“The Chatham Party stands for honest, fair and transparent government for the benefit of all taxpayers,” said Glenn Suprono. “We have more work to do for the citizens of our community and I am proud to once again be a candidate for Town Council with the Chatham Party.”