Due to a production error, this story did not appear in its entirety in the March 9 edition. It is printed in full here with our apologies.

by Carolyn James

As S.C. Leg. David Bishop (D-Lindenhurst) completes his service as a lawmaker, he’s considering running for the Babylon Town Board.

Babylon Town Councilman Wayne Horsley (D-Babylon), is strongly considering running for Bishop’s seat, while Babylon Town Councilman Lindsay Henry (I-Babylon), is considering a challenge against Horsley for the legislature.

Meanwhile, S.C. Leg. Ellie Mystal (D-Amityville) , who said in 2003 that he would only serve for two years, has decided to seek another two-year term, after all.

Welcome to the elections of 2005, the year that term limits for Suffolk’s lawmakers kick in, and the scramble for public office has political heads spinning.

"My phone has been ringing off the hook from people all over the county who want me to run for the legislature," said Horsley. "I am seriously considering it but have not had the chance to sit down with (S.C. Democratic Chairman) Richard Schaffer and iron things out, but the possibility is real."

Part of the reality for Horsley is that the run for the legislature in November does not threaten his seat on the Town Board. He is not up for reelection until 2007, so the timing couldn’t be better, he said. "All the moons and stars are aligning," he said laughing. Then on a more serious note, "I grew up in this area and my life is centered around the issues of the district, so I think it would be a natural fit."

Meanwhile, Henry’s decision is a little tougher. His term as Town Councilman is up in November so it is an either/or choice between seeking reelection to the town or running for the legislature.

"I am confident that I have a lot of backing for the legislature but there are also a lot of issues at stake," he said. "I have an affinity with the people in the town I represent, and I like being their voice at town hall. If I am asked to run (for the legislature) I will do it. It’s a prestigious post and a great opportunity, but I would not be disappointed at all if my final choice is to continue to serve the people at the town level."

Henry has other considerations. An Independence Party candidate, he won his seat with Republican endorsement and Conservative backing, something he said he’d try to do again, for whichever post he decides to seek. "I certainly would look to them again for support," he said.

Along with Bishop and Mystal, the seats for local county lawmakers Paul Tonna (R-Huntington-Babylon), and Angie Carpenter (R-West Islip) are up and all cannot seek reelection under the county’s law that restricts county lawmakers from running more than six, consecutive terms.

At the town level, Babylon Town Supervisor Steve Bellone, Councilman Henry and Councilwoman Carol Quirk are up for reelection, together with Janice Tinsley Colbert, the Town’s Receiver of Taxes.

Babylon Town Republican Chairman Harold Withers said the screening process for candidates is expected to begin March 15 and continue through April 7. After that, the Town Committee will be making its nominations, which will be presented at a convention May 17.

"We will not be discussing the names of potential candidates until everyone who wants to run has had an opportunity to be a part of that process," said Withers. "That is the only fair way to do it."

County Democratic Chairman Richard Schaffer said he believes Horsley would make a good candidate and that he’s looking forward to meeting with him to nail down the nomination. He also strongly supports Mystal’s decision to run again.

"I am thrilled he’s decided to run and I am confident he will get the nomination," said Schaffer. "We have had very positive feedback from people; he makes himself available and takes care of his legislative duties not only in Hauppauge and Riverhead but in the most important place—his district."

Mystal got a pass from Republicans two years ago when he decided to run for the seat formerly held by Leg. Maxine Postal. Mystal had been Postal’s long-time legislative aide and her fiancé at the time of her death. He said he wanted the opportunity to complete some of the projects Postal had started.

At that time, Babylon Town Republicans chose not to challenge Mystal, and while they stopped short of giving him a cross endorsement, they said they believed they would stand a better chance in 2005 when Mystal stepped down and another Democrat, not as closely associated with Postal, a beloved and popular representative in the district, would run.

But over the past two years, however, Mystal said he believes he has grown into the job and enjoys serving the district that he had worked so hard for, for so long, behind the scenes.

"Right now we have a Democratic County Executive who is trying very hard to hold the line on taxes," said Mystal. "The district has asked me to stay on because I have done a decent job—I haven’t made any big blunders—and the Party believes I can be of help to the county executive."

"I think he was in an emotional state when he said he’d only serve for two years," said Schaffer. "He had just lost his best friend and now that he’s in a better frame of mind, he sees the positive contribution that he can make to the community."

Leg. Angie Carpenter may be leaving the legislature, but she’s not planning to leave county government. She announced last week that she will be seeking the Republican nomination to run as County Treasurer and will likely face Democrat George Haffele, a Bay Shore resident and businessman. County Treasurer John Cochran cannot seek reelection because of the county’s law on term limits.

Rumored to be considering a run for Carpenter’s seat is New York State Assemblyman Tom Barraga of West Islip.