Politics & Government

Preview: Fleming, LaValle to Debate Monday

The debate kicks-off at 7 p.m., leaving the audience enough time to get home for the presidential debate.

At 7 p.m. Monday, New York State Sen. Kenneth P. LaValle and challenger Bridget Fleming, a Southampton Town councilwoman, will face off in their second debate hosted in the Hamptons.

The debate, which is being held at the East Hampton Emergency Services Building, is being sponsored by the League of Women Voters of the Hamptons. The two squared off in an hour-long debate last week in Hampton Bays.

Arlene Hinkemeyer, publicist with the LWVH, said on Monday that the debate should last 60 to 75 minutes, giving audience members plenty of time to get home for Monday night's presidential election, scheduled to start at 9 p.m.

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During the debate, questions will be taken from audience members as well as a panel of questioners, including members of the media and Judy Samuelson of the League. Past LWVH President Carol Mellor will serve as debate moderator. 

  • Related: See what other two debates are taking place east of the Shinnecock Canal before Election Day.

LaValle, of Port Jefferson, has been the state senator for the First Senate District for 35 years and works as an attorney. Fleming, of Noyac, is also an attorney, practicing matrimonial law, and she is a former prosecutor for the Manhattan district attorney's office.

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LaValle is a Republican with the endorsements of the Conservative and Independence parties. Fleming is a Democratic with the Working Families party endorsement.

Patch wants to know: Who are you thinking of voting for, LaValle or Fleming? Comment below.


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