Jerry Halpin cites $819,000 savings in Riverhead supervisor bid

Riverhead Town Supervisor Jerry Halpin is running for re-election, citing a specific financial achievement as proof of his fiscal responsibility. The 54-year-old incumbent, who has held the office since January 1, 2026, states that his primary motivation for seeking another term is his frustration with past budget practices. He noted that in the previous administration, the tax cap was routinely exceeded, a trend he claims has ended under his leadership.

Halpin’s central argument rests on the 2027 budget he proposed in the first ten months of his tenure. That budget maintained existing services, provided employee raises, and added new positions without breaching the town’s tax cap. He attributes this balance to an early retirement incentive program that generated $819,000 in savings. Halpin said he initiated regular one-on-one meetings with department heads to improve morale and retention, focusing on pay structure and workplace culture.

The supervisor, who is married to Kristen and has two daughters, is running as an independent on the Democratic and Taxpayers First lines. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication and Religious Studies. In a written profile, Halpin identified the ever-increasing cost of living on Long Island as the single most pressing issue for constituents. He stated that his administration prioritizes taxpayers by putting their needs first in every decision, a standard he said distinguishes his approach from that of his opponent.

Infrastructure improvements are a key part of his record. Halpin highlighted the construction of a new highway equipment barn in the west end of the town. He said this facility allows highway crews to store and service equipment closer to their work sites, solving a logistical challenge that persisted for decades. He described the highway department as the best in the town and said he is glad to have seen this long-term solution come to fruition.

Looking ahead to his campaign, Halpin listed several specific issues he intends to address. These include the EPCAL development project, the preservation of Sound Avenue, and expanding downtown growth beyond Main Street to surrounding areas. He also emphasized continuing to work on employee retention through advancement and improved pay structures.

Election Day is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Halpin urged voters to consider the town’s future when casting their ballots. He wrote that the voice of each resident matters to him and to Riverhead. He said the town needs to come together and stop allowing differences to divide them, offering a message of unity for the local electorate.

Halpin said he has no family members working in politics or government. He described his family life as central to his identity, noting that his wife is the best and that his two daughters were raised in Riverhead. He stated that his goal is to generate ideas and solutions to the town’s greatest challenges by working with the community rather than against it.