Meet Our Candidate

Dana Forlenza

Candidate for Southold Town Tax Assessor

Why I am running

I have spent most of my life in Southold Town and want to do my part to ensure the town is here for future generations.  It is my belief that each of us has a responsibility to make our corner of the world better and that what happens at the local level matters. My love of the community I call home has led me to run for Town Tax Assessor.

The skills I have honed over the course of my career have prepared me to make my contribution by serving our town in this role. My insurance experience has given me an extensive understanding of the value of local homes. But equally as important are my communications and client services experience. I interact with clients daily, and these skills uniquely qualify me to assist our residents and business owners in all aspects of their property assessment, especially when it comes to questions, filing exemptions and submitting grievances.

As an insurance agent, I act as a liaison between the insurance company and the client, which often means I must work quickly and efficiently under pressure, a skill that will help me to ensure the tax roll is prepared at the correct time each year.

“If elected, I will apply my knowledge and customer service skills to serve our community and to help ensure the Assessor’s office is available to all who require its services.

Who I Am

I am a lifelong resident of the North Fork. I am a graduate of Mattituck High School, class of 2006, and earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Stony Brook University in 2009.

I currently reside in Mattituck, with my husband, Dominick, a small business owner, and our young son.


Dana, Dominick and their son.

Supporting North Fork Breast Cancer Coalition.

I began my career in banking before transitioning to insurance. I am currently a licensed insurance agent and have spent the past ten years working as an Account Executive and Service Manager for JSM Brokerage in Mattituck, where I specialize in Personal Lines policies. I work directly with clients, explaining how products work and the reasoning behind their cost. I am responsible for calculating the replacement cost of homes across the North Fork, a cost per square foot calculation which helps determine proper coverage amounts.

A BIT MORE ABOUT ME

* I love to read: My favorite book read last year
was The God of the Woods by Liz Moore.

* I enjoy: Learning new things. Currently, I am
learning Spanish and Italian.

* I'm happiest when: I am with my family.

* I laugh: Easily. Especially at a good Dad Joke.

* Fun Fact: My favorite treat is Pistachio
ice cream from Magic Fountain.