A one-time ally turns rival in Riverhead supervisor scrap

Anthony Coates, who two years ago managed the campaign of Riverhead's Republican Supervisor Sean Walter, now looks to run against him.

Coates, 54, switched from Democrat to Republican in 2012 and ran a losing primary against Republican town board member Jodi Giglio, Walter's archrival, in 2013. But Coates returned to the Democratic fold last May. At a party convention Tuesday, Coates will face off against Glen Friedman of Jamesport.

Coates said he was "severely disappointed" in Walter. "We're the poorest, most indebted and lowest bond-rated town in the county and the highest taxes on the East End," he said. "It's time for new leadership."

Walter and Giglio, meanwhile, are competing for the GOP supervisor nomination.

Republicans will hold their town convention the same night where a floor fight is expected with primary to follow.