Candidate Profile: Fred Thiele, New York State Assembly District 1

Election Day is Tuesday, and voters will choose between incumbent and Democrat Fred Thiele and Peter Ganley, a Republican and Conservative Party candidate seeking 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.

In anticipation of the election, Patch asked candidates in the contested races to answer questions about their campaigns. Here are their answers, lightly edited for clarity.

Name

Fred W. Thiele

City or town of residence

Sag Harbor, NY

Office sought

NYS Assembly District 1

Party affiliation

Democratic

Education

Pierson High School, Southampton College of LIU- B.A, Albany Law School, J.D.

Occupation

Attorney, 42 years

Family

Yes. NancyLynn Thiele-wife. Children- Michael, Jeffrey, Josephine

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

NancyLynn-Senior County Attorney, Suffolk County

Age

69

Previous public office, appointive or elective

Suffolk Legislator-1988 to 1991, Southampton Town Supervisor-1992 to 1995, New York State Assemblyman- 1995 to present

Why are you seeking this office?

My career has been dedicated to improving the quality of life on the East End of Long Island. For example, I authored the Peconic Bay Community Preservation Fund, which has protected more than 10,000 acres of land across the East End. I wish to continue that work particularly in the areas of the environment, water quality, public transportation, affordable housing, and education.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have experience and a record of accomplishment which I am proud to run on, including excellent constituent service. My opponent has no record of government service or even community service. Instead, he has resorted to untrue personal attacks on my family. I have presented a detailed platform of proposals to address critical East End issues if re-elected. My opponent has not presented one specific idea. Instead, he has resorted to mouthing the general political talking points of his party. I am pro-choice with regard to women's reproductive health. My opponent is not.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Increased school aid funding, restoring judicial discretion with regard to bail, promotion of our traditional industries of farming and fishing, increased rail service for the South Fork Commuter Connection and the North Fork, respect for the results of fairly conducted elections.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

My 27-year record in State Assembly focused on improving life on the East End, including the Peconic Community Preservation Fund, Peconic Estuary Partnership, South Fork Commuter Connection, Saving the Southampton College Campus, the merger of Southampton Hospital and Easter Long Island Hospital with Stony Brook, and funding for East End infrastructure projects, to name a few.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Trust your gut.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

My character has been strengthened by being a long-time fan of the New York Mets and New York Islanders.