Letters

It’s election time and the arrows are flying, but they’re far off the target and only hurt those who launched them.

Case in point: At a recent Bridgehampton-Noyac forum, it’s reported that the discussion was hijacked by supporters of Town Councilwoman Cyndi McNamara, who seeks reelection in November.

Ms. McNamara’s friends shifted the group’s focus from policy to a video ad by the Suffolk County Democrats criticizing her record. They used the ad’s claims, which they called inaccurate, to attack her opponent, Tom Neely.

Mr. Neely, however, disavowed the video entirely, saying he had nothing to do with it, and he rejects negative campaigning.

What voters must grasp, though, is that despite the ad’s harsh style, the underlying facts stated there are true and critical to us all.

For example, it’s true that Cyndi McNamara voted not to phase out sand mining and thus severely compromised our drinking water. She went further by actively associating with special interest groups to oppose the phaseout.

It’s also true that Ms. McNamara’s positions are costing us all money. Her comments as a councilwoman on housing have led to a civil rights challenge, and her stances on other issues have resulted in further litigation and further cost to taxpayers.

So, instead of addressing her record, Cyndi McNamara seeks to distract the public. Her true record shows, and it’s a liability.

She opposed traffic enhancement policies, including the acquisition of more speed signs.

She opposed simple traffic safety amendments in Water Mill that would keep children safe.

She faulted the Hampton Bays cone program.

Most glaringly, she opposed the 2025 town budget, which provided funding for additional police and public safety officers, and more Highway Department resources.

By contrast, Tom Neely has been working to protect our children, give our police the support they need, improve our traffic safety laws, protect our water, and ensure that we have affordable housing for the future.

Tom’s experience, from his time as Hampton Jitney vice president, town traffic safety director, and Planning Board member, is based on action and results.

It’s time we stopped falling for Cyndi McNamara’s distractions. She’s running from her record. Tom Neely, on the other hand, is focused on the work that needs doing, and he always gets it done.

Ignore the noise, know the facts. Join me in voting for Tom Neely for Town Council. Early voting begins on October 25, and Election Day is November 4.

George Lynch

Quiogue

Lynch is communications chair for the Southampton Democratic Committee — Ed.