Richard W. Martel

BACKGROUND

• Martel, 66, of Hampton Bay, is a registered Republican and is running on the Republican and Conservative party lines in the general election. He is seeking reelection.
• He was first elected to the town council in 2020, serving until the beginning of 2024. He then lost the election, but was reelected during a special election in March 2025. He has been the owner of Skidmore Sports in Hampton Bay for about 40 years.
• Martel earned his associate degree from Suffolk County Community College in 1980.

ISSUES

• Martel said one of his biggest concerns is affordability on the East End. He said he works closely with the director of the community housing fund to try to get affordable units on the East End "for our young people," and has supported hiring more police to ensure that the "quality of life stays intact."
• He said he wants to see the revitalization of Hampton Bays, Flanders, Riverside and Northampton finished.
• He said he is still working with the town youth bureau, and said that it was important to make sure young people have the services they need.