Hamptons Politics: Linda Kabot Runs For Southampton Town Seat

“For me, it’s not about showmanship, jockeying for position and petty partisan politics,” former Southampton Town Supervisor and longtime resident Linda Kabot said of her decision to campaign for the Supervisor position in this November’s election. “It’s about getting things done and done right for Southampton Town.”

This candid, nonpartisan mindset has stayed with the experienced local government official even throughout her most ambitious endeavors. After serving as Councilwoman from 2002 through 2007 and Supervisor from 2008 through 2009, she ambitiously stepped in as a write-in candidate six weeks before the 2011 election when the Republican and Conservative parties did not run any candidates for the position. This time around, Kabot is actively seeking Republican endorsement as a Supervisor candidate and is also requesting to be screened for endorsement by the Conservative Party. This cross-endorsement would require the Conservative County Chairman to file a Wilson-Pakula Authorization by the Suffolk County Board of Elections in mid-July.

When the Republican team of candidates is officially nominated, a campaign platform will be developed for the Town Board ticket. “This campaign platform will certainly highlight the need for continued fiscal prudence to protect the Town’s financial condition, greater efforts to bolster the local economy, more proactive code enforcement to safeguard our quality of life, and implementation of policy initiatives based upon recommendations of Southampton Town’s Comprehensive Plan,” Kabot wrote in an email to Hamptons.com.

As part of her 2013 Exploratory Campaign, Kabot will take a “listening tour” to hear directly from constituents about important issues they believe must be addressed. “In my opinion, the Town is standing still, the agendas are light, and ego battles seem to take center stage over the past few years,” she said. “I would like to see Southampton Town move forward on policy initiatives based upon recommendations of Southampton Town’s Comprehensive Plan.”

“I have stood tall when others looked down at their shoes during times of challenge and controversy. I have faced the many obstacles and political shenanigans placed before me head-on, always keeping in mind my oath of office to serve the people of Southampton Town to the best of my ability,” Kabot said. “For this year’s election, I am asking voters to bring back a knowledgeable Supervisor that has demonstrated strong, independent leadership they can trust.”