Letters

To further support Maria Moore, current mayor of Westhampton Beach, for town supervisor of Southampton, I want to add a personal touch to all her outstanding, well-documented qualifications.

First, to set the table, it is widely known that Maria was the instrumental driving force in significantly physically updating the Village of Westhampton Beach. Not only did she raise $19 million in grant money but she dramatically beautified the community by implementing an expanded sewage system, widened the sidewalks, planted more trees, relayed electrical wires underground and more. The result was a strong emotional surge by the village residents to be proud of where they call home.

On a personal level, she has touched me even more. Over the nine years that she has been mayor, Maria and I have successfully connected on a number of community projects, such as a local religious institution award, a new medical facility addition to our town, many luncheon connections and more. In every instance, she has been attentive, responsive and fulfilling.

Understand, too, that her success also is built on a strong, mutually supporting working relationship within the village official hierarchy. As we know, to get things done, a leader must have the trust and respect for the staff that surrounds her. Leaders understand the team approach, and Ms. Moore has well mastered her skills in that arena.

That’s why supporting her — and the entire Democratic slate on November 7 — is critical to the future success of our township.

Please vote on Election Day. Our Southampton areawide community will be the strong beneficiary. I promise you — from firsthand experience.

Tom Hadlock

Westhampton