Greenport Village Election Tuesday, Candidates Speak Out

GREENPORT, NY — It's Election Day Tuesday as Greenport Village residents cast their votes for two open Village Trustee seats.

Incumbents Mary Bess Phillips and Julia Robins are facing off against challenger Paul Kreiling.

The election will take place from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Third Street Firehouse.

Patch spoke to the candidates, and asked for their thoughts on a number of issues. Here, in alphabetical order, are their responses.

PAUL KREILING

Please tell me a bit about your bio.

A native of the North Fork and a resident of Greenport Village for 25 years, I have seen much change. I have perspective. For the last 12 years I have worked locally in the marine trades and have a sailing school in Stirling Harbor. I am very attuned to our harbor and the surrounding waters. I am alarmed. With an art education and affinity for nature I have a keen appreciation for the natural as well as manmade beauty of our village. I am committed to helping shepherd our village into the future while not losing sight of what makes our village unique.

What made you decide to throw in your hat in the ring to run for Village Trustee?

Over the years I have seen the water in Stirling Harbor degrade to the point where I wouldn’t want to get in it, and have seen no efforts to remediate this. Being environmentally aware, I knew there were solutions. The more I explore the issues, the more I realize it’s an opportunity for our village to give something back to the harbor that has nurtured us for centuries.

What do you think is the single most pressing concern in the village today?

Making sure that we as a village get out in front of change and direct it to maintain our character and soul.

If elected, what are your three priorities to focus on?

1. Determining direction and focus (Master Plan)

2. Preserving our environment and strengthening our infrastructure

3. Funding these initiatives

What are your thoughts/solutions on the parking issue in the village?

The short-term solution to parking seems to be seasonal metering of lots and streets. A longer-term solution involves a re-ordering of our present resources, and including the community in the process.

In regards to the short-term rental situation, do you think efforts are best focused on short-term rental code or working on the current rental code?

I believe an accurate registry of available rental units and a clear code of safety standards will give us the tools to create a code that protects the tenant, the landlord and the village. Without a clear registry it is impossible to fairly enforce the current, or any, rental code – whether long- or short-term.

With drug use on the rise and some past gang incidents reported in Greenport, what do you think we, as a community can do to provide healthy outlets for youth?

Create informal, nature-centric programs throughout the village, including swimming lessons at our public beaches, marine biology, natural history and ecology programs. This would involve talented members of the community and established organizations.

With the current political climate that is charged and frightening for some, what can the village do to assuage concerns of immigrants?

While the solution cannot be mandated by local government, we as a community can be positive, welcoming and inclusive. Individual acts of kindness create a community.

What can be done to balance the need for a vibrant business community, including tourism, while still maintaining traditional values and charm of the village?

By using the harbors as a focus, we can celebrate and encourage our convergence of sea and land. We can include our farmers, fishers, boaters, merchants, tourists and locals alike, while maintaining the charm of our village.

Regarding the potential PSEG agreement, how would you like to see the funds utilized?

First of all, the contract has not been signed yet and there are questions. For example, if drilling is not successful, are the funds guaranteed? I would utilize these funds to begin enacting a Master Plan, by hiring a grant writer, shoring up our infrastructure, including beginning the remediation of our harbors.

Are you happy with the police protection in the village?

Yes.

Why do you think you are the best candidate to choose in the upcoming election?

Having been a part of this community for 25 years, I offer a broad spectrum of experience from the marine industry to the arts, and a commitment to the application of sound environmental practices. I see this position as a spectacular opportunity to help set the tone of our future as a vibrant, thriving community.

MARY BESS PHILLIPS

Please tell me a bit about your bio.

I was born, raised and educated on Long Island. I am a wife and mother, currently in the commercial fishing industry with my husband Mark Phillips. My past accomplishments include being past board president for Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County, past chairman for Village Zoning Board of Appeals, past chairman of the Historic Preservation Committee, and a planning board member as well as a former board member of the Long Island Farm Bureau.

Since my election in 2009 as a Village Trustee I have and will continue to devote total commitment to being your Village of Greenport Trustee.

What made you decide to throw your hat again into the ring for the village trustee seat?

We live in a village where there were opportunities for young people to become a part of the community — to raise their children here, to send them to school. Over the last couple of years I have seen the planning board and the ZBA struggling with our current code to try and accomplish that goal. Currently, we have this battle between ‘Are we a community or are we a destination?’ and that’s something that we need to come to grips with toward quality of life for the residential and well as the business community.

What do you think is the single most pressing concern in the village today?

Remaining true the Village of Greenport that we all call home, our quality of life. The continued communication between the residential and business community in creating a harmony between the destination we are now and a community of caring residents that we are now and have been in the past.

If elected, what are your top three priorities to focus upon?

Financial oversight, seasonal issues parking/traffic and continued advancement in communication from village government.

What are your thoughts/solutions on the parking issue in the village?

The seasonal parking issue in the downtown business area and the parking in our residential areas in relationship to our village code is why I am suggesting that we hire a planner – who would also have the expertise to write grants.

In regard to the short term rental situation, do you think efforts are best focused on creating short term rental code or working on the current rental code?

Working on the current code with the intent for safety to all who either rent on a short or long term basis.

With drug use on the rise and some past gang incidents reported in Greenport, what do you think we as a community can do to provide healthy outlets for youth?

Communicating and networking with agencies within the Town of Southold, school districts, Southold Police Department, Suffolk County; resources are available to help educate us toward providing healthy outlets for youth.

With the current political climate that's charged and frightening for some, what can the village do to assuage concerns of immigrants?

The Village Board has already answered this question (through the recently adoption of a resolution that declares the village a welcoming community).

9) What can be done to balance the need for a vibrant business community, including tourism, while still maintaining the traditional values and charm of the village?

We live in a village where there were opportunities for young people to become a part of the community — to raise their children here, to send them to school. Over the last couple of years I have seen the planning board and the ZBA struggling with our current code to try and accomplish that goal. Currently, we have this battle between ‘Are we a community or are we a destination?’ and that’s something that we need to come to grips with toward quality of life for the residential and well as the business community.

Regarding the potential PSEG agreement, how would you like to see those funds utilized?

Hiring a Planner. There are many possibilities to benefit the whole village with communication and planning to make the most of this one time funding.

Are you happy with police protection in the village?

There has been an increase in the visual presence of our Southold Town Police.

Why do you think you are the best candidate to choose in the upcoming election?

I love this Village, respect its history and want to continue to be a part of shaping present policy and a future dedicated to what makes Greenport the special place it is. I'm asking for your vote next week, promising to continue to dedicate my time, experience and energy to representing your interests.

JULIA ROBINS

Please tell me a bit about your bio.

I came to Greenport as an aspiring young woman determined to own and operate a business. I worked for more that 25 years as a carpenter and contractor, which has enriched me with a vast knowledge about the homes and residents of the North Fork. In 2008, I began a new career in real estate, bringing my knowledge of housing to the industry.

My deep passion and love for the Village of Greenport along with a desire to give back to the community through public service was my motivation to seek office in 2013.

I have learned a tremendous amount in the last four years about how our village government works, spending countless hours educating myself about anything that affects the Village.

I have traveled to the New York Association of Public Power conferences three times a year with Greenport Village Administrator Paul Pallas. We attend all day meetings and presentations from some of the leading experts in the world of public power and discuss contracts and issues of importance to Greenport Electric. Mr. Pallas is a wealth of information and I use our travel time as a tutorial on hydropower, electric capacity markets and the functions and maintenance of our electric plant. As liaison to the Business Improvement District, I have been an advocate for better communication between the businesses and residents. I am the liaison to the carousel. I have been devoted to the carousel since I was a part of the original group appointed by Mayor David Kapell that brought it to Greenport from Grumman. I served as co-chair of the Tall Ships Festival in 2015.

What made you decide to throw your hat into the ring again?

I have learned a tremendous amount in the last four years about how our village government works. I think I am extremely well equipped to help develop policy and make decisions on behalf of our residents.

What do you think is the most pressing concern in the village today?

I don’t think there is a single most pressing issue. Development, infrastructure and affordable housing are some of the key issues facing our village today.

If elected, what are you top three priorities?

- Pass and fully execute a rental law that registers all rentals throughout in the Village that focuses on safety.

- Make roads, sidewalks and infrastructure a priority.

- Continue my work as utility liaison and representative with the New York Association of Public Power to keep Greenport Electric rates low.

What are your thoughts/solutions on the parking issue in the village?

I think progress has been made with the hiring of our code enforcement officer. The majority of the tickets issued have dealt with illegal parking in handicap spaces, fire hydrants, driveways and line designations. The village board has discussed adding a part time traffic control officer to chalk tires of vehicles parked in two hour spaces this summer. I believe the village should take incremental steps with any parking meter plan.

With drug use on the rise and some past gang related incidents reported in Greenport, what do you think we as a community can do to provide healthy outlets for youth?

As the mother of a Troop 51 Eagle Scout I think parents should encourage their children to participate in Boy and Girl Scouts. The Village has a wonderful recreation program for primary age children that employs local youth as camp counselors. The program helps them to develop friendships and learn to cooperate with each other, while using our parks, library, carousel and historic Village as a campground.

With the current political climate that’s charged and frightening for some, what can the village do to assuage concerns of immigrants?

Actions speak louder than words. Say 'hello' to your neighbors when you meet them on the street as we have always done here in Greenport. Do unto others.

What can be done to balance the needs a vibrant business community including tourism, while still maintaining the values and charm of the Village?

I am an advocate for better communication between the Business Improvement District and the residents. The businesses realize that it is both the location and the personality of the Village that attracts so many people to visit. I constantly stress that attention to the needs of the year round resident should always be considered.

Regarding the potential PSEG agreement, how would you like to see those funds utilized?

When we move forward on what I hope will be a successfully executed contract, I think that we should be judicious in spending capital funds. I think the first expenditure should be for a storm water mitigation project at the end of Fifth and Sixth Streets.

Are you happy with police protection in the Village?

I think that the police are doing a fine job. We have more patrols for our one square mile Village that the rest of Southold Town, which is approximately 535 square miles.

Why do you think you are the best candidate to choose in the upcoming election?

I have learned so much about the Village in my first four years in office. I think my experience and understanding of the issues and policies of importance to Greenport are an asset to our community. I hope the voters will give me the opportunity to continue to serve as their trustee for another four years.