Southeast Supervisor To Step Down

Southeast Town Supervisor Nick Durante

By Holly Crocco

During an emotional testimony at the Jan. 22 Southeast Town Board meeting, Supervisor Nick Durante informed the public that he will be resigning from his post.

“After many long and thoughtful conversations, along with a great deal of personal reflection, I’ve decided to step down and resign from my position as town supervisor,” he announced. “I’ll remain on for as long as needed to help my replacement move forward.”

While Durante said the decision to step down was a “difficult and painful one,” he said he hopes to continue to serve the town in a different capacity in the future.

“I’ve always gone after what I wanted, sometimes almost to a fault,” he said. “I’ve always given my best and in the end, knowing I put everything into it and pushed beyond my comfort zone, I was at peace with myself… One of the wisest things I’ve learned from those experiences is I have certain limitations.”

The board is expected to appoint someone to fill the seat until a special election can be held in November. According to Councilman Eric Cyprus, the winner of that election will immediately enter office (not wait until January) and will have to run again in 2027, since that’s when Durante’s term would have expired.

“I’ve heard of a couple of people interested, but nobody has officially reached out to the Town Board to seek the position,” he said last week. “We’re fortunate that we have a very engaged Town Board and a very competent deputy supervisor in Eric Larca, so I’m not very concerned about a short gap without Supervisor Durante.”

Durante was elected in November 2023 and took office in January 2024. The 1986 graduate of Brewster High School is a father and small business owner.

“I came into this position with a high level of uncertainty, with clear goals, and in my mind and heart I truly believe I and we have accomplished most of them,” he told the board. “Coming into this job I saw a community divided and my job was to bring us back together. In today’s world we too often forget what it means to be a community that stands together and watches one another grow.”

Durante said he is confident that, as a group, the board has moved the town in the right direction – thanks to a strong foundation of likeminded people. And no matter how brief his involvement may have been, there was a reason for it.

“Whether the reason is for me or the people I share the experience with, it’s a reminder that it’s not always about me,” he said.

Durante thanked the board for its patience, for working through challenges with him, and for providing guidance. He also recognized town administrators, board and committee members, and employees for their commitment to the town.

“I’ve been genuinely impressed by your dedication and your level of commitment, and I wish you all continued success moving forward,” he said. “You will always remain the main reason why I love this town.”

Durante also acknowledged Town Attorney Willis Stephens Jr. for his support.

“I know dealing with me came with the job, yet you never once made me feel that way,” he said. “You were inspiring, respectful, and exactly what I needed to help me know I was able to do this.”

Councilwoman Wendy Lewis said she knows this was a hard decision for Durante to make, and thanked him for his service. “You’re a good man and your intention was always what was best for the town,” she said.

Larca also wished Durante well.

“I’ve gotten to know Nick over the past two years, and while we didn’t always agree – as is often the case on a town board – it’s clear he loves Southeast,” said Larca. “His passion for recognizing and supporting community members, especially youth sports, really stood out, and his intentions were always focused on wanting to make the town better. Nick is a good man with a huge heart. It takes real courage to step away, and I respect his decision.”