Assemblyman Fred Thiele Won't Seek Re-election: 'I Have Been Enriched'

LONG ISLAND, NY — After 45 years of serving the East End in state and local government, including 37 years as an elected official and nearly 30 years in the New York State Assembly, Fred Thiele announced this week that he would not be seeking re-election this November for the New York State Assembly District 1 seat.

Assembly District 1 covers the East End towns of East Hampton, Southampton, Shelter Island, and Center Moriches, as well as some of eastern Brookhaven Town.

"I have successfully run for public office 19 times and have served the East End in the State Assembly longer than any other person in the history of New York State," Thiele, a Democrat, said. "I now look forward to other opportunities to serve the community that has been home to my family for almost 200 hundred years."

He added: "Government service was my dream from my days as a student in elementary school in Sag Harbor when I heard the call of President John F. Kennedy to 'ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.' Being chosen by my neighbors to be their representative has truly been the greatest honor of my professional life."

First, Thiele said he wanted to thank his family for the role that they played in his career of public service.

"To the inspiration I drew from long-ago dinner table political discussions with my dad and my mom’s determination that her kids have a better life, to the sacrifices that all my family members have made along the way, I could not have fulfilled my dream without them. My wife, Nancy Lynn, my children, grandchildren, and my sister continue to be my source of strength."

Thiele also expressed gratitude to his many mentors, who he said sparked his passion and gave him the confidence to take the next step. Teachers including Coach Vishno and Steve Petras at Pierson High School and professors such as Don Baker at Southampton College, he said, provided direction and guidance along the way.

"I will always be indebted to my predecessor, the late John Behan, who gave me the chance to come home and begin my professional life. A true American hero, John’s life was an example to all on what it means to be a leader," Thiele said.

Thiele also thanked those that have fought beside him to preserve his constituents' quality of life.

"I had the chance to serve with former State Senator Ken LaValle in Albany for 25 years. He is the definition of a 'statesman,'" Thiele said. "I cherish the special bond we developed through the years that transcended government and politics."

He also quoted Althea Gibson, who said, "No matter what accomplishments you make. Somebody helps you."

Thiele said he has been blessed by great staff throughout his career.

"I thank them all, but especially Denise McRedmond here in the district and Lisa Lombardo in Albany who have been the MVPs of Team Thiele for so many years. My thanks also to Joann Scalia with whom I worked in collaboration with Senators LaValle and Palumbo. It often seemed like we had two offices, but only one staff. "

Thiele looked back upon the victories and achievements that have marked his lengthy tenure in public office, "most notably the Community Preservation Fund. There have been many successes that have kept eastern Long Island a special place. It has been a privilege to have the opportunity to shape the future of our community and to work with others to achieve goals that are larger than ourselves. That has been one of the rewards of public service."

But at the heart of all that he has worked to achieve, it is the people whose lives he's touched who are his richest legacy, Thiele said.

"The greatest reward is the people and relationships I made along the way. What I will remember most is the people with which I have had the chance to work or the opportunity to help as a public official. I have been enriched by each of you. It is what defines the East End. There have been thousands of you throughout the years. Still, I must give a special mention to Kevin McDonald from the Nature Conservancy. We started our professional careers at the same time and have worked together on so many important community issues over the years. There has seldom been a day in my life that has not included a conversation with Kevin."

Looking ahead, Thiele said: "At the end of this year, I will close this chapter of my life. I look forward to new beginnings. There will be new challenges and new ways to serve. Endings and beginnings are bittersweet. I am guided by the advice of Dr. Seuss: 'Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.'"

Looking to fill Thiele's seat, Sag Harbor native and Southampton Town Councilman Tommy John Schiavoni, a Democrat, announced this week that he is s running for election to the New York State Assembly, District 1, in November.

Schiavoni said he has been a public servant for the entirety of his adult life beginning as a teacher in 1988, and upon his retirement from the Center Moriches School District after 32 years teaching social studies, history and government, he was elected to his first of two terms on the Southampton town board.

Prior to the town board, Schiavoni served on the Southampton Town ZBA, the North Haven Village Board and ZBA, and the Sag Harbor School Board.

He said that he "was raised in the trades," working for G.F. Schiavoni Plumbing and Heating, which was run first by his grandfather, then his father and now his brothers.

Born on the East End and now raising his children here, Schiavoni said he is "committed to the people and the balance of hard work and nature that makes the Twin Forks special to those who live and visit Peconic."

He added: "I am running for the New York State Assembly for the same reason that I sought every office thus far, to maintain what is best about our community and make changes for the better where we need them. I understand how people can benefit from good government, and I will use my education and experience in Albany to improve the day-to-day lives of all East Enders."

No other candidates have come forward yet to vie for the seat. The general election takes place on November 5, 2024.