Southold Supervisor Scott Russell's statement

Here's a copy of a statement issued Wednesday by Southold Supervisor Scott Russell.

Dear friends:

We want to thank everyone for such an outpouring of support during my recent sabbatical from Town Hall. Special thanks to my staff and the members of the Town Board for their support and efforts during these past several days. I look forward to returning to the work I love and am excited about returning on Monday, May 16.

I would also like to express my gratitude and deep devotion to my wife Nuria and my children Lily and Carson. It is very important to me to clarify the misconceptions and reports that resulted from my absence. We want to assure everyone that our relationship is strong and that recent incidents were a result of my poor health. The fact is that for some time now, I have allowed myself to become physically and mentally fatigued. 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.

I regret that I allowed my health to deteriorate to the point it did. However, my wife and I look on this as a wake-up call and a blessing. These past two weeks have allowed us to focus on each other and our family and has reminded us of the blessings we have.

So, I return to work Monday stronger, with a new sense of vigor and an equally important renewed sense of balance in all aspects of my life.

Regards,

Scott