Letters

I am writing to recommend John Leonard for the Southampton Town Council, for the opening to be voted on in the special election on March 18, for the position Tommy John Schiavoni vacated when elected to the New York State Assembly.

We all know it is hard to decide on whom to support for leadership in our democracy, especially after watching the selection of the cabinet for our president. What do we look for in a candidate? I think the best criteria should include intelligence, career choices and relevant experience in government. These are the best predictors of success — and, for me, John Leonard comes to the front.

How did I reach this conclusion?

First, his academic record is exceptional. As a retired professor and dean at several large institutions, I know what it means to be in the top 2 percent of his law class. That takes being able to deal with complicated issues and innate intelligence, and that will be essential in this role.

Second, his career has been in law, working in New York and Los Angeles, and now Hampton Bays, as a sole practitioner. A background in understanding law along with a degree in philosophy from New York University puts him in an excellent position to succeed.

Third, his career has included commercial and personal litigation.

Finally, he has extensive relevant experience in the government of our area, having served on the Southampton Town Zoning Board of Appeals, the Hampton Bays Alliance, which he founded, and the Sag Harbor Chamber of Commerce, as a member of the board of directors.

So, he certainly meets the criteria I have put forth. I ask that you join me in supporting John Leonard for this position on our Southampton Town Council. I hope you agree and will join me in voting for him and for our future.

Nicholas M. Michelli, Ed.D.

Water Mill