Jerome Halpin

BACKGROUND

• Halpin, 53,  of Riverhead, who is not enrolled in a political party, is running for supervisor on the Democratic Party line. This is his first bid for public office. 
• He is the founder and lead minister of the North Shore Christian Church and has a bachelor’s degree in communication and religious studies from Excelsior College.
• Halpin has served on the East End Disability Associates board and as chaplain for the Flanders and East Quogue fire departments. He is also a current member of the town’s wildlife management advisory committee.

ISSUES

• Halpin said he would curb unnecessary spending and set town budgets that are within the state tax cap if elected. He has vowed to rescind recent pay raises given to the town council and supervisor.
• He said a top priority as supervisor would be ensuring the town’s infrastructure keeps pace with growth by working closely with the town police department, ambulance company, highway and other departments. He also wants to evaluate the use of Industrial Development Agency tax breaks.
• Halpin wants to foster more unity between residents, elected officials and business owners in town. He said he would work across the aisle to engage with and listen to residents and strike a better balance between successful development and quality of life.