Greg Williams has announced he is running for the Suffolk County Legislature seat, which has been vacated by Al Krupski. (courtesy photo)
On Wednesday night, a state Supreme Court judge invalidated the petition of Mattituck businessman Greg Williams, who last month declared him the Republican nominee for the Suffolk County Legislature.
In his decision, Judge Jerry Garguilo said the petitioner, Catherine Stark, sought an order to have Williams’ petition invalidated “for alleging that it was rife with fraud.” Ms. Tucker is the Republican Party’s declared candidate for the legislature; Mr. Williams, who has no support as the party’s official nominee, has since said he will run a primary against her.
Ms Stark contested Mr Williams’ petition and his signature in court. According to the court’s decision, the question is whether the signing of the petition was properly witnessed. The decision said the “witness signature” line on the petition was signed by Mr Williams’ wife, Karen.
During the court hearing, it was questioned whether Karen Williams had indeed correctly witnessed the signature. In his decision, Judge Garguilo said: “The Court notes that the omission was likely due to inexperience in the process.
“Nevertheless, the court is obliged to obey the law. Catherine Stark’s petition … was granted and Candidate Williams’ designated petition was invalidated.”
Mr Williams could not be reached for comment late Wednesday.
At a news conference late Wednesday afternoon, Jesse Garcia, chairman of the Suffolk County Republican Party, said Mr. Williams’ name would be removed from the ballot. He then went on in a press release to compare Mr. Williams to Rep. George Santos, who is running for a congressional seat in western Nassau County and has been charged with fraud.
“The people of Suffolk deserve better and Mr Williams has made it very clear that he is unfit for public office,” Mr Garcia said.
“Lawyers representing the party will refer the matter to the Suffolk County District Attorney,” he said.
