LaValle, Behan Endorse Carl Irace for Justice

Carl Irace, the Republican and Independence party candidate for East Hampton Town Justice, is bringing in endorsements from some notable politicians.

Sen. Ken LaValle, R-Port Jefferson, said in a statement, "I look forward to working with Carl lrace whose experience and energy will bring fairness and efficiency to East Hampton Justice Court." LaValle's office confirmed the endorsement on Wednesday.

Irace, a former assistant district attorney for the Bronx County district attorney's office from 2001 to 2010 worked most recently for the Town of East Hampton before going into private practice. He is running against Democratic candidate Steven Tekulsky, an attorney for 35 years who ran close race against East Hampton Town Justice Lisa R. Rana in 2007.

Justice Catherine A. Cahill, a Democrat and the senior town justice, is retiring.

Former Republican State Assemblyman John Behan, and his wife, Marilyn Behan, a lifelong Democrat who ran for East Hampton Town Board on the Independence Party ticket in 2011, are also throwing their weight behind Irace, a first-time candidate. "With the ever expanding population of the East End, the need for a fair and impartial candidate for our court system is our utmost concern," John Behan said in a statement provide by the Independence Party. "Marilyn and I look to Carl, to be that man."

Former East Hampton Town Supervisor Mary A. Fallon also endorsed him. "l am pleased to endorse Carl lrace for East Hampton Town Justice. Carl and his wife Alice live in Springs. He is an outstanding young man. I am certain that Carl will bring dignity and justice to East Hampton Justice Court," she said.

Perry B. Duryea lll, a former East Hampton Town Republican Chairman, said, "Carl's tireless campaigning and obvious interest in serving as EastHampton Town Justice tell me that he is the person for the job."

Tekulsky, who previously received endorsements from State Assemblyman Fred Thiele, I-Sag Harbor, and former Town Justices Roger Walker and James Ketcham, declined to comment.

In announcing the endorsements, East Hampton Independence Party chairwoman Elaine Jones said, "Carl has worked tirelessly representing the public in court for the last 13 years, and he has brought that same effort to our Town during his campaign for Town Justice. East Hampton voters have the opportunity to help Carl make our Court a better resource for our community."

Though Legis. Jay Schneiderman, I-Montauk, was asked for an endorsement, he said he is currently not endorsing any candidates for East Hampton Town positions this year, but he did have kind words for both Irace and Tekulsky.

"Carl Irace's experience as a trial lawyer, assistant DA and deputy town attorney provides him a good background for someone seeking to serve as town justice. Carl has shown his commitment to the community through providing free legal counsel to non-profits like LVIS and the Retreat," Schneiderman said.

He also said, "I am confident in Steven Tekulsky's ability to serve as a fair and balanced Town Justice. Steven has demonstrated his legal expertise in the courtroom for 35 years. Steven has also shown his dedication to the community through his years of volunteer service with the East Hampton Fire Department."