Meet A Candidate: Kristina Gabrielsen For Southold Town 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.

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

Following is Patch's full Q&A with Kristina Gabrielsen:

<b> Name <b>

Kristina Gabrielsen

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

45

<b>Position Sought</b>

Southold Town Trustee

<b>Party Affiliation</b>

Republican

<b>Family</b>

Andre Vega Jr., 25, son

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

My father was previously a councilman in Riverhead.

<b>Education</b>

Some college

<b>Occupation</b>

Agriculture - Grew up on a farm

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

None

<b>Campaign website</b>

www.southoldgop.com

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

My love of nature, our waterways and our way of life have inspired me to run for Southold Trustee. I also feel that we need more strong, honest and hardworking people in government

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

Stormwater runoff. I intend to work with all facets of government to mitigate the damages of stormwater runoff. There are many solutions including IA systems, silt traps, appropriate buffers near waterways and wetlands, diversion of runoff and appropriate drainage systems.

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

I come to the table with common sense solutions and have hands-on experience with stormwater and erosion on the farm.

<b>If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)</b>

Not a challenger. These are three vacated positions.

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

I think they did well given the fact that we were taken by surprise with this pandemic. They took the necessary steps to slow the spread.

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

Nitrate removal, erosion, algal blooms, and outdated septic and drainage systems

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

Running a successful business and family farm. Our lands and waterways are often connected and intertwined.

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

Actions speak louder than words.

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

As a farmer and horticulturist, I have the hands-on experience and know-how necessary to get the job done.