Why I Am Running for Re-Election

As a father raising my two sons on the same land that shaped me, I serve with the understanding that we belong to this place as much as it belongs to us, and that our decisions today will echo in the lives of generations yet to come.

I am the fourth generation at Seps Farm, where I grew up in Orient and East Marion surrounded by the farmers, baymen, and trades who make up the heart of our working community. Our family farm serves as a focal point where hardworking neighbors gather, their perspectives and common sense shaping my understanding of who we are as Southolders.

It is here that the seeds of service were sown, instilling in me an enduring sense of place and responsibility for how we relate to our lands and waters as stewards.

The waterfront today faces unprecedented change. As your Trustee, I have been a steady hand through challenging times, protecting public access to our foreshore, steering development to follow natural patterns, ensuring our pump-out boat program remains fully staffed, and being a public presence in our schools and civic life. With my fellow Trustees, I have served in the long tradition of conservation.

Service runs in my family, guided by the principle that one's gifts should be shared to protect and steward our town. I ask for your vote so that I may focus on education and outreach—teaching our community about our town's resources, policies, and how we can build resilience against rising tides and warming waters. I seek to serve as a bridge between our rich history and sustainable future, ensuring Southold remains a place where working people can thrive in connection with our precious lands and waters.

Trustee Accomplishments

• Protecting public waterfront access for all residents 

• Steering development to follow natural coastal patterns 

• Ensuring pump-out boat program remains fully staffed and operational 

• Drafted protective waterfront code to prevent encroachment on sensitive areas 

• Implementing natural buffer systems to reduce nitrogen pollution 

• Managed trustee fees to serve public good and environmental protection 

• Strong community presence - Regular speaking at civic events and schools

• Education and outreach on environmental stewardship 

• Building community resilience against rising tides and climate change 

• Bridging tradition and innovation for sustainable growth 

• Protecting working waterfront for fishermen, farmers, and baymen 

• Preserving Southold's character while managing responsible development