Meet The Candidates: Tom Neely For Southampton Town Board

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — Suffolk County residents are 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 South Fork, five candidates are running for two open seats on the Southampton Town board. Tom Neely has thrown his hat into the ring with incumbents Rick Martel and Cynthia McNamara, as well as new challengers Andrew Smith and Ieshia Galicia.

Name

Tom Neely

How old will you be as of Election Day?

70

Does your campaign have a website?

www.friendsoftomneely.com

What city or town do you live in?

Southampton Town

What office are you seeking?

Candidate for the Southampton Town Board (Town Council)

Party affiliation

Democrat

Education

Bachelor in Communication, Ohio University

What is your occupation?

Town Planning Board member; Transportation Consultant

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them. I was married to my wife Cynthia in Southampton and have two grown adult sons who are also married. I have a stepson who is disabled and lives in an IGHL group home in Middle Island.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

I was the Southampton Town Transportation & Traffic Safety Director from 2005 to 2021. This was an appointed position and I was the first person appointed to this position. I am currently on the Town Planning Board, also an appointed position.

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 have lived here for almost 40 years. I have been deeply committed to this community through my volunteer and professional work in the community and to the town — as a soccer and Little League coach; president of the Southampton Chamber of Commerce; as a member of the town's comprehensive plan committee and business advisory council while working as a VP at Hampton Jitney. This was followed by my town position, working with residents, county and state officials and others to address our traffic safety and transportation issues. As a member of the town board I will be able to help set priorities important to the town.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing residents is:

The single most pressing issue in Southampton is the need to address and improve our transportation network and traffic issues.

What needs to be done to address water quality issues on LI?

The town has made progress with its water quality progress through various programs such as the Peconic Estuary Partnership, the septic upgrade program and road runoff "capture" programs through the dedicated funding source. More needs to be done in monitoring and addressing concerns over the numerous freshwater ponds and lakes in the town. Expansion of the existing septic upgrade program is one step.

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

The MTA/LIRR has $262 million in their capital budget for South Fork rail improvements and needs to be pressured to begin making improvements in order to improve frequency and extend hours of service. Suffolk County and the State Department of Transportation need to begin select intersection improvements, such as replacing traffic signals with roundabouts to improve safety and traffic flow, on the primary South Fork routes — CR 39, SR 27, SR 24, etc.

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

I would look to streamline regulations, help promote local businesses and more "walkable" hamlet and village centers; and create more workforce housing close to these ‘"downtowns."

How are federal issues impacting local government?

Federal policies impact the local communities in many areas, ranging from health care, to food (nutrition) and senior service programs to immigration and transportation. Funding cutbacks in these areas puts more strain on the local governments to try and provide services that are often funded directly or indirectly through Federal programs or grants.

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

I am running against two Republican incumbents.My support for clean water programs has been made clear. My opponents do not have a clear record on this, having abstained and voted against a sand mine amortization regulation which will eventually close the remaining sand mines in the interest of our environment. One opponent also supported the largest luxury housing and golf course development project in the town. One of my opponents takes the position that federal policies have no impact on local government. She also has belittled the idea of the LIRR spending the capital funds for South Fork rail improvements as a waste.

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

Transportation and traffic are my areas of expertise. I want to pursue the creation of a “Transportation Development District” to enable more local control over our transportation network-road and rail.

I also want to continue to improve and expand upon workforce housing initiatives as a long term issue to help with traffic issues and allow younger and older people to live here.

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

As a vice president at Hampton Jitney I helped it grow into one of the most successful businesses on the East End. As the town's transportation and traffic safety director, I implemented many programs ranging from the installation of "School zone flashing beacons" at the schools in Southampton to the lowering of speed limits on about 25 town roads. I have also been the planning and project manager for the South Fork Commuter Connection train and bus service since its inception. This service takes hundreds of cars off the road everyday, while helping commuters "save time & save money" getting to/from work (google SFCC for information about the service) .

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

My record of service to this town is unmatched. I want to continue to work with and for the residents of Southampton. I am the most qualified person running for the town board this year. I have the experience, positive ideas and commitment to get things done for our community.