Brian X. Foley’s candidacy for state Senate opens up the possibility of a special election for Brookhaven Town supervisor in which Republicans could widen their one-vote majority on the town council.

The town would hold the election in January or February if Foley, a Democrat, succeeds in unseating 36-year Republican incumbent Caesar Trunzo.

Local Republicans said their first priority is to help Trunzo retain his seat, but added that a chance to regain the supervisor’s chair is enticing.

The town was a GOP stronghold for three decades until 2005, when Foley won election and Democrats won a town board majority. Republicans won back a 4-3 majority in November, and the last five months have been marked by partisan bickering over jobs and government structure.

A 5-2 majority would make it easier for Republicans to pass votes that require a supermajority, generally one more than the bare minimum needed to pass legislation, such as certain capital projects, Republican Councilman Tim Mazzei said. Moreover, Republicans would no longer have problems “getting information from the supervisor’s office,” he said.

“We are looking to increase our numbers regardless of Brian Foley and that would give us a sooner opportunity to do that,” Mazzei said.

Foley, who has disputed the notion that his office does not communicate with the Republicans, said it is premature to talk about a potential successor. Foley still must win a primary against Suffolk Legis. Ricardo Montano (D-Central Islip) and Suffolk probation department aide Jimmy Dahroug, who has twice lost to Trunzo.

But Lawrence Levy, executive director of Hofstra University‘s Center for Suburban Studies, said Republicans have a lot to gain by taking back the supervisor’s seat. Victory would send a message to civic groups and developers that it is “time to get back on the bandwagon,” he said. Levy added: “It creates both the perception of firm Republican control, which has tremendous implications for fundraising and recruitment, as well as the reality of actual control.”

Both camps said it is too early for anyone to throw a hat in the ring, but political insiders cite several potential candidates, including GOP town Councilwoman Kathleen Walsh and Suffolk County Legis. Edward Romaine (R-Center Moriches).

Democratic possibilities include Councilwoman Connie Kepert, Patchogue Village Mayor Paul Pontieri and state Assemb. Marc Alessi (D-Shoreham) and Steve Englebright (D-Setauket), sources said.

Walsh said she is “not thinking that far ahead.” Romaine, whose son Keith is a Brookhaven councilman, said the supervisor seat is “not even on my radar.”

Both Pontieri and Kepert said they are interested but undecided. Alessi said he has “no intention of running for town supervisor.”

Attempts to reach Englebright were not successful.

Who might be next?

Names cited by political observers to run for Brookhaven supervisor if Brian X. Foley wins his bid for state Senate.

GOP

Edward Romaine

Kathleen Walsh

Democrats

Marc Alessi

Connie Kepert

Steve Englebright

Paul Pontieri

Source: Newsday