Former Deputy Mayor To Enter Westhampton Beach Race

Former Westhampton Beach Village Deputy Toni-Jo Birk has decided to enter her name in this year's village trustee race.

Birk, who lost her bid a year ago for re-election, enters a week after Trustees Patricia DeBenedetto and Hank Tucker announced their candidacy under the Lightning Party.

Birk, who served on the board for six years before finishing third behind Trustees Ralph Urban and Charlie Palmer, is seeking election as a financial controversy embroils the village.

Over the past several months, DeBenedetto, Tucker and Charles Palmer have sought audits and legal guidance over the village's books with Tucker insinuating that the books might have been cooked.

In a statement, Birk said she is well aware of the issues facing the village, but for now wants to take the time to simply announce her candidacy.

She wrote, "There will be many opportunities to discuss issues that are important to you and me and my family, however, I wanted to take this chance to announce my candidacy and people can contact me on any issue important to them."

Birk, who hails originally from Boston and whose family owns Bike n' Kite, said she will be spending the next two weeks collecting petitions for her run.

It is unclear if any other candidates will enter the race — petitions are due in on May 17 by 5 p.m. with a village election set for June 21.