Meet The Candidate: Liz Gillooly For Southold Trustee

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.

Liz Gillooly is running on the Democratic and Working Families lines, alongside Eric Sepenoski and Elizabeth Peeples, for one of three open seats on the Southold board of trustees. Gillooly is facing off against Republican and Conservative candidates Jason Taggert, Kristina Gabrielsen and Peter Johnstone, Jr.

Following is Patch's full Q&A with Liz Gillooly:

<b> Name<b>

Liz Gillooly

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

31

<b>Position Sought</b>

Town Trustee

<b>Party Affiliation</b>

Democratic, Working Families

<b>Family</b>

Father: Dick Gillooly
Mother: Lisa Gillooly
Step-Father: Tony Spiridakis
Siblings: Rich Gillooly, Liana Gillooly, Lauren Gillooly
Partner: Dan DiModugno

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

My brother is the chief of the Orient Fire Department. No government employees.

<b>Education</b>

Vocational:
USCG Licensed 100GRT Master with Sailing Endorsement, Crisis Management Certified, and Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW)

<b>Occupation</b>

Sea Captain

<b>Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office</b>

Member of steering committee for Southold Justice Review and Reform Task Force
Member of Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department’s Community Advisory Board
Board member of MFI Film Group

<b>Campaign website</b>

Southoldforward.com/Liz

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

As a lifelong environmentalist who has traveled all over the world through my work as a professional captain, I have seen the differences between countries that prioritize environmental stewardship vs those that do not.

I understand the importance of protecting our waterways, our shoreline and our fragile marine ecosystems. I believe I have the right combination of lived experience, values and work ethic to best serve in this role.

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

The biggest issue for Southold Town is the threat of climate change. We have seen sea level rise, intensified storms, and harmful algal blooms leading to shellfish die-off. The time for action to address these issues is now.

The board of trustees sits on the front line of climate change with jurisdiction where the land meets the sea. It is the trustee's duty to make responsible decisions about projects that may negatively impact future generations.

If elected, I will work to restore natural habitats and remove invasive species. I will work with the highway department and town engineer to cut outfalls that deliver runoff into our estuaries. I will work to protect the vitality of our wetlands which serve as the first line of defense against storms. I will also work to ensure that Southold Town completes the Climate Smart Communities initiative.

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

After working our waters for the last six years, I have my finger on the pulse of the changing ecological conditions in our estuaries. As a licensed real estate agent, I know how to interpret site plans as well as nautical charts. As a small business owner and web developer, I know how to harness technology to increase efficiency.

As a captain, I have learned that to be a good leader you must be adequately prepared.

For the last six months I have attended trustee work sessions and public hearings, met with sitting and former town trustees, studied the town's comprehensive plan and the Peconic Estuary Partnership Program, met with scientists at Cornell Cooperative Extension, toured oyster farms, talked with constituents, lawyers, activists, and conservation biologists. I have taken the necessary steps to ensure that I am ready to serve on day one.

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

Teamwork is central to my conception of public service. Eric Sepenoski, Elizabeth Peeples and I have been working tirelessly as a team to ensure that we are informed about the issues, to talk through differences in opinions, and to understand how different issues impact our communities.

As a member of the Southold Justice Review and Reform Task Force, I know that volunteers are here and ready to step up for our town. We must partner with the community to ensure their voices are heard, and to help solve pressing issues that we can't tackle alone.

Teamwork must also exist across departments. Town trustees should work regularly in coordination with the town engineer, the highway superintendent and with the zoning board of appeals. When departments work together, government is more efficient and effective.

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

As a professional captain managing a crew, lives depend on my decision-making and leadership skills. I must operate with integrity, empathy, and respect in order to earn the trust of my crew. I've been forced to make difficult decisions and I trust my moral compass to always guide me to the right side of an issue. I will bring those skills and a strong work ethic with me to the office of town trustee.

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

When I was in South Africa planting native trees as part of a large restoration project, I saw the Desmond Tutu quote, "Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world." This call to action has stuck with me.

<b>What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?</b>

I am committed to giving my all to any endeavor I take on. I will work diligently to produce tangible results for the members of our community.