Scalera Clinches; Bender Concedes

Republican of Water Mill has won a seat on the town board, holding onto her election night lead throughout the counting of absentee ballots.

When regular ballots were counted on Nov. 8, Scalera was just 85 votes ahead of third place finisher , I-Northampton, leaving an opening for her victory to be overtaken in the four-way race for two seats. There were more than 800 absentee ballots yet to be counted, and, ultimately, the absentees bolstered Scalera's margin of victory.

“It's been a long road," Scalera said Monday night. "I’m very pleased and I’m very honored to have the opportunity to be able to serve the residents.”

“We wish Christine all the best,” Bender said, and Scalera had the same sentiment toward him.

Southampton Town Republican Committee Chairman Bill Wright and town Democratic Committee Chairman both said Monday night that Scalera was far enough ahead of Bender that her victory was assured, though the Suffolk County Board of Elections has yet to make a declaration.

Scalera is an assistant town attorney for Brookhaven, but she said she will wrap up her outstanding projects in December and resign so she can be a full-time councilwoman. “I want to immerse myself more in the community," she said of her choice, adding that she didn't want her work as a land-use attorney for Brookhaven Town to pose a conflict.

After her inauguration, Scalera will take the seat currently filled by Councilwoman Nancy Graboski, R-Bridgehampton, who was ineligible to run for re-election because of term limits. Councilwoman , D-Noyac, , securing re-election. Bill Hughes, R-Hampton Bays, finished behind Bender in fourth.