News

Fleming Gets Dems Nod For County Seat

Bridget Fleming - Democratic nominee for Suffolk Legislature
May
21
2015

The Suffolk County Democratic Committee Wednesday night officially nominated Southampton Town Councilwoman Bridget Fleming to be the party’s candidate for the Suffolk County Legislature’s Second Legislative District, a seat now held by Legislator Jay Schneiderman.

Ms. Fleming, who will have been on the Town Board for five years when her current term ends, announced earlier this month that she would be seeking the nomination. She would have been eligible to serve one more four-year term on the Town Board.

“Smart fiscal policy, defense of our environmental resources, and strong ethical reform in government have been key to protecting our community, and on the county government level, I believe I can extend this important work and make a positive impact in...| read more ››

My Campaign for Suffolk County Legislature

Campaign Launch
May
21
2015

After five years of having the honor to represent Southampton as a member of the Town Council, this week I launched a new effort – my campaign for Suffolk County Legislature for the Second District. Last evening, I was pleased to accept the Suffolk County Democratic Committee's nomination for the position.

For the past five years, I have worked hard with you and colleagues in government to bring fiscal responsibility back to Southampton, to defend our environment and natural resources, and to raise the ethical bar in our government. We have accomplished many milestones during that time: restoring Southampton’s bond rating to “AAA” (among the highest in the state); pioneering efforts to improve and protect the quality of our...| read more ››

Bridget Fleming for County Legislature

Fleming for Suffolk Legislature
May
21
2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, May 21, 2015
Southampton, New York:

At the nominating convention of the Suffolk County Democratic Committee in Hauppauge last evening, Southampton Town Councilwoman Bridget Fleming of Noyac accepted the Committee’s nomination to run in the November general election for the Suffolk County Legislature’s Second Legislative District, a district of 58,151 registered voters, comprising the South Fork from Moriches to Montauk, and Shelter Island.

Ms. Fleming, a Democrat, has served as Town Councilwoman in Southampton since March 2010, and has taken leadership roles in adoption of ethical governance policies, clean water and strong fiscal leadership. During her tenure, Southampton’s bond rating has risen to among the highest in Suffolk County at AAA.

“I welcome the prospect of...| read more ››

Smithtown supervisor says embattled highway supe Glenn Jorgensen should resign

May
14
2015

Smithtown Supervisor Patrick Vecchio called Thursday for Highway Superintendent Glenn Jorgensen's resignation after admonishing Jorgensen for allegedly taking his personal secretary to a job site -- outside of secretarial duties listed in Suffolk County civil service law.

In the memo sent Wednesday, Vecchio attached a description of secretarial duties, such as typing confidential letters, maintaining confidential files and monitoring emails.

"It seems to me that you are either not comprehending why the position exists, you have a disregard for civil service law or you are mocking the Town Board and the public," Vecchio wrote.

Jorgensen said in an interview Thursday that he has sent his personal secretaries and clerical workers to job sites because it is important for them to...| read more ››

Bellone touts plan for drawing young professionals to Suffolk, LI

May
10
2015

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone on Sunday touted his Connect Long Island plan to attract young professionals to the region with more mass transit options and vibrant downtowns, saying in a radio interview he wants to lead "one of the best, hottest places in the country for young people to be."

"We have to reverse the brain drain," Bellone said. "We've got to get young people wanting to be here in Suffolk County, on Long Island, put stakes down here if we're going to have an innovation economy."

Bellone, a Democrat who is running for re-election in November but does not yet have an opponent, appeared on "The Cats Roundtable" on WNYM/970 AM. He said Suffolk County has eliminated the...| read more ››

Suffolk County Democrats Look to Bridget Fleming for County Legislature

Bridget Fleming
May
7
2015

Southampton Town Councilwoman Bridget Fleming has a big decision to make in the next two weeks: to run for another term on the town board and continue her work at a local level, or to throw her hat into the ring and run for county legislature.

Ms. Fleming said met with Rich Schaffer, chairman of the Suffolk County Democratic Committee, who offered her the Democratic nomination.

“The chairman and I talked about the campaign,” she said over the phone this week. “He offered considerable resources of the Suffolk County committee and I do feel if I were to run the race I’d have the wind in my sails,” she added.

“At the same time I have to say that I...| read more ››

Democrats Tap Fleming To Run For County Legislature

Councilwoman Bridget Fleming
May
5
2015

Suffolk County Democrats have tapped Southampton Town Councilwoman Bridget Fleming as their pick to replace County Legislator Jay Schneiderman, who is barred by term limits from seeking reelection this year.

Suffolk County Democratic Committee Chairman Rich Schaffer said he met with Ms. Fleming, a resident of Noyac, over the weekend to officially extend the party’s support. She would have the party’s nomination, barring a primary challenge in September.

Ms. Fleming said Tuesday morning that she was impressed by the proposed campaign strategy and honored by the opportunity. “If I run that race, if I get the nomination, I feel I would be running with the wind in my sails,” she said. “It’s an exciting process.”

Ms. Fleming said she plans...| read more ››

Suffolk Dems look to run S'hampton's Fleming for Leg. seat

May
3
2015

Suffolk Democrats appear ready to tap Southampton Town Board member Bridget Fleming for an open South Fork legislative seat of term limited Legis. Jay Schneiderman (I-Montauk).

Richard Schaffer, Suffolk Democratic chairman, met Saturday with Fleming in a bid to keep the second district seat in the majority Democratic caucus. Schaffer sought to enlist the five-year incumbent after trying to get veteran Assemb. Fred Thiele (I-Sag Harbor) to run.

Fleming, 55, of Noyak, is a former New York city assistant district attorney and was the top vote-getter among town board candidates in her last election in 2011. She lost in 2012 in a race against veteran GOP State Sen. Kenneth LaValle (R-Port Jefferson).

Republicans have endorsed Amos Goodman, 31, a financial...| read more ››

Smithtown Democrat calls for highway superintendent facing DA charges to step down

Apr
7
2015

Smithtown Democratic Committee chairman Ed Maher is calling for town highway superintendent Glenn Jorgensen's resignation, citing his arrest last week on four felony charges and a misdemeanor, and a December notice of claim alleging sexual harassment.

Maher said in a statement that the recent allegations offer an opportunity for officials to consider appointing a director of public works, rather than an elected highway superintendent. State law says that elected officials may remain in office until they resign or are convicted of a felony.

"The fact that Smithtown taxpayers are still paying his salary is an outrage!" Maher wrote. ". . . It has become increasingly clear to every resident of Smithtown that Highway Superintendent Glenn Jorgensen is incompetent and needs...| read more ››