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East Hampton Village Mayor Jerry Larson recounts police career, downtown revival and bid for town supervisor
Summary
Mayor Jerry Larson, a lifelong resident and former police chief, told LTV East End News he's proud of downtown revitalization and community events and is running for town supervisor to repair strained town-village relations and address local service issues.
Mayor Jerry Larson, who spent more than three decades in law enforcement and served 14 years as East Hampton Village police chief, said his policing experience shaped his approach to leadership and public service.
"It helps in a lot of ways," Larson said, describing detective work and de-escalation as central to his management style. He told host Dara Berger that his career began at the New York City Police Academy before he returned to East Hampton and rose through the ranks.
Larson highlighted a series of local initiatives he said revived the village's downtown and strengthened community ties. He described Tuesday-night concerts at the beach, now known as "Tuesdays at Maine," a Santa Fest weekend and block parties as efforts that bring residents, second homeowners and visitors together and support small businesses.
"People who'd never felt part of the community said they do now," Larson said, crediting the East Hampton Village Foundation and volunteer fundraising for sustaining events.
Larson said he decided to run for town supervisor after relations with the current supervisor deteriorated over issues including dispatch consolidation and a town lawsuit against the village fire department. He said he had previously been asked to run for state Senate but chose to pursue the supervisor's office to fix local relationships.
On the PFAS litigation, Larson said the town sued the village fire department over contamination from firefighting foam and that he proposed the village and town drop that suit and instead sue the foam manufacturer; he said depositions are ongoing.
Larson cited physical improvements he considers major accomplishments: refurbishment of a village park, planned upgrades to a children's playground, installing speakers along Main Street to enhance parades and attracting new businesses that he says have increased foot traffic.
Looking ahead, Larson said his village experience provides a template he would apply across hamlets if elected town supervisor, while acknowledging each community would need tailored plans.
The interview closed with Larson reiterating his residency, family ties and long-term commitment to the village.
The program concluded with host Dara Berger thanking viewers for tuning in.
