East Hampton GOP organizer Trace Duryea.

East Hampton - Montauk welcomed East Hampton Republican designated candidates Bill Wilkinson, Theresa Quigley, Dominick Stanzione, Andy Hammer, Tom Talmage, Eugene DePasquale, Diane McNally, Joe Bloecker, Lynn Mendelman, Kayla Talmage and Stephanie Talmage at a "Summer Extravaganza" held at the scenic Montauk Downs Golf Course on June 15.

The event, attended by more than 175 people, was emceed by Republican Party Chairman John L. Behan who addressed the party-minded of the "superior qualifications of the candidates." Also in attendance was County Legislator Jay Schneiderman who, although having changed his registration to the Independence Party, continues to be supported by East Hampton Town Republicans as "one of their own."

The East Hampton GOP leadership has endorsed Schneiderman in his bid for re-election to his post as a County legislator.

Chairman Behan, who served as a New York State Assemblyman in the Second District for 17 years, thanked his successor, State Assemblyman Fred Thiele (R-2nd), for making the trip out to Montauk to show his support for the candidates. "Our candidates will work as tirelessly as Fred does in Albany to make sure the Town is represented in a fiscally responsible way which promotes the use of Community Preservation Funds in the manner for which that fund was intended," Behan promised.

Joining in the festivities: (from left) Julie Strong and Lisa Carlesco and (right) Pat Wilkinson and Lilli Elsis.

Tina Piette, who is a member of the town Republican Committee, thanked Jack Graham for putting the event together, saying, "We were happy to have friends from all parties joining us on this fun evening. I think people are beginning to realize it isn't 'Us against Dems', and it is truly gratifying to see people coming together to support a new beginning for the Town."