Republican Sean Walter, 47, is seeking his third two-year term as town supervisor. He faces a challenge from Democrat Angela DeVito, 65, a local civic activist and former school board president.
Walter grew up in Coram, holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from Binghamton University and a law degree from St. John’s University. He served as a deputy town attorney in Riverhead and as the environmental manager for the 106th Rescue Wing of the New York Air National Guard in Westhampton.
Walter and his wife Cathleen have lived in Wading River since 1992. They have three sons.
Walter says he is running on his record which he says consists of straightening out the town’s fiscal mess, bringing its financial reporting and audits up to date, holding the line on the budget and taxes, working to subdivide the EPCAL property and getting legislation passed in Albany to allow for expedited permit review at the site, and moving forward with downtown revitalization. Walter says the town is finally on the right course due to the accomplishments of his administration.
DeVito was born in NYC and grew up in Rocky Point. She holds a degree in anthropology from Columbia University and a master of science in public health from the University of Utah Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health. Her professional background includes a long career in public health and occupational health and safety. She retired last year from the Building and Construction Trades Council of Nassau and Suffolk Counties. She has lived in Riverhead for 14 years. She has served as president of the Jamesport-South Jamesport Civic Association, was a member of the Riverhead Industrial Development Agency, a member of the town’s handicapped advisory committee; and a member of the town’s animal shelter advisory committee. She was also elected to two three-year terms on the Riverhead Board of Education, which she also served as president.
DeVito says the Walter administration has not delivered on its promises. She says the Democratic team will end “dysfunctional government” and usher in a new era where citizens are respected and welcome participants in town government. She advocates for more police presence throughout downtown, not just on Main Street and says the town is not getting its fair share of sales tax revenue from the county, which she would work to correct. DeVito says her decades of experience in public administration makes her well-equipped to lead the town through the difficult times ahead and devise solutions to long-festering problems.
The survival of local journalism depends on your support.
We are a small family-owned operation. You rely on us to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Just a few dollars can help us continue to bring this important service to our community.
Support RiverheadLOCAL today.