Letters

The letter titled “Bad Advice” by Craig Catalanotto [Letters, October 16] leaves out key facts that the public deserves to know.

Mr. Catalanotto personally signed the petitions that placed two sham candidates on this year’s Southampton Town Board ballot — petitions that were notarized by Councilwoman Cyndi McNamara. These documents are public records.

There are two open Town Board seats, two legitimate Republican candidates, and one Democrat. But the petitions signed by Catalanotto and notarized by McNamara added two fraudulent candidates who have never campaigned, never debated, and have not answered a single inquiry. Their only purpose was to confuse voters and distort the election, a clear fraud upon the public.

A notary public is a sworn officer bound by law to act impartially and honestly. By notarizing petitions for candidates she knew were not running, McNamara misused her public office and betrayed the trust placed in her.

Meanwhile, Catalanotto now writes self-righteously about “division politics” while concealing his own role in this deception. That is not civic virtue — it is hypocrisy. This is not about party labels or campaign rhetoric. It is about truth and integrity.

Voters deserve real candidates and real choices, not fake candidates validated through deceptive filings.

Southampton’s residents value honesty and fairness. They should not have to tolerate fraud disguised as democracy.

Rhonda Liss

Bridgehampton