At the start of the new year, four longtime politicians, including three Democrats, are leaving the Huntington public scene, at least for now.
Two were defeated in this year’s November election; two other equally experienced leaders will leave office at the end of their term of office after they have been entangled in legal cases with their personal conduct.
Mark Cuthbertson was defeated by newcomer Stephanie Bontempi in his bid for election to the Suffolk County legislature from the 18th district, after 24 years on the city council. Cuthbertson’s departure from the city council increased Republican influence on the board from two Republicans, one Independent and two Democrats, to three Republicans, one Independent and one Democrat.
Susan Berland, who served on the Huntington Town board of directors from 2001 to 2017, was first elected to the Suffolk County legislature in 2017 and was elected Democratic majority leader in her second two-year term. Republican Manny Esteban defeated her for re-election in November 2021. She is expected to conclude her term on Friday in a special session of the Suffolk County Legislature convened by the Democrats to push through their redistribution plan. which is rejected by the Republicans.
Dr. William Spencer ends his tenure as legislature at 18. The pediatric ear, nose and throat doctor’s dramatic decline ended a political career that began when the Democrat served in the Huntington Housing Authority before being elected to legislature in 2011. He has been at the forefront of legislative efforts to protect the environment and combat drug addiction. Spencer’s fall gave way to Cuthbertson to succeed him.
Chad Lupinacci, a former city overseer, former South Huntington school committee member and state MP, was brought down by a former aide in a civil lawsuit alleging sexual misconduct. The lawsuit was filed in December 2018. In February, while the case was pending, the Republican announced his decision not to run, making way for Councilor Ed Smyth to run for and succeed him. Lupinacci, a popular HD native declined to come for an exit interview but released a statement Thursday detailing the highlights of his tenure.
These included the settlement of the long-standing LIPA litigation related to the tax assessment of the Northport power plant and the agreement, announced Wednesday, to work with Suffolk County to spend $ 44 million on the laying of sewers to part of Huntington Station.
In addition, the Republicans also took control of the Motorway Office, with Andre Sorrentino pushing Kevin Orelli out of office. Another person leaving City Hall is Nick Ciappetta, city attorney, president of the South Huntington School Board and an ally of Lupinacci.
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Suffolk County Legislature Dr. William Spencer, with four city council members, Gene Cook, Supervisor Chad Lupinacci, Mark Cuthbertson and Joan Cergol, with County Executive Steve Bellone at the sewer agreement on Wednesday.
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