Schneiderman Focuses on Collaboration at Tuesday’s Swearing-In

Former Suffolk County Legislator and East Hampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman was sworn into office as the new Southampton Town Supervisor Tuesday afternoon, the only new East End town supervisor to take office this year.

In a brief noon ceremony before the town board’s annual organizational meeting, town officials elected in November gathered in the town hall meeting room to be sworn in. They were briefly serenaded by bagpipers as they entered the meeting room, as members of the Shinnecock Nation looked on.

Reverend Michael Smith of the Shinnecock Presbyterian Church gave the invocation and his granddaughter Elisia Smith-Ivey sang the National Anthem at Mr. Schneiderman’s request, after the supervisor heard her sing at a recent school concert.

 

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In his brief remarks, Mr. Schneiderman first pledged to work together with the Shinnecock Nation on environmental issues.

He then praised the town’s workers, making special note of the dedication of snow plow drivers and the people who mow the lawns at town parks.

“They’re really just amazing, remarkable men and women who run this town,” he said.

He also said he hopes to work with the town board on water quality, traffic issues, affordable housing and economic revitalization issues. He said he hoped to work with newly elected Councilman John Bouvier on improving water quality, with Councilman Stan Glinka on helping Southampton’s small businesses, and with Councilwoman Christine Scalera on the economic revitalization of Riverside.

“By working together, we can really make Southampton a greater place,” he said.

Suffolk County Executive Steven Bellone, who has worked closely with Mr. Schneiderman during his tenure at the County Legislature, where he last served as Deputy Presiding Officer, said “the people of Southampton made a wise choice” in electing Mr. Schneiderman.

“He’s one of the most dedicated public servants I’ve ever encountered,” he said.