In a decisive moment for New York's 1st Assembly district, a longstanding political figure, Fred Thiele, announces his retirement after 45 years of dedicated service, leaving an open seat in the state Assembly. The district encompasses Shelter Bay, East Hampton, Southold, and portions of Southampton and Brookhaven, including The Hamptons and Montauk.
In a press release, Mr. Thiele declared, "After 37 years as an elected official and nearly 30 years in the state Assembly, I am not seeking reelection." Notably, at the time of this article, Thiele has not endorsed any candidate, leaving the field open for the constituents to shape the future of their representation.
Republican candidate Stephen Kiely emerges as a compelling contender in the race. He is backed by a family legacy of military service and a profound connection to the community. Kiely's political journey is deeply rooted in his family's history, stretching back to World War Two, with relatives who served in the military and law enforcement.
A critical moment in Kiely's political awakening occurred at age 16 when he conversed with influential figures like then-Suffolk County District Attorney James Patterson and NYS Senator Kenneth P. LaValle.
Rejecting lucrative opportunities in Manhattan, Kiely chose a career in public service, starting at the Brookhaven Town attorney's office, where he accumulated over 20 years of government experience.
Kiely's comprehensive connection to the entire assembly district, having lived in various towns, gives him an intimate understanding of each community's unique challenges. His opposition to Governor Hochul's proposed housing mandate, a contentious issue threatening his rural town, highlights his commitment to preserving the district's character.
Kiely advocates revisiting bail reform and emphasizes the need for judicial discretion. Addressing environmental concerns, he supports the Community Preservation Fund and pledges to protect open spaces, farmland, and aquifers.
On the Democratic side, Tommy John Schiavoni, a retired teacher and member of the Southampton Town Board, presents what he called a pragmatic approach honed by his 32-year teaching career. His family's three generations of operating a local business in Sag Harbor shaped his desire to find solutions to community issues.
Schiavoni's educational background, including a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education in Social Studies from SUNY Cortland and a Master's Degree from SUNY Stony Brook, paved the way for his career as a High School Social Studies Teacher. Active in local government since 2008, Schiavoni served on various boards and councils, focusing on practical solutions to community problems, environmental preservation, and support for the arts and education.
However, Schiavoni's candidacy is not without complexities. His absence during the first six months of his initial term on the town council raised questions about commitment and duty. A civil rights employment discrimination lawsuit against Schiavoni's 2020 senate campaign adds layers to his bid for the Assembly seat.
The lawsuit, filed by Emily Dwyer, is currently pending before Judge George Nolan in Suffolk County Courts, Supreme Court. As voters grapple with questions about the nature of the allegations and their potential impact on Schiavoni's ability to represent the district, the race takes an intriguing turn.
As the race unfolds, District 1 stands at a crossroads. The retirement of a seasoned representative and the complexities surrounding the contenders mark a pivotal moment for the district. The open seat becomes a canvas for constituents to paint the future of their representation.