Contributed Photo ATTORNEY STEVE VEGILANTE has announced his intention to succeed former brother-in-law Steve Levine, who won’t seek reelection, as Fallsburg supervisor.

Steve Vegliante seeks to succeed Steve Levine

By Dan Hust
SOUTH FALLSBURG — Calling himself a “fresh voice for Fallsburg,” Assistant County Attorney Steven Vegliante is hoping voters will choose him this November to replace Fallsburg Town Supervisor Steve Levine, who is retiring.
A resident of Hurleyville along with children Morgan and Cody, Vegliante is a well-known figure in political circles in the county and is seeking the Democrats’ endorsement later this month.
He’s already got letters of support from County Party Chair Steve Wilkinson and Town Party Chair Ann Prusinski.
Levine, also a Democrat, is mentioned with admiration and respect in Vegliante’s announcement, though whether or not Levine supports his former brother-in-law’s campaign could not be confirmed at press time.
Vegliante may or may not also face a challenge from Republicans. County GOP Chair John LiGreci said his party has yet to find a “credible” candidate but is still looking.
He said the Republicans could cross-endorse – maybe.
“It’s not out of the question,” he remarked this week, “but it’s too premature at this time.”
In the meantime, Vegliante is forging ahead with his campaign, grateful for Levine’s 12 years at the helm but eager to make his own mark on one of the most populous townships in Sullivan County.
“My background is in municipal law,” he pointed out this week of his years as an attorney, often representing local municipalities.
Though Vegliante has not held an elected office (he serves as an appointed member of Fallsburg’s planning board), he has run for public office before, an unsuccessful attempt for town justice in 1999.
Now he’s planning on becoming Fallsburg’s next supervisor, willing to run in a primary if that’s what it takes (though he added he won’t pursue a third-party run if he loses in a primary).
“I’ve been a Democrat close to 20 years,” the 40-year-old explained.
Vegliante, however, is also seeking the Conservative Party’s endorsement and hopes to work with Republicans even if they put forth their own candidate.
“While we may not agree on all issues, thoughtful dialogue is the key to building a consensus,” Vegliante wrote in his press release. “Regardless of my party affiliation, all politics are local and everyone’s voice needs to be heard and considered when making policy. I respect the views of others and hope to build a strong coalition in the months ahead.”
In the meantime, he welcomes emails at svegliante@hvc.rr.com.
“The Town of Fallsburg is at a crossroads,” he wrote. “We are lucky to have strong infrastructure to support growth, but lack significant commercial and business expansion. Our town needs to take advantage of all federal and state opportunities to enhance our core services. This will allow us to grow our commercial tax base and provide our citizens with some tax relief. ... I intend to lead a progressive town board that explores green initiatives and seeks to improve our quality of life without increasing taxes. I acknowledge the challenge but recognize that nothing worthwhile comes without hard work and determination.”