Politics & Government

Fred Overton Hopes for Good Working Relationship with Democratic Town Board

Overton said he'll focus on quality of life issues in Springs when he takes office in January.

The morning after being elected to the East Hampton Town Board, Fred Overton says he's ready to go to work and isn't too worried that he'll be the lone Republican voice on the town board.

"There's a lot to be done. I'm anxious to develop, hopefully, a good relationship with the Democratic majority and get busy on the issues that are critical to the town," Overton said from Town Hall, where he is finishing his term as town clerk. Carole Brennan, who was cross endorsed and ran unopposed, will take his seat come 2014.

Kathee Burke-Gonzalez, a Democrat, was elected Tuesday night. She will join Supervisor Elect Larry Cantwell, also a Democrat, and sitting town councilpersons Sylvia Overby and Peter Van Scoyoc, both of whom are also Democrats. Councilman Dominick Stanzione, a Republican, did not win re-election.

Both Overton and Burke-Gonzalez are Springs residents, but they don't know each other well. "I think the taxes and the quality of life issues were most on the minds of the residents of Springs. People are upset that they are not getting the attention they think they deserve — and they do," he said. "I'm sure the both of us are going to keep it on the front burner. I have a good feeling with Larry being local he's going to be paying attention, too."

Asked how he will foster a good working relationship with the Democratic supermajority, Overton said, "I'll be who I am." He said his nature is to keep a level head, remain calm and to be reasonable, and he said he's demonstrated that as a former town assessor and the current town clerk. "What's the saying? You get more flies with honey than you do with vinegar."

"It's evident these last two years, when you start shouting with each other nothing gets done," he said.

Overton said he wished to thank all of the voters. "The support I've had from the community for the last 25 years is at times overwhelming," he said.


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