2012 Village Election Guide: Quogue, Westhampton Beach

Village elections are being held in Westhampton Beach and Quogue with polls opening at noon and closing at village halls at 9 p.m.

Westhampton Beach

In Westhampton Beach, Mayor Contrad Teller running unopposed for his fourth term. The mayor said he's a concervative and will "continue to keep the village in good order and moderation."

Also in Westhampton Beach, three candidates are vying for two open trustee seats, one of which is held by Deputy Mayor Toni-Jo Birk, the second by , who opted not to run for relection. 

, who is in her third term as a trustee said if reelected, she will continue to keep an eye on taxes, maintain the village's quality of life and keep the lines of communication open.

"I have a history of getting things done and keeping the open lines of communication. I have intergrity and honesty and I think my record has shown that I have served the taxpaers without any personal agenda," said Birk, whose family owns .   

Birk hold a business degree from Northeastern University and is a 11-year EMT with the Westhampton War Memorial Ambulence, as well as a PTA member.

Runing against Birk is and

Urban, a retired teacher, says he decided to run because he always felt he wanted to give back to the community that he has lived in since 1975. Recently retired, he said now is the perfect time to run for office.

Urban, who taught in Montauk and Amagansett schools and is a graduate, said if elected, he hopes to work toward making the village government more open and accessible.

"I have heard through the grapevine that there are communication problems in the village," said Urban.

Urban holds a bachelor's degree from SUNY Fredonia and a master's degree from Southampton and has completed post graduate work at SUNY Stony Brook and Dowling College.

Palmer, who has lived in Westhampton Beach since 1966, also says he's running to make a difference.

"I think I have something to give back to the community," he said.

Palmer who has been a municipal account with Suffolk County for the past 28 years, said, if elected, he hopes to work with village police to standardize procedure.

"Right now there is nothing documented," he said.

In addition, Palmer, who made a run for office in Westhampton Beach two years ago, losing to Farrell by 32 votes, said he'd also like to look into obtaining more grant funding for the village.

Palmer holds a business degree from the University of Florida.

Village of Quogue 

In the Village of Quogue, Quogue Mayor Peter Sartorius, as well as Trustees Kimberley Payne and Jeanette Obser are running unopposed for two-year terms.

Be sure to check back for results when the polls close. 

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