A rematch in the Whaleyville Borough this election pits challenger Jay Quigley against Curtis Milteer, who beat him eight years ago.

Milteer, the current councilman for Whaleyville, has represented the area since 1980, spending two of those years as the appointed mayor.

Quigley, who works for Lipton Tea, has a background with both the Navy and the Suffolk Police Department.

Now, he’s back again challenging the man who serves almost as a human history book for City Council. Quigley says that his lack of historical connection to the city’s governing body is one of his best attributes.

“I’m not politically connected,” he said. “I don’t have a bunch of people supporting me (as far as contributing to my campaign). I really just want to get in there and do the right thing for the people of the Whaleyville borough and the whole city.”

“Someone needs to get in there and not put themselves first, which these career politicians do, acting like it’s their birthright to get this seat year after year.”

Quigley says that while out campaigning, he hears the plight of his fellow neighbors on issues from the assessment process to crime rates.

“I want their vote and I’m going in there with vigor and let the city manager and city staff know who they work for,” he said. “There’s not even a perception of me owing people anything, to me that’s good.”

While Quigley is embracing his position as a political outsider, Milteer counters that his experience over these past three decades makes him a better candidate and makes Suffolk a better city.

“We’re running our campaign on experience and performance,” he said.

Milteer said that in his seven terms of office, the city has spent more than $6 million in his borough for housing needs, recreational facilities and the community center in Whaleyville.

He also said that he sees the hurdles the residents of his borough must cross. Milteer has a series of challenges he wants to lead the people of Whaleyville through in the next four years, including improving the schools, upgrading tax exemptions for senior citizens and installing a sewage plant to service Whaleyville.

In a letter written to voters, Milteer calls his career on Council a “privilege,” adding that “now, more than ever, is the time for experienced representation on Council.”

The Whaleyville Borough is one of two with contested council seats this year. The Nansemond Borough features a contest between Trisha James and incumbent Leroy Bennett.

A preview of that race is set for Tuesday’s edition of the Suffolk News-Herald.

Election Day is Nov. 4.