Matthew Kapell hired as Suffolk economic development aide

Matthew Kapell, who ran on the Democratic line in a losing race for Southold Town trustee last year, has joined the Bellone administration as a $51,390-a-year neighborhood aide in the economic development and planning department.

Kapell, 35, of Greenport is the son of former village mayor David Kapell. He came in last in a four-way race in which two trustees were elected, including top vote-getter Nicholas Krupski, son of Democratic Suffolk Legis. Al Krupski.

While the county is facing a three-year budget shortfall of more than $200 million, forms justifying Kapell’s hiring amid a fiscal deficiency stated “Filling the position is essential to the county in order to enhance economic development and transportation-related programs and activities.”