Happy Thanksgiving and Best Wishes To All

As Thanksgiving and the holiday season is now here, it is important to express our gratitude to those who are special in our lives ... Our family, friends, neighbors and others — and not just those who we think about often, but those also who have played an important role in our lives in the past.  Reach out with a friendly hello and inquire how things are going. Let people know that you are thinking of them, recalling fond memories, and expressing best wishes to them and their families.

My sincerest thanks to the people who came out from all walks of life, from across the political spectrum, to participate in the recent General Election for important Town and County public offices.  I greatly appreciate the vote of confidence cast by thousands of people for my WRITE-IN campaign for Southampton Town Supervisor to send a message that it’s NOT a election without a challenger, to support my viewpoints on community issues and encourage my continued work as a local government leader.  

It is my belief that there is a certain honor in trying and losing and there is no honor in not trying.  Although my WRITE-IN campaign for Supervisor did not achieve the “miracle win” that my supporters and I had hoped for, I am proud of the extraordinary percentage points I garnered: approximately 37%. And, that’s with having only six weeks to campaign and without even having my name listed on the official ballot line-up.  And, that’s despite the fact that the current Supervisor had her name listed on three party lines (D, WF, I). 

When the absentee ballots are fully tallied, over 3,800 voters exercised their right to a CHOICE by WRITE-IN for the position of Town Supervisor.  I am heartened to have had your support.  To have that many people choose to WRITE-IN my name when voting on their official ballot is truly inspiring.  This is a historic accomplishment for a WRITE-IN candidate in Suffolk County! 

It was truly an honor and a privilege to have had the opportunity to offer voters my strength of character, courage, and credentials for their consideration in this year’s General Election.  For me, this race was all about integrity and demonstrating a tireless and true commitment to public service on behalf of the residents and taxpayers of the great town of Southampton. 

Whether you placed a sign on your front lawn, attended a fundraiser event, helped to hand out sample ballots, or just called or emailed to say, “Good Luck, you’ve got my vote!” – please know that I sincerely appreciate everything that was done during the weeks prior to and on Election Day. 

I also express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you who have called or written to me over the past few weeks to extend your congratulations on my strong showing and to indicate your continued support.

Best wishes to all who have won the support of the people for elective office in Southampton Town. May you make sound decisions in the interest of good government. 

Happy Thanksgiving and sincere best wishes for a wonderful holiday season as 2011 ends and a New Year begins!  

Let us all count our blessings and remember to also think of those less fortunate. Over this holiday season, if you can -- participate in fundraisers for local charities, contribute to the food pantries, and donate winter coats, toys, books, clothing and other items to those entities organizing drives and hosting collection points for the needy.  Helping others who may be struggling, no matter how large or small your contribution may be, is a wonderful way to give back to your community and makes the holiday season all that much merrier.