New Republican Leadership Steps Up

The East Hampton Town Republican Committee is under new leadership.

Kurt Kappel was unanimously elected at a meeting on Jan. 11 at the Thomas Knobel, a former town councilman and trustee, was elected as vice president. He served as the Republican committee chair for over seven years. He works at the Suffolk County Board of Elections.

Outgoing chair Trace Duryea said she decided to retire after leading the committee through two winning town elections in 2009 and 2011. She will continue to serve as a member of the committee. "Timing was now so that everyone can gear up for the next go 'round," Duryea said in an email last week.

Knobel said, "Trace was very supportive," of the transition. "She was an excellent chair."

Emil Everett, the outgoing vice chair, also confirmed he had stepped down last week. "With three boys under the age of 2 ½, I want to spend the time with the family." He also plans to travel abroad for his work with .  "Unfortunately, I needed to cut back on my activities."

Kappel, an East Hampton native who lives in Springs, has been on the committee for 8 years. His wife is .

In a statement released Sunday night, Kappel said he sees the 2012 Presidential Election as an opportunity to mobilize East Hampton voters' interest in local politics. "Presidential elections make everyone look at politics. I want to engage that enthusiasm," he said.

Kappel said he looks forward to "energizing our important local base." He said, "I want to remind people how East Hampton Republicans have restored our Town’s finances, defended traditional rights like beach driving, and kept property taxes from rising."

However, he said, there is more work that needs to be done. "For instance, East Hampton still needs to provide an environment to create local year round jobs, and work on maintaining and preserving our beaches and fishing industries."