LEADERSHIP.

The League of Women Voters distributed a list some time ago that highlighted the following qualities of a good leader:  The ability to set clear goals, motivate others, take the initiative, take risks, compromise, and have integrity.

I believe this describes my style of leadership.  In addition, I think whoever serves as Southampton Town Supervisor should be respectful of the opinions of other elected officials, fellow board members, and professional staff that may have differing viewpoints.  Town officials need to also be respectful of the concerns of homeowners, taxpayers, and welcoming of any voices that wish to be heard.  In my opinion, at the local level, people want more responsive government and a results-oriented focus.

I believe in open, participatory government – one that is more transparent, inclusive and not dismissive of others.  I think it is important to applaud the achievements of others, and work together to reach goals.  In my opinion, it should not be about taking credit, casting blame, or engaging in one-upmanship.  It should be about taking responsibility and moving government forward towards a brighter future.  Ego and partisan politics should not get in the way of good government policy debates and decision-making. 

It’s not about cozy relationships; it’s about providing leadership, vision, and direction for town government.  It’s about getting things done and done right for the people of Southampton Town.

Local government officials need to confront tough issues head on with courage and marshal the resources needed to get results. It is important to forge consensus, resolve issues, analyze problems, and develop practical, logical, affordable solutions.  I am a Woman of Action and, for me – it’s not about manipulating. It’s about telling it like it is – being up front and forthright with all involved parties, including the press.  The people deserve to know the truth.

I am proud of my record of accomplishments on behalf of the people of Southampton Town, and that includes my time serving as Supervisor during the worst economic downturn that we have faced since the Great Depression.  I have demonstrated principled leadership as an elected official and delivered on the campaign platform promises made in prior elections.  Working with other members of the Town Board, I have held the line on property taxes, cut government spending, streamlined regulatory processes, ensured proactive code enforcement to safeguard neighborhoods and property values, and protected the environment.

Unfortunately, at all the “Meet the Candidates” debates and in print ads and campaign mailers, the incumbent has made false claims that I caused the Town’s prior budgetary problems and that I mismanaged the Town. She has repeatedly taken credit for the 0% tax rate increases set forth by Councilpersons Graboski-Nuzzi-Malone for 2011 and 2012, and cast blame on me for past budgetary issues.  The truth is that as Supervisor I took the critical steps necessary to put the Town on “solid financial footing,*” as concluded by the State Comptroller’s Report and the Management Response to that report.  These documents review 2008 and 2009 finances, the corrective actions that I spearheaded and my 2010 budget plan, which was implemented.  

People know that I am honest, hard-working, and that I really did the heavy-lifting to slash millions in government spending and put our Town back on the right track financially.

The 2010 Moody's Credit Reports applaud my administration for its "conservative and transparent financial management... swift and effective response to correct the internal accounting procedures ... and adoption of formal policies**"  Plus, Moody’s indicated that future bond rating actions would heavily weight the Town Board’s compliance with my 2010 Budget Plan.

Although it was necessary to repeatedly set the record straight with respect to the past, I strove to stay focused on an issues-oriented campaign with a platform of ideas and initiatives to address the needs of our community.  I have promoted my candidacy for Southampton Town Supervisor together with Stan Glinka and Jeff Mansfield for Town Council as “A team with a plan… The Right Team at the Right Time.”

Many people have asked me why I would ever want to go back into the political arena once again, after all that has happened to me.  Most people tend to shy away from taking on the challenges of this job and the public scrutiny and controversies.  But, I am passionate about my community.  I enjoy tackling the issues that we deal with at the local level of government.  I am knowledgeable about land use laws, zoning, comprehensive planning, municipal finance, and all the areas of town government services – the level of government that is closest to the people. 

I am proud to represent the everyday people who live and work in Southampton Town.  I have delivered for this community and, if elected, I will work hard to address the needs of our hamlet and village residents once again.

The only endorsement that matters to me is THE PEOPLE’S VOTE on Election Day, November 5.

For more info:  www.LINDAKABOT.com or call 631-219-7218

*NYS Comptroller’s Report, 2010 and as reported in the Southampton Press, Feb. 10, 2011 “Audit: Solid Footing” – “A new audit report by the State Comptroller’s Office that examined Southampton Town finances for all of 2008 and part of 2009 has concluded that the municipality is on solid financial footing.”

**Moody’s Investors Services Bond Rating Analysis, February 2010 (reviewing 2008-2009 finances and Kabot’s 2010 budget plan, adopted Nov. 2009)