Letters

When Tom Neely entered the race for Southampton Town Council, it was already a win. A win for elevating candidates with experience, good character, know-how and common sense. Tom is someone who is dedicated to the work of local government, showing up every day to solve problems.

On November 4, progress on issues like traffic, clean water, public safety, and retaining the rural beauty of our farmland and coastal waterways is on the ballot.

Tom raised a family here; he has devoted his career to the logistics and people-skills work of getting us to where we need to be on public and private transport. That record of service shows that he will be a devoted public servant with a decades-long understanding of the work required.

Tom is also a kind, thoughtful and caring person with a personal practice of civility and showing up to listen. These are qualities that should be an absolute prerequisite for public office — so let’s embrace them here.

What we don’t need is grandstanding and resistance to cleaner air and water for the benefit of special interests.

Vote for Tom because he is a man of his word who will deliver for the public good — that is what drives him.

Willa J. Bernstein

Southampton