East Hampton Democrats have made their big ticket candidates known, but still there were a few surprises when it came to the nominations for town trustees.
"These nine multitalented men and women are the most unusual and, I think, talented group we have put up for town trustee in a long time," Betty Mazur, the chairwoman of the screening committee told the audience at the Democratic on Monday at .
Nominated were Amagansett Citizens Advisory Committee chairwoman Rona Klopman; Sima Freierman; Debbie Klughers; Samuel E. Kramer, an attorney based in East Hampton and New York City; Raymond H. Hartjen of the East End Classic Boat Society; Nanci E. LaGarenne; Loretta Sears and Steve Lester, a fisherman and , who had already confirmed he would be seeking office.
Lester is also a former town trustee.
"They are more than well qualified to turn, galvanize our town trustees into a visible and proactive governing body that functions so that all the people know who they are and what their job really is," Mazur said.
Klopman, who is a fixture at town board meetings, said she decided to run for trustee office after learning more about the . "I'm lucky, I live on the beach," she said. "The beach is for everybody," adding that she was appalled that the .
The screening committee known . As expected, Zach Cohen of Springs, an investor and manager of commercial and residential real estate holdings, received the nomination for supervisor. The committee has put up Sylvia Overby of Amagansett and Peter Van Scoyoc, who lives in Northwest Woods, for town council.
Cohen said he had many reasons to run for supervisor. "Certainly the style and substance of the current administration needs a person of a reason to see the need for change," he said. "Sylvia, Peter, and I know that our considerable skills will build a better East Hampton for all residents, for all employees, for all taxpayers."
Rumors that Stephen Grossman would make yet another bid for proved to be true. Grossman, who lives in East Hampton and practices law in Sag Harbor, will take on Justice Lisa R. Rana. She has received the Republican nomination.
The committee is also putting weight behind two incumbents.
"Our own enemy of leaves, snow, and other emergencies, our esteemed incumbent Scott King" will run again for .
King's most recent term has been difficult as he faced allegations that he couldn't control his temper. According to reports, at least two employees working under him complained to the union, while one filed a police report claiming King slapped him in the head. No charges were ever filed.
King pointed to the success in the department. "I have worked hard to increase efficiency in the department, cut costs and provide the best service possible for our residents and taxpayers in East Hampton, keeping the roads, paved, safe and clear."
He acknowledged workers challenged his management techniques. "After an investigation by the town attorney's office, I met with the supervisor who recommended that I take certain management and sensitivity course to improve my management skills, which I have done."
He apologized to the workers, and added, "I want our department to succeed for the people of East Hampton so badly that I sometimes lose sight of the lines that must be drawn between management and workers."
Jeanne Nielsen will also look to keep her long-time position.
