Babylon Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer Re-Elected

Rich Schaffer was elected Babylon Town Supervisor Tuesday night with 73 percent of the vote.

The incumbent candidate from North Babylon defeated Republican challenger Mark Gallo in the local race.

Schaffer, who is also Chairman for the Suffolk County Democratic Committee, was appointed to his current position of Babylon Town Supervisor by the Babylon Town Board in a unanimous vote in January of 2012. Schaffer previously served five terms as supervisor, from 1992 to 2001. His return to his current position in the supervisor seat came as a result of a vacant seat left by Steve Bellone, after he was elected to the office Suffolk County Executive in 2011. 

Schaffer said taxes and jobs are his top priority this term in office.

"The biggest issue for residents is property taxes and being able to keep taxes stable," he said. "The next, is jobs. We have to do everything we can to either retain existing jobs or create new ones."

Gallo, of Lindenhurst, said in an earlier interview that he knew the race would be a tough one to win. "It will be an uphill battle," he said.

While the Town Supervisor was happy for his win, Hurricane Sandy took equal attention Tuesday night.

"When you leave here tonight, think about those still suffering," he said, encouraging residents to continue donating to those in need.