Meet The Candidate: Mark Bernardo For Southampton Town Clerk

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, three candidates are running for the town clerk's seat long held by Sundy Schermeyer — Republican, Conservative — who is running again to retain her position. Challenging Mark Bernardo, a Democrat, and Peter Collins, who is running on the Working Families line.

Name

Mark Bernardo

How old will you be as of Election Day?

70

Does your campaign have a website?

Southampton Forward
shdems.org

What city or town do you live in?

Westhampton Beach

What office are you seeking?

Town clerk

Party affiliation

Democrat

Education

BA, History Indiana University of Pennsylvania

What is your occupation?

Computer animation/ visual effects

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

Mark has lived in Westhampton Beach for over a decade, where he and his wife of 43 years are active in the community. My wife and I have 1 son, Dr. Sebastian Bernardo to an attending psychiatrist at Mount Sinai in the psych emergency room. Mark is also a beekeeper.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

No

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?

Imagine a town clerk's office fortified against cyber threats through a comprehensive audit — ensuring no "wormholes" expose our sensitive data. Picture streamlined processes with expanded online applications and payments, saving residents time and hassle. Expanding office hours to weekends because not everyone can schedule a weekday visit 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. And envision an office spotlighting Southampton's extraordinary archives, turning our historical treasures into accessible stories that unite us.

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

I bring 50 years of unparalleled expertise in design and visual effects to this critical role — crafting legacies that have graced six Olympic broadcasts, Super Bowls, and Emmy-winning productions. A three-time Emmy winner and Peabody Award recipient.

My career isn't just about creativity; it's about precision, security, and storytelling that preserves what matters most, the truth. I have administered large teams with high dollar budgets to deliver under extraordinary timelines a product that often raises the visual literacy the viewing public.

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

My motivations are simple yet profound: to serve the people of the East End, fostering efficiency without sacrificing the personal touch that defines Southampton. In an era of rapid change, my tech-savvy innovation and meticulous eye for detail will modernize operations while honoring our town's extraordinary legacy. No controversies shadow my record — only a commitment to transparency and progress.

"I am humbled just to be nominated for this important position. I'm not just qualified; I am the clerk Southampton deserves — one who designs a brighter, more secure future for all of us. I ask for your vote on Election Day, November 4."