To the Editor,
I am writing to respond to your October 10, 2024, article, “Former Leg. Sarah Anker Under Investigation for Document Removal and Destruction,” which contains false, misleading, and defamatory statements that continues to cause significant harm to my reputation, both personally and professionally. Moreover, it has all the markings of a political hit job, timed one-month before the election, to damage my candidacy for the New York State Senate, First District.
For more than two decades, I have proudly served the residents of Suffolk County as a Legislator and public servant. Throughout my years in office, I maintained the highest ethical standards and worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life for our communities. My record reflects a consistent commitment to transparency, diligence, and integrity.
The article’s claims, based on unfounded allegations from my legislative successor, Chad Lennon, are false. Neither I nor any member of my staff ever destroyed, deleted, or improperly handled legally required official records. All records were lawfully and properly transferred in accordance with Suffolk County Local Law 39-2020 (§A2-18), which requires outgoing legislators to provide their successors with unresolved constituent case files.
Every such file, along with additional materials such as grant documents, budget notes, Rail Trail records, and opioid reports, was properly left in the office for Mr. Lennon’s use. That Mr. Lennon waited until one month before Election Day to ask his fellow Republican legislators to sponsor an investigation into a transition that took place almost one year earlier strongly suggests his political motive. It must be noted that Mr. Lennon was formerly a legislative aid to my opponent.
The claim that “information about any constituent and their history was nowhere to be found” is demonstrably untrue. Mr. Lennon later acknowledged there were “maybe three files in total” left, and my staff continued forwarding relevant constituent emails as a professional courtesy, well beyond what the law required.
Other statements in the article are equally inaccurate. It claimed, “nobody had been in the office for months,” when in fact my staff worked until December 29, 2023, and all voicemails were returned. The suggestion that mail “piled up” is also false; a labeled mailbox key was left on-site, and any issue could have been easily resolved by contacting me or the local post office. The allegation that confidential records were “thrown in dumpsters” is defamatory and entirely false. All sensitive materials were securely shredded according to county protocol. The office itself was cleaned and organized before departure, with all supplies and records properly arranged. The “good luck” note referenced in your article was written by my office manager as a gesture of goodwill.
Furthermore, Mr. Lennon declined two invitations to meet with me prior to taking office to review files and facilitate a smooth transition. He also made no effort to contact me afterward. His decision to raise these baseless accusations just three weeks before my State Senate election, clearly demonstrates a political motive.
While I appreciate the opportunity to respond to the article, it is deeply troubling that The Messenger Papers, a Republican-oriented publication, failed to contact me or my staff for comment before publishing such serious allegations. Responsible journalism requires fact-checking and affording those accused of wrongdoing an opportunity to respond. Your reporter’s failure to do so not only violated professional ethics but also contributed to the spread of false information timed to influence an election.
As a County Legislator for over a decade, I won seven elections in one of the most Republican districts in Suffolk County, as a Democrat. Why? Because I served the people and not the party. This country has become severely politically divided and there’s no doubt that media influences public opinion. That is all the more reason that accuracy and balance in all media is essential if we are to have a well-informed electorate.
As a parent of three children, being moral and involved in politics means leading by example, showing your children that integrity, empathy, and courage are not just ideals, but everyday responsibilities. It’s about demonstrating that public service begins at home, through fairness, compassion, and the willingness to stand up for what’s right even when it’s difficult. Balancing family life with civic engagement teaches the next generation that moral leadership doesn’t come from power or position, but from the choices we make to improve our communities and protect the values we hold dear. In the end, being both a parent and a public servant is about building a better future, not just for my children, but for all children.
For readers who would like to know more about me and my legislative accomplishments, visit www.sarahanker.com, to fully understand why integrity, accountability and moral courage counts.
Sincerely,
Sarah S. Anker
Former Suffolk County Legislator, 6th District
Former Legislator Sarah Anker (D-Mt. Sinai) represented the Sixth District of the Suffolk County Legislature from 2011 to 2024. Anker first won a special election in March 2011 to fill the vacant seat, and was re-elected every two years from November 2011 to 2021.
Editor’s Note: This letter does not represent the views and stances of The Messenger.
