Diat Ousts Fiore In North Haven

Challenger Terie Diat defeated incumbent Chris Fiore for a one-year term on the North Haven Village Board on Tuesday in the first contested village election in seven years. Ms. Diat received 148 votes to Mr. Fiore’s 120.

“I really want to thank the voters of North Haven who supported me,” she said. “I look forward to collaborating with the mayor and my fellow trustees. I hope we are aligned on what is good for the Village of North Haven.”

Ms. Diat said she wants to improve communication within the village, preserve and protect its character while allowing people to enjoy their property, and improve cell service, among other initiatives.

“I met a lot of people during the campaign who care about North Haven,” she said, “and people were happy to have a choice. I think that’s why we had such a large turnout.”

Prior to Tuesday’s election, the North Haven slate held all five seats on the board.

Incumbent Mayor Jeff Sander and Trustees Dianne Skilbred and David Saskas, who ran unopposed, were all reelected.

Mr. Sander received 200 votes, while Ms. Diat received one write-in vote for mayor.

In the trustee races, Ms. Skilbred received 196 votes and Mr. Saskas received 189. Larry Baum received two write-in votes, and Claas Abraham received one write-in vote.

Mr. Fiore issued a statement Wednesday morning. “The position of village trustee is a pro bono one. People seek it because they care about the village, the residents and our quality of life. That’s why I wanted to volunteer. I wanted to help Mayor Sander continue to get good things done,” he said. “Forty-eight percent of the people who voted put their trust in me and for that I’m most grateful. I am certain Terie will do a good job and I’ll be there to support the village in any way I can.”

Mr. Fiore was appointed in April to fill the seat of the late Trustee James Davis, who died in February, and was required to run this year to complete the final year of the term.

Voting was subdued in Sag Harbor, where incumbent Trustees J Tom Gardella and James Larocca ran unopposed.

Mr. Gardella received 56 votes, while Mr. Larocca received 47 votes. Write-ins were cast for Mary Anne Miller, Joe Labrozzi Sr., and Donald Trump.