Gabrielsen, Wooten Win Re-Election to Town Council

Incumbent Councilmen George Gabrielsen and James Wooten won re-election to the Town Council on Tuesday.

Gabrielsen and Wooten scored 4,996 and 4,702 votes respectively while challengers Marlando Williams, Matthew Van Glad, and Ruth Pollack tallied 2,249, 2,129, and 206 votes, according to the Suffolk County Board of Elections.

The candidates held a broom, signifying their "sweep" of the Democratic candidates as they declared victory. 

"I really am humbled," Wooten said in a victory speech. "The chance to serve and dedicate another four years to the town is an honor for me.

Gabrielsen called the results a "clear mandate from the people."

"There's no question in my mind that this election was about the very soul of Riverhead," he said. "To put it very simply, the good guys won."

Gabrielsen said the Town Council will now look to increase revenue in addition to improving development of the town.

"We can't cut anymore," he said. "Now we're going to start looking at getting the revenue."

The Republican party was looking to keep complete control of the Town Board this year after winning all five seats in the 2009 general election.