Port Town Board incumbents top familiar challenger

The makeup of the Port Washington Town Board didn’t change in Tuesday’s election.

The incumbents won the night, with supervisors Mike Didier and Gary Schlenvogt garnering 339 and 318 votes, respectively, while challenger Terry Anewenter received 99 votes.

Didier said residents cast a vote of confidence in the current board, noting the results are consistent with those of 2017.

Anewenter, who said he ran to give residents a choice on the ballot, said Tuesday that he is undaunted in his quest for a board seat.

“We’ll try again in two years,” he said. “It irks me to see when there’s nobody interested in giving someone (the incumbents) a run for their money.

“I’m not looking to take a shot at anyone, but I think a fresh way of looking at things is good.”

During the campaign, Anewenter questioned the board’s decision to buy two properties next to the town hall, saying the town spent too much money on the purchase. 

Didier and Schlenvogt called the decision an investment in the future, noting the town can expand its garbage and recycling operations on one parcel while continuing to rent the other house with an eye to someday sell it for development.

Didier captured 44.8% of the votes cast, while Schlenvogt received 42% and Anewenter 13%.

Of the town’s 1,066 eligible voters, 494 voted Tuesday.

Town Chairman Jim Melichar and Treasurer Mary Sampont, who were unopposed, received 400 and 383 votes, respectively.