With the Democratic primary in NY-01 coming to a close, it’s safe to say that this year’s election has contained yet another all-to-familiar theme: off-Island carpetbaggers looking to cash in on the political clout that Suffolk County wields as the most populous suburban county in the nation.
An Avlon spokesperson insisted to us that Avlon was in the city in April for a wedding for people who also live in Sag Harbor. The Messenger observed Avlon entering and leaving his apartment multiple times that weekend, and obtained tax documents that show his unit’s involvement in the condo/co-op tax abatement program offered by New York City. In order for a property owner to qualify for the program, tenants must make units in said property their primary residences.
Even Nancy Goroff (D-Stony Brook), to whom we’re ideologically opposed but can at least respect her for being a lifelong Suffolk County resident, has taken shots of Avlon’s NYC ties, going as far as to call him a “Manhattan elitist.”
Technically, Avlon is registered to vote at his Sag Harbor address, but FOIL records from the Suffolk Board of Election show he voted absentee in the general elections of 2021, 2022, and 2023. What’s ironic is the very election in which he’s participating was on the ballot in 2022, and he voted absentee in that election.
Voter registration at an address doesn’t necessarily imply full-time residency. In fact, it’s been shown to not even prove residency at all. Former Congressman Steve Watkins (R, KS-02) had his short-lived political career ended when they found that his Kansas address at which he was registered to vote was a UPS store.
Suffice it to say, we’re not buying any ties Avlon might have to Suffolk, as frivolous as they might be. We had Randy Altschuler (R) in 2010 and 2012, who was last spotted donating to Dave Calone’s (D-Setauket) failed 2023 bid for County Executive, Perry Gershon (D), who was aptly named “Park Avenue Perry” in his 2018 run for NY-01, then Michelle Bond, the D.C.-based crypto queen who had big money and big names behind her, but no local endorsements and groups.
Suffolk’s saga as a lighthouse for carpetbaggers only continues with 2024. It’s been a fun ride while it’s lasted, but if Avlon wins Tuesday’s primary vote, it will certainly only get bumpier.
