During my time in Southampton Village government, I listened and made sure I gathered information necessary to problem-solve and draw independent conclusions, and to question what I felt was wrongheaded or not in the public’s best interest.
Water quality, beach access and hardened structures along the shoreline that greatly impact the erosion of the beaches, as well as hindering our natural habitats, are just a few of the upcoming issues that the next Town Trustees will have to contend with.
As a village trustee, I worked on issues of water quality and beach access with the Town Trustees. Communication and cooperation must be maintained between the Town Trustees and the Village Board, as they are co-defendants in the ongoing litigation regarding the drive-on “Picnic Area” to uphold the rights and principles laid out in the Dongan Patent of 1686.
If elected, I will make it my goal to build consensus not only with my colleagues but with the Town Council, as well as village boards and hamlets and civic groups.
Accountability and transparency will win public trust, not political talking points.
We must remember that the water is our economy, and our capital, that affects our tourism and way of life. If we allow our beautiful beaches to be degraded and put our heads in the sand about remediation of our water supply, we will destroy a natural and endangered resource and have nothing.
I hope you will vote to elect me as a Southampton Town Trustee on November 7.
Joseph R. McLoughlin
Southampton Village
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