Election Day is Tuesday, and voters will choose between incumbent Democrat Fred Thiele and Peter Ganley, a Republican and Conservative Party candidate seeking the New York State Assembly District 1 seat.
Assembly District 1 covers the East End towns of East Hampton, Southampton, Shelter Island and Center Moriches, as well as some of eastern Brookhaven Town.
Ahead of the election, Patch asked candidates in contested races to answer questions about their campaigns. Here are their answers, slightly edited for clarity.
City or town of residence
Sag Harbor, New York
Party membership
Democratic
Education
Pierson High School, Southampton College of LIU-BA, Albany Law School, JD
Occupation
Lawyer, 42 years old
Family
Yes. NancyLynn Thiele-wife. Children- Michael, Jeffrey, Josephine
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
NancyLynn-Senior County Attorney, Suffolk County
Age
69
Previous public office, appointed or elected
Suffolk Legislator-1988 to 1991, Southampton Town Supervisor-1992 to 1995, New York State Assemblyman- 1995 to present
Why are you looking for this office?
My career has been dedicated to improving the quality of life on the East End of Long Island. For example, I wrote the Peconic Bay Community Preservation Fund, which has protected more than 10,000 acres of land throughout the East End. I want to continue this work especially in the areas of environment, water quality, public transportation, affordable housing and education.
What are the main differences between you and other candidates seeking this position?
I have experience and a track record that I am proud to run, including excellent service. My opponent has no record of public service or even community service. Instead, he has resorted to untrue personal attacks on my family. I have presented a detailed platform of proposals to address critical East End issues if re-elected. My opponent has not presented a specific idea. Instead, he has resorted to expressing the general political discussions of his party. I am pro-choice when it comes to women's reproductive health. My opponent is not.
What other issues do you plan to address during your campaign?
Increased school aid funding, restoration of bail discretion, promotion of our traditional agriculture and fishing industries, increased rail service for the South Fork Commuter Connection and North Fork, respect for the results of fairly conducted elections.
What past accomplishments would you cite as proof that you can handle this job?
My 27-year record in the State Assembly focused on improving life in the East End, including the Peconic Community Preservation Fund, the Peconic Estuary Partnership, the South Fork Commuter Connection, Saving the Southampton College Campus, the merger of Southampton Hospital and Easter Long Island Hospital with Stony Brook, and funding for East End infrastructure projects, to name a few.
What is the best advice someone has ever given you?
Trust your gut.
Is there anything else you'd like voters to know about you and your positions?
My character has been strengthened by being a long time New York Mets and New York Islanders fan.
