Superintendent of Highways: Michael Zaleski
The office of superintendent of highways in Riverhead has a four-year term. In this election only, the highway superintendent will be elected to a three-year term, in compliance with the Even Year Election Law. The position carries a salary of $104,543, plus benefits.
The superintendent of highways is responsible for maintaining and repairing town-owned roads, and keeping them clear of ice and snow. He is also responsible for the town’s highway fund, which is raised through property taxes.
The incumbent highway superintendent, Michael Zaleski, is running for a second term unopposed.
Zaleski, a Republican, was employed in the highway department for 27 years before his election to the top spot in 2021.
Zaleski says he has a proven track record of efficient management and is committed to serving the town.
A Riverhead High School graduate, Zaleski lives in Riverhead.
Town Assessor Laverne Tennenberg,
Chairperson of the Board of Assessors
The office of town assessor in Riverhead has a four-year term. In this election, the assessor will be elected to a three-year term, in compliance with the Even Year Election Law. The position carries a salary, with a stipend for service as chairperson of the board of assessors, of $107, 154, plus benefits.
Riverhead Town has a three-member board of assessors. The assessors are required by state law to maintain real property assessments at a uniform percentage of market value each year. The assessors, who must be certified by New York State, estimate the value of real property within the town for purposes of determining their assessment, one component of the real property tax bills.
Incumbent Laverne Tennenberg, a Republican, is running unopposed for re-election.
Tennenberg was first elected to the board of assessors in 1989. She is the longest-serving elected town official in modern history. She has been a member of the Institute of Assessing Officers since 1996 and was awarded the designation of professional assessor. Tenneberg previously served as president and treasurer of the Suffolk County Assessors’ Association and since 1998 has been treasurer of the New York State Assessors’ Association.
As chairperson of the board of assessors, Tennenberg’s other duties include exemption administration, deed transfers, splits and assemblages of properties, oversight of the state’s assessment software system, preparation of assessment and tax rolls, and staff training.
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