The race for Oyster Bay Town Supervisor is getting crowded, with as many as five candidates in the running.

Earlier this year, the Oyster Bay Town Board appointed Joe Saladino as its new supervisor. The former assemblyman is seeking a full term in the fall.

Democrat Marc Herman, Independent Robert Ripp, and a pair of former Democratic hopefuls - Johnathan Clarke and John Mangelli - are all in the running.

Mangelli is backed by the Reform Party after nearly pulling off an historic upset as a Democrat just two years ago.

The crowded field figures to mean that voters will have more options on election day, but political consultant Michael Dawidziak says it could also help Saladino and the Republicans retain power.

"He gets a chance to say things are being done differently," Dawidziak says.

Guy Vondersch, of Bethpage, says he hopes the lengthy list of candidates results in important debate and real solutions.

"I think having different opinions is going to be a good thing to listen to," he says. "See what they're going to do for our kids, our school districts and the town of Oyster Bay."

The official ballot has yet to be finalized.