
Meet The Candidate

Jerry Halpin, Town Supervisor
Since taking office in January, my office and I have worked tirelessly for Riverhead residents, promoting accountability and moving Riverhead forward. I was able to cut $40,000 from the salaries in the Supervisor’s Office, pay off $7 million in CPF debt (saving taxpayers $600,000 in interest), and offer a retirement incentive to our PBA, SOA, and CSEA workers, which is expected to reduce 2027 taxes by approximately 1%, with additional savings for years to come. These items were not part of the 2026 budget, and we completed them without going over budget.
I was also able to close the $450,000 shortfall in the 2026 budget left to me by the previous supervisor, while identifying funds to begin introducing electronic permitting in our Building Department. We uncovered employee fraud and dealt with it responsibly.
Under my direction, we also completed long-delayed projects, including repairing bulkheads and beach stairs, with many more exciting projects to be announced without impacting the budget. None of which were included in the 2026 budget. But by combining the insight of employees and directors with my years of leadership and integrity, we were able to accomplish more than anyone thought could be done.
I am working with Empire State Development to attract ethical, financially sound companies to EPCAL; fighting to preserve the 4-H property; and I rejected the proposed Sound Avenue agritourism resort. I also voted against using eminent domain to acquire the Long Island Science Center property—a move that could cost taxpayers millions.
I supported the sale of the Vail-Leavitt Music Hall property to continue as an arts venue, ensured the preservation of the East End Arts Council building, and am continuing to fight to protect the town's property. I thrive on challenges and love rethinking, retooling, and reimagining how to make the most of our resources. All while working internally to build a Town Hall culture that is inclusive, welcoming, and efficient.
I am not a Republican, and I am not a Democrat. I am a human, a child of God, a son, a brother, a husband, a dad, and a friend to just about everyone I meet.
My commitment to you remains: I am protecting Riverhead and managing your tax dollars responsibly. Together, we can keep moving Riverhead forward! I promise to continue leading with humility and the self-awareness that, individually, I do not have all the answers, but together we do! Together we can!
Why We Need A Line For Taxpayers First
Taxpayers First is an independent voting line for Riverhead citizens who need an option that lets them cast their vote beyond party affiliation. Independent voters want their voices to be heard on the issues that impact their daily lives. By voting on the TAXPAYERS FIRST line, voters CHOOSE RIVERHEAD over partisan politics.

























