Dan's Papers - April 24, 2009 - A Sea Change in Southampton Politics?

The political winds of the 2009 local Southampton elections are already swirling as the town gets ready for the all important "Summer Season." With the local Democratic Party growing in both registration and active participation, change is clearly in the air. Suffolk County Legislator Jay Schneiderman, himself in a unique situation of being a former Republican stalwart for years then declaring himself an independent for an array of reasons, believes that, "Supervisor Linda Kabot is not to be underestimated." He admitted that the budget problems, the mood of frustration of the country (let alone the county), as well as confusion and fear are creating a political climate where anything is possible.

Among those possibilities is a Democratic sweep of the Southampton Town Board - or even the opposite because there is so much "uncertainty." Schneiderman has confidence in the will of the people this year to look beyond the "party affiliation and pick the best candidates." (Of course he may feel this way running as an independent without a nomination from the Republican or Democratic Parties.)

Southampton Town Democratic Chairman Gordon Herr sees it from a somewhat more partisan view. "I am so encouraged by the almost 3-1 new Democratic vs. Republican Party registrations I'm seeing monthly," he said.

Although the date for the selection of candidates to run for Supervisor and other board seats has not been chosen, Herr is confident that "change is coming to Southampton." He stressed that the present administration is weakest on its ability to laser in on what it is spending daily, weekly and yearly, and that in these times of fiscal uncertainties those vagaries are no longer tolerable let alone prudent. Herr believes the efforts of the Democratic board members - led by the shining wisdom of Anna Throne-Holst, an expert on finance - will be most salient in the November elections. "Anna is leading the way, working diligently to bring order and structure to the process," Herr said. "She would make a strong Supervisor candidate because she is bright, honest, experienced and popular. Sally Pope has been right there with her."

Schneiderman concedes that Throne-Holst would be a strong candidate, but stresses, "So much can happen between now and November. Linda Kabot is capable, and it's been quite a while since the Democratic Party has had control of the Board."

In the last election, the incumbent Republican Patrick Heaney was narrowly defeated by the resolute Republican Linda Kabot. In a bizarre twist, Heaney is now working for the County in a job offered to him by Suffolk County Executive Steven Levy - a Democrat. In fact, they seem to have formed a mutual admiration society, judging by the way they spoke of each other at a recent event at the Southampton Inn. The question is: How will Republican Heaney working for a Democrat instruct his closest supporters come next November? When asked about this, Jay Schneiderman said that he himself has "good days and not as good days" in his relationship with the County Executive. On the subject of Heaney's appointment by Levy, he commented, "It was unusual development."

Schneiderman, who is typically candid and straightforward with his answers, stressed that he cares about the East End of Long Island, and politics come second to doing what is best for the county. He hopes to get support from all quarters of the political landscape because he believes it's time for citizens to simply vote for the best candidates up for elections.

The Republicans are not going to lie down and hand over the keys to Town Hall to the Democrats - this much is known by all. The semi-civil atmosphere of political co-operation will probably become sharply more intense moving forward as the political temperature rises. With so much uncertainty one thing is for certain, Southampton politics this election cycle will not be more of the same. Gordon Herr is confident.

"I believe we have the momentum and issues on our side," he said. "I am looking forward to the election with enthusiasm. So many Democrats have worked hard for a very long time."