New candidate throws hat in the ring to claim Fred Thiele's seat

EAST END, NY — The race is on as a second candidate has stepped up to challenge Fred Thiele's New York State Assembly District 1 seat. Thiele announced last week that he would not seek re-election after nearly 30 years in the position.

Stephen Kiely, current Shelter Island city attorney, announced the news on social media this week: “I am extremely proud and humbled to announce that I have received the Suffolk County Republican nomination to run for District #1 of the State of New York, which includes The Crown Jewels of New York State: Southold, Southampton, Shelter Island, East Hampton and the easternmost part of Brookhaven.”

He added, “I am willing to relentlessly defend our shared vision for the East End on the floor of the New York State Capitol, including protecting and preserving national legislation against overreach. I seek to serve as a bulwark between our beloved farmland, our parks, beaches and small towns and those who support high-density development.”

He went on to say, “Because the East End is not immune to its rampant crime problem, I will push to re-evaluate and amend questionable criminal justice reforms and support the repeal of the state's ill-conceived sanctuary ordinance. A common-sense lawyer, trained in the drafting and interpretation of laws, with a healthy respect for constitutional limitations, and with a good knowledge of the issues of every municipality in the district, is just what is needed right now to deal with housing, crime, immigration, drugs, education and training and environmental crises'.

Speaking to Patch, Kiely said he believes he's “tailored” for the position. While running a recent campaign for a seat on the Southold Town Board last year, Kiely said he was “invigorated” by Gov. Kathy Hochul's proposal for a “high-density” housing plan that he said could “violate home rule.” .

Kiely cited Hochul's proposed NYC Housing Compact, which would include building 800,000 new homes, about 50 per community, especially near transit hubs. His concern is that the governor will seek vacant land, possibly in the East End, and cut funding to municipalities that don't embrace redevelopment. Kiely said he's also concerned about the use of eminent domain to procure that land.

Second, Kiely hopes to take a tough stance on crime. In addition to fighting for Hochul to overturn its sanctuary state designation, he hopes to curb marijuana smoking on public streets.

He also said New York does not allow judges to “consider the dangerousness of defendants” and said he would like to amend current criminal procedure law. As it stands, there are warrants for U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement officials to deport those in the country illegally, but local police are prohibited from sharing residency status, he said. “It's crazy and I'm going to push for it,” Kiely said.

He added that on the issue of redistricting, he would like to keep the current new map, which was created by a bipartisan commission and approved by a vote of 9-1.

“We need a healthy dialogue,” Kiely said. “We need voices from both sides to come together. This is not a fiefdom.'

Kiely, who lives in Mattituck, thought, “I can't think of anyone better suited for this position,” he said. He served in the city attorney's office in Riverhead, Southold, Southampton and Shelter Island, and did a lot of work through his private practice in East Hampton, he said.

His in-laws, he said, live on Shelter Island and he spent much of his youth in Sag Harbor, where his parents had a home. “I know this whole area inside and out.”

As the city attorney, Kiely said he is qualified to write local laws. “What is the number one job of a legislator?” asked. “Let's write laws and understand what they say so there are no unintended consequences.” He said he believes his opponent, Democrat and current Southampton City Councilman Tommy Schiavoni, lacks that experience.

In addition, Kiely said he would like to continue Thiele's work with the Community Preservation Fund and “keep it healthy for as long as possible.”

Kiely believes that “you need a bigot like me to make sure the East End is heard. We're the farthest Assembly district from Albany and we're constantly being ignored. I have to make sure we're heard loud and clear.”

Seeking to fill Thiele's seat, Sag Harbor native Schiavoni, a Democrat, announced last week that he will run for New York State Assembly District 1 in November.

Schiavoni said he has been a public servant his entire adult life starting as a teacher in 1988 and after retiring from the Center Moriches School District after 32 years of teaching social studies, history and government, he was elected to his first school. two terms on the Southampton board.

Prior to the city council, Schiavoni served on the Southampton Town ZBA, the North Haven Village Board and ZBA, and the Sag Harbor School Board.

He said he “grew up in the trades,” working for GF Schiavoni Plumbing and Heating, which was run first by his grandfather, then his father and now his brothers.

Born in the East End and now raising his children here, Schiavoni said he is “dedicated to the people and the balance of hard work and nature that makes Twin Forks special for those who live in and visit the Peconic.”

He added: “I will run for the New York State Assembly for the same reason I have sought in every office so far, to preserve what is best for our community and to make changes for the better where we need them. I understand how people can benefit from good government, and I will use my education and experience in Albany to improve the everyday lives of all East Enders.”

Thiele spoke about his decision last week.

“I have successfully run for public office 19 times and served the East End in the State Assembly longer than any other person in New York state history,” said Thiele, a Democrat. “I now look forward to other opportunities to serve the community that has been my family's home for nearly 200 hundred years.”

He added: “Government service has been my dream since my elementary school days in Sag Harbor, when I heard President John F. Kennedy's call to 'ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.' To be chosen by my neighbors as their representative was truly the greatest honor of my professional life.”

First, Thiele said he wanted to thank his family for the role they played in his public service career.

“To the inspiration I drew from past political discussions with my dad and my mom's determination that her children have a better life, to the sacrifices all my family members have made along the way, I could not have fulfilled the dream My wife, Nancy Lynn, my children, my grandchildren, and my sister continue to be my source of strength.”

Thiele also expressed gratitude to his many mentors, who he said ignited his passion and gave him the confidence to take the next step. Teachers like Coach Vishno and Steve Petras at Pierson High School and professors like Don Baker at Southampton College, he said, provided instruction and guidance along the way.

“I will always be indebted to my predecessor, the late John Behan, who gave me the opportunity to return home and begin my professional life. A true American hero, John's life was an example to all of what it means be a leader,” Thiel said.

Thiele also thanked those who fought alongside him to preserve the quality of life for his constituents.

“I had the opportunity to serve with former state senator Ken LaValle in Albany for 25 years. He is the definition of a statesman,” Thiele said. “I love the special bond we developed over the years that transcended government and politics.”

He also quoted Althea Gibson, who said, “No matter what you accomplish. Someone is helping you.”

Thiele said he has been blessed by great staff throughout his career.

“Thanks to everyone, but especially Denise McRedmond here at district and Lisa Lombardo in Albany who have been Team Thiele's MVPs for so many years. Thanks also to Joann Scalia with whom I worked with Senators LaValle and Palumbo. It often seemed like we had two offices, but only one staff.”

Thiele looked back on the victories and accomplishments that marked his long tenure in public office, “most notably the Community Preservation Fund. There have been many successes that have kept eastern Long Island special. It has been a privilege to have the opportunity to shape its future our community and working with others to achieve goals that are bigger than ourselves. That has been one of the rewards of public service.”

But at the heart of everything he's worked to achieve, it's the people whose lives he's touched who are his richest legacy, Thiele said.

“The biggest reward is the people and relationships I've made along the way. What I'll remember most are the people I've had the opportunity to work with or the opportunity to help as a public servant. I've been enriched by each of you. It's what defines the East End. There have been thousands of you over the years. However, I have to give a special mention to Kevin McDonald from the Nature Conservancy. We started our professional careers at the same time and have collaborated on many important community issues over the years .There was rarely a day in my life that didn't involve a conversation with Kevin.”

Looking ahead, Thiele said, “At the end of this year, I will close this chapter of my life. I look forward to new beginnings. There will be new challenges and new ways of serving. Endings and beginnings are bittersweet. I am guided by counsel by Dr. Seuss: “Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.”