Letters

I was literally in a state of shock after Donald Trump was elected president of the United States of America in November 2016. For weeks, I was stunned and depressed. I decided that I needed to do more and to get involved.

Shortly thereafter, my wife and I joined the Southampton Democratic Club. In February 2017, we attended the club’s “Mardi Gras” Party. As newcomers, we didn’t know many of the members.

Tommy John Schiavoni came over and warmly welcomed us. He sat and talked with us for quite a while. As time went by, my wife and I both became active members of the Southampton Democratic Committee and the club. It all started with Tommy John’s warm welcome.

Tommy John introduces himself on his website as: a husband, father, retired teacher of 32 years and a member of the Southampton Town Board.

Early on, I learned that Tommy John was a very hard worker and that he was the guy that knew how to “count the votes” … similar to Nancy Pelosi’s talent when she was Speaker of the House. Tommy John knows the nuts and bolts of each of the 42 districts in the Town of Southampton. He was vital in many successful elections of town officials in the Town of Southampton and he was elected to the Town Board himself in 2017. Tommy John has been an active member of local government since 2008. Public service runs in the family. His wife, Andrea Schiavoni, is a Family Court judge in Suffolk County.

Tommy John is now running for New York State Assembly. Fred Thiele has held this seat since 1995 (serving for 13 consecutive terms). Mr. Thiele has decided to retire, and he has endorsed Tommy John to succeed him. It is a significant show of confidence in Tommy John’s formidable abilities.

In closing, I want to say that I can personally attest to Tommy John’s character. In my opinion, character is more important than anything. Tommy John is a good man.

I urge you to vote for Tommy John Schiavoni to succeed Fred Thiele as the East End’s New York State assemblyman.

Dick Sheehan

Manorville