Port Jefferson mayoral candidate Lauren Sheprow removed from June 20 ballot

A Port Jefferson mayoral candidate has been removed from the June 20 ballot because she failed to file a cover letter with her nominating petitions, officials said Wednesday.

Lauren Sheprow, a village trustee who was one of two candidates for the mayor's post, has until Friday to file an appeal of the ruling by the Suffolk County Board of Elections, Village Clerk Barbara Sakovich said.

As of now, the village ballot will list trustee Kathianne Snaden as the only candidate to succeed Mayor Margot J. Garant. Garant, a Democrat, is stepping down to run for Brookhaven Town supervisor against Republican Councilman Dan Panico.

Snaden had challenged Sheprow's petitions, saying she had neglected to include a cover letter. Sakovich said the absence of the letter was "a fatal defect" that invalidated Sheprow's petitions.

Sheprow, a retired Stony Brook University spokeswoman, said in an interview she "should have been more diligent." She said she was unsure whether she would file an appeal, adding she would run a write-in campaign.

“I can’t, in all good conscience, not fight to the finish in this campaign," she said. "I will fight to the finish and I will encourage people to write my name into the ballot. Do I know this is an uphill battle? Yes, I do. But I also know there are so many people in the village who are looking for a fresh start in the village.”

Suffolk Republican Board of Elections Commissioner Betty Manzella confirmed the board had been asked to rule on the matter, but declined to comment and referred questions to Sakovich.

Village elections are run by village officials, but the county board of elections may rule on legal matters such as the validity of candidate petitions.

Snaden said in a statement released by her campaign that election laws are meant to ensure qualified candidates run for office.

"While this decision will be disappointing to some, we should take pride that the law and process was followed," she said. "Following the rules with transparency and integrity are the hallmarks of good government."

By Carl MacGowan

carl.macgowan@newsday.comCarlMacGowan

Carl MacGowan is a Long Island native who covers Brookhaven Town after having previously covered Smithtown, Suffolk County courts and numerous spot news and feature stories over his 20-plus year career at Newsday.