As an assessor, she is responsible for the valuation of almost 17,000 parcels of property with an estimated worth of approximately $13 billion.

Her other duties include exemption administration, deed transfers, property splits and assemblages, oversight of the state’s assessment software system, preparation of assessment rolls and staff training. 

One of Ms. Tennenberg’s areas of concentration is the manufactured home community, a group of almost 1,900 properties, ensuring that assessed values and exemptions are maintained fairly and equitably. 

In 1996, Ms. Tennenberg was admitted to the Institute of Assessing Officers and awarded the designation of Professional Assessor, the highest rank for assessors in New York State. Additionally, she previously served as president and treasurer of the Suffolk County Assessors’ Association and is treasurer of the New York State Assessors’ Association, a position she has held since 1998.

Mike Zaleski, Highway Superintendent

Mike Zaleski has over 31 years with the highway department — four of them as superintendent, six as deputy and 21 as shop foreman and in various operator roles.

During his tenure, he has improved many drainage issues, including Cranberry Street, where he also added and fixed sidewalks. He coordinated paving of major roads like Sound Avenue, Middle Road, Creek Road and North Wading River Road.

He also has implemented Snow Plow safety for first-graders, the Truck Show for children and the annual holiday toy drive. 

Mr. Zaleski won the 2024 AAA Traffic Safety award, took the first-place 2025 state innovative award and the 2024 civic department of the year award.

He advocated for the Long Island Rail Road to repair their crossings and for the state DOT to repave Route 25 in Calverton. He continues to update the town’s vehicle fleet and highway buildings.

“I would like to continue improving our roads and fleet to provide safety and reliability for the people of Riverhead,” Mr. Zaleski said.

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Izabella and Wyette, whose last names are being withheld at the family’s request to protect their privacy, lost their first-born child, 6-month-old Jaxon Ryker, who died suddenly in his sleep on Aug. 6.

“Sadly, my youngest granddaughter Bella’s baby Jaxon passed away suddenly,” Mason Haas, former Riverhead Town assessor and Jamesport resident, said via Facebook. “[She] and Wyette are young, loving parents who [are] now dealing with this tragedy. Anything you can do to help them would be greatly appreciated.”

Ashley Paciotti, Jaxon’s great-aunt, and two others started a GoFundMe page titled “Funeral & Memorial Expenses for Baby Jaxon. ” As of Monday evening, $5,693 — more than half the $9,000 goal — had been raised.

“This was all sudden and so soon. Our first concern is just to make sure that he’s able to be laid to rest,” Ms. Paciotti said. “I know that his mom in the future would like to do SIDS awareness and different things like that.

“He was a good baby … always full of laughter and joy,” she added. “He was literally the light of their lives. You know, he could light up any room, he made everybody smile that passed him in the grocery store. Anybody that got to know him fell in love with him immediately.”

Anyone interested in donating to help defray funeral expenses may do so at gofundme.com.

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