Meet The Candidate: Greg Schlachter For Southold Town Highway Superintendent

NORTH FORK, NY: Suffolk County residents will be heading to the polls Tuesday to elect local representatives and make their voices heard.

Residents will weigh in on the race to represent one of the 18 legislative districts in Suffolk County, vote for Suffolk County District Attorney and Sheriff (both are running unopposed) — and choose their local town elected officials.

On the North Fork, incumbent Denis Noncarrow is running against challenger Abigail Field to retain his seat as Southold Town Clerk.

Name

Greg Schlacter

Does your campaign have a website

Elect Greg Schlachter For Southold Highway Superintendent

What city or town do you live in?

I live in Southold.

What office are you seeking?

I am seeking the position of Southold Town Highway Superintendent.

Party affiliation

Republican and Conservative

Education

High school diploma, BOCES tech., auto mechanics

What is your occupation?

I currently work for the Southold Highway Department as a mechanic.

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

I live in Southold with my wife, Denise, she has owned and operated Making Waves Hair Salon in Cutchogue for more than 25 years and is the vice president of the Southold American Legion Auxiliary. My niece Amber Wilson is currently up for reelection as the Shelter Island Town Clerk.

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

I have never held a public office.

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

I’ve spent the last decade working for the Southold Highway Department and over the past four years, I’ve seen a real drop in morale and communication between the front office and the employees. With my experience at Latham Sand and Gravel, Half Hollow Nurseries, and my strong connection with this community, Iknow I can bring positive change to the highway department. I am ready to restore teamwork, communication, and pride in the work we do for Southold.

What do you think can be done to help improve our infrastructure, highways, etc.?

The single most pressing issue facing Long Island’s water quality is the lack of proper drainage and outdated infrastructure. Too many of our roadways and properties are affected by poor runoff management, which allows pollutants and nitrogen to flow into our bays and groundwater. As highway superintendent, I would focus on improving drainage systems, keeping catch basins and ditches clear, and working closely with environmental engineers to ensure our stormwater systems protect our drinking water and ecosystems. Clean water starts with good infrastructure — and that’s something we can fix with the right attention and teamwork.

I believe that to truly improve our infrastructure and roadways, we need to focus on the basics. Better pothole repair, sidewalk maintenance, and road paving. We also need to make sure drains we install are regularly maintained so they continue to work properly. Its about looking at each problem carefully and finding smarter, more efficient ways to fix it. Getting the best results for our residents and the best value for the taxpayers of Southold Town.

How would you plan to help local business owners, who are struggling because of high rents, inflation and labor shortages?

My plan to help local business owners who are struggling with high rents, inflation, and labor shortages starts with keeping our roads safe and open for the smooth flow of traffic. I will coordinate with other agencies to schedule road work at times that do not interfere with busy holiday weekends or peak business seasons. By planning projects seasonally and minimizing disruptions, we can keep traffic moving, ensure employees can get to work, and make it easier for customers to reach our local businesses. When our roads run efficiently, our businesses can thrive — and when our businesses thrive, our whole community benefits.

How are federal issues impacting local government?

Federal isues ofter create gridlock that impacts our local government , especially when it comes to federal funding. These delays or shortfalls directly affect our ability to improve infrastructure and keep our town running smoothly. Reliable funding is essential for maintaining safe roads, upgrading drainage systems, and ensuring our community continues to function efficiently.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidate seeking this post?

The difference between myself and the other candidate that is seeking this post is that my focus is on rebuilding morale within the highway department. Many employees feel undervalued and unsupported, and that needs to change. I believe this department deserves a leader who leads with respect, fairness and accountability. I'll open lines of communication, not only with the employees, but also with the residents of Southold Town. I would never ask anyone to do a job I wouldn’t do myself. I plan to work side by side with the crews, listen to their input, and build a strong, motivated team that takes pride in serving our community.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Other key issues I plan to address during my campaign include updating equipment, maintaining trees and rights-of-ways, repairing and maintaining sidewalks, performing preventative drain maintenance, keeping up with street sweeping, and ensuring our community stays clean and safe for everyone. These are practical steps that will improve the quality of life for all residents and keep Southold Town running efficiently.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

My past accomplishments include working for Latham Sand and Gravel, where I gained hands on experience in building and maintaining roads, creating and maintaining drainage systems, and soil effectively. I also have more than 25 years of experience at Half Hollow Nurseries, where i served as fleet manager, ran the maintenance department, managed crews across a 700 acre nursery, and handled departmental budgeting. For the past 10 years, I’ve worked for the Town of Southold, learning how municipal operations function and collaborating closely with my fellow employees.

This combination of private sector experience and municipal knowledge gives me the skills and perspective needed to lead the highway department effectively.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I have proudly served as a volunteer member of the Southold Fire Department for more than 40 years. I am an active member of the Sons of the American Legion Post 803 in Southold, and I serve as Southold Santa. In that role, I donate my time to the Southold PBA, Wendy’s Deli, the American Legion, and local youth programs such as the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. You might have even spotted me at a WINGO once or twice! Giving back to Southold has always been and will continue to be a priority in my life.