Centre Island Mayor Race in Turmoil: Lawsuit Sparks Controversy

Centre Island, New York, USA - In a dramatic turn of events leading up to the June 17 mayoral election on Centre Island, businessman Andrew Woodstock has found himself disqualified from running. As tensions escalate, Woodstock has turned to the courts, filing a lawsuit on June 2 against a host of village officials, including Mayor Lawrence Schmidlapp and his wife Carol, Village Clerk Donna Harris, and the Nassau County Board of Elections, claiming they conspired to thwart his candidacy. This case reflects the complexities of New York’s election laws and the challenges candidates face within them.

Woodstock’s attorney, Steven Leventhal, has been vocal in arguing that delays in the legal process are severely disadvantaging Woodstock. He seeks not just to have Woodstock added to the ballot, but also to delay the election and discard any ballots that do not include his name. Village attorney Peter MacKinnon has countered Leventhal’s claims, stating that Woodstock failed to meet the deadline to contest the invalidation of his petition, which was executed on May 27. The situation is further complicated by accusations arising from Woodstock himself, who argues that Centre Island is his primary residence, despite his holdings in Florida.

Controversial Allegations and Legal Maneuvering

Adding another layer to the unfolding drama, Mayor Schmidlapp formally objected to Woodstock’s candidacy, emphasizing two key concerns: Woodstock’s criminal record and his primary residence status. In 2020, Woodstock and his company were charged with wage theft, resulting in a misdemeanor plea for the company and a noncriminal violation for Woodstock. Additionally, Leventhal has accused Carol Schmidlapp of participating in questionable election practices, notably „ballot harvesting,“ a claim she firmly denied, asserting that precinct ballots have not even been printed yet.

A hearing is set for Thursday, overseen by Justice Randy Sue Marber, who has underscored the urgency of resolving these issues given the approaching election timeline. Leventhal has also filed a motion to disqualify Keith Corbett, the village’s attorney, pointing out a conflict of interest in Corbett’s dual role representing the Nassau County Board of Elections. However, the board has clarified that it lacks jurisdiction over the election, leaving the court to decide the critical matters at hand.

Understanding New York Election Laws

This situation brings to light the vital role that New York election laws play in ensuring fair electoral processes. According to Legal Clarity, candidates are required to meet specific eligibility criteria, including being U.S. citizens and residents of New York. Moreover, candidates cannot have felony convictions unless their rights have been restored. Woodstock’s legal battle speaks volumes about the stakes of such regulations.

The New York State Board of Elections oversees the administration and compliance of these laws, ensuring transparency and integrity within the electoral system. Laws are clearly designed to protect voters and maintain the democratic process, establishing that those charged with election oversight must act in accordance with established norms.

The upcoming election is bound to be closely monitored as the outcome of Woodstock’s legal fight may change the landscape of governance on Centre Island. Those interested in following the election closely can gain insight into the voting process and results detailed on L.I. Herald, where live updates are set to roll in as the polls close on November 5, 2024, at 9:00 PM EST.

As Centre Island navigates this tumultuous election period, one thing is certain: the events unfolding will not only impact Woodstock’s future but also have ripple effects on the electoral processes and community dynamics within the village.