Southold head says he'll return to work

Southold Supervisor Scott Russell, who took an abrupt leave of absence almost two weeks ago after a 911 domestic disturbance call to his house, says he will return to work Monday and that he took the "sabbatical" because of poor health.

"The fact is that for some time now, I have allowed myself to become physically and mentally fatigued," Russell said in an email released Wednesday. "The warning signs were there; my wife certainly noticed them. Despite her concerns, I ignored the signs.

"I got progressively worse and that one day, it was clear to my wife that I need medical attention, so she called 911 for help," read part of the statement.

Southold police were called to Russell's house April 28 for what police Capt. Martin Flatley described as a domestic disturbance call. He said no one was charged in the incident.

A Freedom of Information Act request filed last week by Newsday seeking a copy of the police report is awaiting approval.

The April incident was personal and should not affect Russell's nomination to the ticket, if he chooses to run again, said Southold Republican Party leader Denis Noncarrow.

Deputy Supervisor Phillip Beltz has been overseeing the day-to-day government operations, and presided over Tuesday night's town board meeting, although he did not have the power to vote.