- Brooke Lupinacci
- Don McKay
- Jen Hebert
- Theresa Mari
With Councilwoman Joan Cergol deciding not to run for another term, the Huntington Town Board will have one, and most likely two, new faces next year.
Gene Cook’s term expires this year, but he has not been endorsed by either the Republicans or Democrats. He has been both an independent and a Republican during his terms on the board, and previously ran for town supervisor as a Republican against Ed Smyth, who prevailed. Cook could not be reached for comment about his plans.
Republicans have put up two women who are new to elective office for the Town Board.
Theresa Mari is the founder of Theresa A. Mari, P.C., a Hauppauge law firm concentrating in family law, real estate law, and matrimonial law. She is a two-time recipient of the Suffolk County Bar Association President’s Award and currently serves on the Suffolk County Women’s Advisory Committee.
Brooke Lupinacci previously served as assistant district attorney in Suffolk County in the economic crimes bureau. In 2015, she became an assistant town attorney, and was recently appointed director of labor relations. She is not related to former Town Supervisor Chad Lupinacci.
Democrats chose Jen Hebert and Don McKay for Town Board. Hebert, who ran unsuccessfully last year, previously served nine years on the Huntington school board, including terms as vice president and president. She works as an educator at Kerber’s Farm.
McKay was appointed town parks supervisor in 1995 and now is deputy commissioner of parks for Suffolk County. McKay, who was appointed to the parks job in 1995, formerly worked as a reporter and later as an aide to Steve Israel when he served on the Town Board and as town spokesman.
This year’s primary is scheduled for June 27, with the general election on Nov. 7. Early voting will run from Oct. 28 to Nov. 5.
In November, voters will choose two Town Board members, five Suffolk County Legislators, town clerk, and town tax receiver. Voters will also choose between Democrat Dave Calone and Republican Ed Romaine to succeed County Executive Steve Bellone.
Next Up: The Suffolk County Legislative candidates to represent Huntington.