Politics & Government
Pontieri Seen As Possible Lesko Replacement
Suffolk County's top Democrat names Patchogue mayor as one of several potential candidates to run for Brookhaven Town Supervisor in November.
Paul Pontieri for Brookhaven Town Supervisor?
While Patchogue’s mayor is currently downplaying any interest in running for the position, Richard Schaffer, chairman of the Suffolk County Democratic Party, mentioned Pontieri as a possible candidate to run on the party’s line for the position that will be vacated by current supervisor Mark Lesko.
“I haven’t heard from Rich Schaffer (and) at this point there is no interest but if there is a conversation to be had we’ll talk,” Pontieri told Patch Wednesday afternoon.
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In March, the mayor and his slate of trustee candidates easily won in a bruising campaign that captured the attention of many in Patchogue Village.
Lesko, a Democrat who was re-elected this past November, on Wednesday announced his effective Sept. 14.
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"Mark Lesko is a bigger loss to the town and will be really difficult to replace,” said Pontieri. “He’s one of the few political figures that is not political. It’s a tremendous loss."
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