Meet A Candidate: Candace Alexandra Hall For Southold Town Clerk

SOUTHOLD, NY — Suffolk County residents will be heading to the polls Tuesday to elect local representatives and make their voices heard.

Residents will weigh in on the race to represent one of the 18 legislative districts in Suffolk County, vote for Suffolk County District Attorney and Sheriff — and choose their local town elected officials.

In advance of the election, Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaign — and the results will be published as candidate profiles in the days leading up to the vote.

Candace A. Hall is running on the Democratic Line for Southold Town Clerk against Denis Noncarrow, who is running on the Republican and Conservative lines.

Following is Patch's full Q&A with Candace A. Hall

Candace Alexandra Hall

<b>Age (as of Election Day)</b>

32

<b>Position Sought</b>

Southold Town Clerk

<b>Party Affiliation</b>

Democrat

<b>Family</b>

I have a large, close-knit extended family; however, I do not have any children of my own.

<b>Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?</b>

No

<b>Education</b>

New York State licensed insurance broker and agent

<b>Occupation</b>

Insurance broker — 6 years

<b>Campaign website</b>

www.southoldforward.com/candac...

<b>Why are you seeking elective office?</b>

I am running for Southold Town Clerk to offer a fresh perspective and renewed energy to our clerk's office. My goal as town clerk is to ensure this point of contact is an efficient and positive experience for all residents and introduce updates to our technology, to add efficiencies to the systems and procedures currently in place.

<b>The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.</b>

Quality of life on the North fork and maintaining all that we hold dear as Southold residents. The clerk's office running more efficiently would allow for more collaboration within the various departments in Town Hall and promote civic engagement within the community.

<b>What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?</b>

I can offer a fresh perspective and a willingness to adapt based on the concerns of the community regarding the systems and procedures in the clerk's office. I am ready to do the work to make necessary changes to our technological infrastructure, through applying for grants and making procedural updates. My opponent is entrenched within his party and the way things are currently done. More of the same is just not sustainable and will continue down a path blind to innovation.

<b>How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?</b>

Hindsight is usually crystal clear however, the coronavirus was something none of us have experienced. As we look forward, we need to have the updated technology in place so that we are able to provide services to the community remotely and pivot if we ever face something like this again.

<b>Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.</b>

I am committed to bringing transparency, accountability, and excellence to our town government. Making space for leadership that truly represents all members of our community is vital.

<b>What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?</b>

In my current role as an insurance broker, my job hinges on my ability to navigate complex regulations and guidelines, while managing important documents with an attention to detail to better serve my clients. My extensive background in administration and client services has allowed me to flourish on and lead a team that currently manages a substantial portfolio, with the foremost companies in the industry. I am a former preschool teacher and have run a successful children's summer camp at a private preschool. I have the right combination of lived-experience, values and qualifications to best serve as the next town clerk.

<b>The best advice ever shared with me was:</b>

Remain a student forever; always be willing to learn and adapt.