Politics & Government

GUIDE: Dem Town Council Candidates Vie for Spots on Party Line

A political newcomer forced a primary for the town council seat. Here's what you need to know about the candidates.

Democratic voters will go to the polls on Tuesday to choose two of three candidates to be nominated on the Democratic party line for town council. Riverhead Patch recently spoke with the candidates about their background, their plans for Riverhead and what they can offer the town.

Ruth Pollack

Ruth Pollack, who petitioned to run on the Democratic ballot and forced the primary election for town council, said that teamwork would be a hallmark of her term as town council.

Find out what's happening in Riverheadwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"I believe that one vote can always make a difference," she said. "Still, it's working together with the supervisor and my fellow councilpeople that I look forward to doing."

Pollack, a Riverhead and Wading River native, is an artist and attorney, though her law license is now suspended after a federal judge found her in criminal contempt of court. Pollack said the suspension is political retaliation after she testified before the State Senate Judiciary Committee about judicial abuse of power. She said she is fighting to regain her license and blames corruption in the courts for delays in her case.

Find out what's happening in Riverheadwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Pollack is also the running mate of Greg Fischer, and with him and Marlando Williams, . This means that should Pollack lose the election, she will still be able to run in the general election on the Riverhead First party line.

Pollack said she would advocate for "open government" in Riverhead as a town councilwoman.

"I really strongly believe that people need to know and have quick access to what is happening in the government," Pollack said. "Anytime something is put before the board that will upset the area, we should be able to go online… and give people an opportunity to have access to what's happening."

Pollack also proposes an elected or volunteer representative from different facets of the community to discuss issues and solutions with the Town Board and "open communication lines up" between the board and the community.

"If anybody disagrees with us, I'd like to hear more from the public about what they should be done," she said. "There's a lot of innovation out there and I'd be open to hearing about that. I don't want to force people into something they don't want."

Matthew Van Glad

Matthew Van Glad, a Democratic committee choice for the Democratic ticket, said he thought the stakes for this year's election were high.

"The future of this town depends on this year's election," he said.

Van Glad, a fuel truck driver, argued that while the town's growth should be encouraged, the town must also take care to preserve areas like Wading River.

"We need to improve what we have and more importantly, save what we have left," he said.

Van Glad also said he would advocate for teamwork within the board and create more conversations between the public and those who serve in public office.

"The people of Riverhead are our greatest asset," he said. "We need to be in communication." 

Marlando Williams

As a retired state trooper, Marlando Williams said he knows critical services that serve the town (such as the police and highway departments) are being taxed by the area's population growth. Under his watch, Williams said, they would thrive.

"[I will] support the agencies that are being burdened by being in the largest growing town on Long Island," he said, and added that he would make sure they were allocated the proper resources.

Williams said one of the major things he opposes is further high tax increases.

"I will not vote for a tax increase that balances the budget on the backs of middle class families," he said.

Williams also promised to be a committed servant to Riverhead residents.

"I'm going to be a full-time councilman," he said. "My residents will be able to call my office and actually get me and get a return phone call."

Williams, who retired in 2004 due to health complications from his rescue work during 9/11, previously ran an unsuccessful bid for Riverhead Board of Education in 2009. Like Pollack, Williams will be eligible to run in the general election regardless of his finish in tonight's election, as he is still technically a member of Greg Fischer's Riverhead First party after accepting their nomination.

 

Who is your pick for the Democratic primary? .

Riverhead Patch also spoke with the Democratic candidates for town supervisor about their positions on the issues affecting Riverhead.

Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m at regular polling places across Riverhead. To find your polling station, check the New York State's Board of Elections' search tool.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here