Re-Elect
Mayor Gary VeGLIANTE
Trustees
Michael Craig & Harvey Gessin
FOR WEST HAMPTON DUNES
ELECTION DAY IS JUNE 21, 2024
Don’t Be Fooled By The Latest Buzz Words.
Mayor Gary Vegliante & Team Get the job done.
Talk is cheap, but Gary Vegliante and team’s track record speaks volumes. While others merely promise, Gary and his team deliver. It’s not just about talking the talk; Gary and his team walk the walk, ensuring progress, prosperity, and protection for our community. Actions speak louder than words, and Gary Vegliante and team’s actions have made West Hampton Dunes the thriving village it is today.
Stability and Fiscal Responsibilities: Gary and team have maintained stable taxes, ensuring no increases for five consecutive years. This responsible fiscal management eases the financial burden on residents and promotes economic stability.
Economic Prosperity: Gary and his team’s leadership has contributed to a remarkable threefold increase in property values, reflecting a robust and thriving local economy.
Accessibility and Engagement: Gary and the team prioritize direct communication with constituents, providing all residents with their personal contact information. This accessibility fosters transparency and ensures that community concerns are promptly addressed.
Public Safety: Under Gary and team’s stewardship, West Hampton Dunes has earned the distinction of being the safest village in the area, thanks to the exemplary performance of our police constables.
Disaster Preparedness: Recognizing the importance of proactive planning, Gary and team have collaborated with experts, including the Army Corps of Engineers, to fortify our coastal defenses and enhance resilience in the face of natural disasters.
Distinguished Recognition: Gary’s contributions to municipal governance have been acknowledged by esteemed organizations such as the New York Conference of Mayors, where he served as president and received accolades for his leadership.
Photo Courtesy of Photographer: Bryan Anselm/Redux for Bloomberg
ABOUT MAYOR GARY VEGLIANTE
Mayor Gary Vegliante has been a cornerstone of West Hampton Dunes since its inception in November 1993. Serving as the village’s inaugural Mayor since March 1994, he boasts a remarkable record of eight consecutive re-elections, currently holding office until 2024. With degrees from Mercy College and Long Island University, Mayor Vegliante has garnered national acclaim for his advocacy on diverse municipal issues, including coastal management and municipal utilities.
A staunch defender of Municipal Home Rule, he has led successful legal battles to safeguard village sovereignty. His leadership extends beyond West Hampton Dunes, with influential roles in organizations such as the New York State Conference of Mayors & Municipal Officials and the Suffolk County Village Officials Association, solidifying his legacy as a champion of local governance.
Get To Know Gary
Mayor Gary Vegliante was instrumental in the creation of the Village of West Hampton Dunes in November of 1993. He was elected Mayor in March of 1994 in the Village’s first election, and has since been re-elected eight times. His current term runs until the year 2024.
Mayor Vegliante currently resides in West Hampton Dunes. He received his Undergrad Degree from Mercy College and Masters Degree in education from Long Island University.
Mayor Vegliante has been featured in many national and local publications regarding a variety of municipal issues, including but not limited to municipal creation, coastal management including public access, endangered species management, municipal electric & gas utilities. He is a strong advocate of Municipal Home Rule and has been involved in a series of successful landmark Federal and State lawsuits protecting the rights of Village Sovereignty and Constituent’s Advocacy.
Mayor Vegliante was elected to the Executive Committee of the New York State Conference of Mayors & Municipal Officials in 1999. He was then honored to serve as President of NYCOM during its centennial year. Mayor Vegliante is also past president of Suffolk County Village Officials Association and The Tri-County Village Association and served as a board member of the American Shore and Beach Association (ASBPA) from 2003 to 2015.
About Mayor Gary Vegliante
Mayor Gary Vegliante was instrumental in the creation of the Village of West Hampton Dunes in November of 1993. He was elected Mayor in March of 1994 in the Village’s first election, and has since been re-elected eight times. His current term runs until the year 2024.
Mayor Vegliante currently resides in West Hampton Dunes. He received his Undergrad Degree from Mercy College and Masters Degree in education from Long Island University.
Mayor Vegliante has been featured in many national and local publications regarding a variety of municipal issues, including but not limited to municipal creation, coastal management including public access, endangered species management, municipal electric & gas utilities. He is a strong advocate of Municipal Home Rule and has been involved in a series of successful landmark Federal and State lawsuits protecting the rights of Village Sovereignty and Constituent’s Advocacy.
Mayor Vegliante was elected to the Executive Committee of the New York State Conference of Mayors & Municipal Officials in 1999. He was then honored to serve as President of NYCOM during its centennial year. Mayor Vegliante is also past president of Suffolk County Village Officials Association and The Tri-County Village Association and served as a board member of the American Shore and Beach Association (ASBPA) from 2003 to 2015.
Photo Courtesy of Photographer: Bryan Anselm/Redux for Bloomberg
Gary’s team
Michael Craig
Trustee
A Long Island native, Michael’s journey began amidst the sun-kissed shores of West Hampton Dunes, where he and his wife, Mary, forged their roots. Inspired by the beauty and community spirit of their coastal home, Michael has dedicated himself to its preservation and prosperity. As a trusted Trustee since 2008, Michael’s leadership has shaped West Hampton Dunes into a beacon of safety, sustainability, and success. With a passion for serving his community and a vision for its future, Michael Craig stands as a steadfast advocate for the cherished village he proudly calls home.
Read More About Michael
Michael Craig’s 35-year career on Wall Street is characterized by a high level of fiscal and financial expertise. He collaborates with Claire Vegliante on their annual budgets and with financial advisors for municipal debt offerings.
Michael and his wife, Mary, are proud natives of Long Island, where they have rooted themselves for life. Their journey began on the sandy shores near the Village of West Hampton Dunes, where they crossed paths during the bustling summers typical of the Hamptons scene. The allure of this coastal haven led them to establish their permanent residence in Westhampton, where they would spend weekends exploring Dune Road, envisioning a future amidst the grandeur of its estates.
Their dream materialized in 2000 when they built their first home in the newly formed Village of West Hampton Dunes. With the foundation of their family home laid, friendships formed, and three children later, West Hampton Dunes became their sanctuary—a cherished retreat from the bustling screens of Manhattan, offering solace in its serene harbor.
In 2008, Michael embraced the opportunity to give back to the community that had given his family so much joy. Inspired by the tales of Mayor Vegliante and esteemed figures like Bob Strecker and Charlie Brown, who recounted the village’s genesis following a breach, Michael stepped into the role of Trustee. It has been a privilege to serve four terms, with hopes for a fifth, in safeguarding the legacy of West Hampton Dunes.
Under his tenure, West Hampton Dunes has flourished, earning accolades for its pristine beaches and robust safety record, thanks to the diligent efforts of the Constabulary. Property values have soared, and taxes have remained below the state-mandated cap, a testament to the prudent governance upheld by Michael and his fellow leaders.
Yet, Michael recognizes that complacency is the enemy of progress, especially in a coastal community where the weather can swiftly turn. He advocates for proactive leadership, grounded in experience and foresight, to navigate any challenges that may arise, ensuring the safety and prosperity of all residents.
As he seeks the community’s trust for another term, Michael pledges to continue his unwavering dedication to West Hampton Dunes, alongside Mayor Vegliante and esteemed colleague Harvey Gessin. Together, they are committed to upholding the village’s legacy and securing its future for generations to come.
Harvey Gessin
Trustee
Harvey Gessin, a seasoned professional whose multifaceted career spans decades of expertise in electrical contracting, real estate development, and community leadership. With a passion for both boating and building, Harvey has navigated challenges with resilience, from rebuilding marinas to spearheading initiatives for coastal protection. As a trustee and chairman, his dedication to the betterment of West Hampton Dunes is evident, reflecting his commitment to preserving the village’s natural beauty and enhancing the lives of its residents.
Read More About Harvey
Harvey Gessin embarked on his career as a licensed master electrical contractor in the 1970s, serving New York City, Westchester County, and the towns of Hempstead and North Hempstead in Nassau County. In the early 1980s, he diversified into building mid-rise apartment buildings in New York City, and in the early 90s, he transitioned into developing residential subdivisions in Suffolk County.
Throughout his career, Gessin has undertaken diverse responsibilities such as land management, septic and drainage design and installations, wetlands protection, and road construction. An avid boater since his teens, Gessin seized the opportunity to merge his passion for boating with real estate development by acquiring Windswept Marina in East Moriches. His resilience was tested when he faced the challenge of rebuilding the marina following the West Hampton Dunes disaster, mastering the intricacies of managing natural forces like winds, tides, and moon cycles.
Introduced to West Hampton Dunes by a homeowner affected by the disaster, Gessin began investing in the area, eventually building homes for sale and establishing a residence for his family. Recognizing the need for community involvement, he served on the zoning board and became chairman before assuming the role of trustee in 2020.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in 2012, Gessin played a pivotal role in addressing a breach in the barrier island, collaborating with local officials to meet with Governor Cuomo and take decisive action.
As trustee, Gessin takes pride in acquiring land for the constable’s headquarters and his leadership in overseeing its design, bidding process, and construction. His development company, First Dunes, has been instrumental in building and renovating homes in West Hampton Dunes, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to the village and its residents.
Looking ahead, Gessin’s goals include coordinating efforts to protect the village’s beaches from ocean damage, enhancing the quality of life for residents, and preserving the natural beauty of the area for future generations.
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