UPDATED: Republican Al White has filed another lawsuit to remove a second candidate challenging Manuel Esteban for the 16th District seat in the Suffolk County Legislature.
Rebecca Sanin, the Democrat who was named to replace Sidney Joyner last week after a court ruled him ineligible because he doesn’t live in the district, was the latest target.
White’s lawsuit says that the petitions that got Joyner onto the ballot were not valid, and no one else can be substituted in his place. The election is Nov. 7.
“I have a long record and commitment to working across the aisle with civility on work that betters people’s lives,” Sanin said. “This lawsuit is the opposite: it’s a meritless effort to deny voters in legislative district 16 the chance to choose who represents them at a time when people need and deserve caring, innovative elected officials. At a time when Manny Esteban denied our communities the opportunity to vote to protect clean drinking water, I shouldn’t be surprised, but I am disappointed for the voters who deserve better.”
But Steven Losquadro, the attorney representing White and the Suffolk County Republican Party, said, “The only thing anyone should be afraid of here is that the law will not be followed. The Petitioner has demonstrated that in situations like this, where a candidate never could have been found qualified to run for office, the underlying petition is invalid and no substitution is allowed. We merely ask that the law be applied fairly and consistently.”
And Esteban said, ” I am aware of legal proceedings regarding the ability of a candidate to run against me, and leave to the New York State Supreme Court all decisions regarding such matters. My focus remains entirely on serving the residents of the 16th Legislative District to the best of my ability, and continuing the historic accomplishments attained on their behalf.
“My legislative record speaks for itself. I have supported public safety, tax cuts and celebrated diversity in this County. I’m confident that the voters will recognize those accomplishments and show their approval at the polls in November.”
Sanin is president and CEO of the Health and Welfare Council of Long Island in Huntington Station. White is the retired facilities director for the Huntington school district.
The reference to drinking water involved the vote by all 10 Republican legislators to block a referendum on clean water from the ballot in November.