Letters

I’m running for mayor of Southampton Village because I believe in an open government accountable to all the residents, and I hope I earn your vote on June 20.

What I bring to the role is experience, proven commitment and accountability. I served on the Village Planning Commission for over 18 years, across three different administrations.

I currently serve as a village trustee, and I have seen a steady erosion in the public discourse, as residents are not informed on major decisions. I also have been a successful business owner for decades, perfecting my skills in problem-solving, fiscal responsibility and employee relations.

As mayor, I will keep Pond Lane open and improved, address traffic with every tool at our disposal, adopt fiscally sound budgets, pass common sense regulations that work for everyone, bring back public comment at every meeting, not allow a historic district expansion without clear majority support of the residents, eliminate lifetime health benefits for part-time elected officials, limit overdevelopment, prioritize safety and support of our first responders, and take real action to protect our environment, such as decentralized solutions for sewage treatment.

During my time on the Planning Commission, I helped shape the Downtown Business District Guidelines, participated in zoning discussions through a public and transparent process, and worked on the request for proposal process for developing a sewer district. We worked to balance growth with preservation, something I believe is fundamental to our village’s future.

As a father of three sons who all grew up in Southampton, I want to make sure this village remains a place they, and others of their generation, can return to and call home.

Southampton Village deserves a mayor who will listen to and include all residents in the conversation, with experience, steady leadership and a vision rooted in community values.

Ed Simioni

Southampton Village