Four people are seeking election to two seats on the Riverhead Board of Assessors, the town officials who determine real property values for the purpose of assessing property taxes.
Incumbent Mason Haas of Jamesport was first elected assessor in 2007. Before his election to the post, he owned a land title research business for 25 years. Haas, 64, is currently a commissioner of the Jamesport Fire District and a member of the Jamesport Fire Department. He is a member of the board of Heidi’s Helping Angels, a member of the East Creek Advisory Committee, past chief of the Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance Corps and past chairman of the Riverhead Republican Committee.
Incumbent Paul Leszczynski of Aquebogue, who was first elected to the board of assessors in a special election 1998, chose not to run for re-election this year.
Meredith Lipinsky of Wading River is also running on the Republican line for assessor. Lipinsky, 40, grew up in the Town of Riverhead and has worked for 18 years in the real estate land title industry in Suffolk.
Tara Taylor, 41, Riverhead, is running on the Democratic line for assessor. She is a bookkeeper and accountant. She has a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in business administration from St. Joseph’s College.
Democrat Jaraby Thomas, 41, of Wading River, works part-time as an administrator for Landmark Realty in Wading River. She is a library media specialist assistant in the Riverhead Central School District.
Town Clerk Diane Wilhelm, a Democrat, Receiver of Taxes Laurie Zaneski and Town Justice Lori Hulse, both Republicans, are running unopposed for re-election.
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