Halpin Seeks Re-election in Riverhead on Budget Discipline

Riverhead Town Supervisor Jerry Halpin is running for a second term, citing fiscal restraint and improved employee morale as the central themes of his campaign.

Halpin, a 54-year-old resident of Riverhead, is seeking re-election on November 3. He serves as the town's supervisor and holds a bachelor's degree in Communication and Religious Studies. He is running as an independent on the Democratic and Taxpayers First party lines. Halpin has held the office since January 1 of this year. He is married to Kristen, and the couple has two daughters who grew up in the town.

The incumbent states that his decision to run stems from frustration with previous administrations' frequent decisions to exceed the tax cap. He argues that his proposed 2027 budget maintains existing services while providing pay raises and adding new positions without piercing that limit. Halpin attributes part of the budget's savings to an early retirement incentive he initiated, which generated $819,000 in savings. He also points to regular one-on-one meetings with department heads as a method for improving staff morale.

On infrastructure, Halpin highlights the construction of a new highway equipment barn for the west end of the town. He says this facility allows crews to store and service equipment closer to their work sites, solving a logistical challenge he describes as decades old. He lists several other issues for his next term, including development at EPCAL, preservation of Sound Avenue, and expanding downtown growth beyond Main Street.

Halpin identifies the rising cost of living on Long Island as the most pressing issue facing constituents. He plans to address local business struggles caused by high rents, inflation, and labor shortages. He differentiates himself from other candidates by stating he puts taxpayers first every single time. He says he wants to stop allowing political differences to divide the community and emphasizes that voter voices matter for the town's future.

The candidate notes that no one in his family works in politics or government. He describes his occupation as the town supervisor. He says the best advice he has ever received is to be himself.