Candidate Profile: Charles McArdle For Southampton Town Board

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — Suffolk County residents will be hitting the polls Tuesday to elect local representatives.

The race is on in local town and village races leading up to Election Day, which, this year, falls on Tuesday, November 5. Patch asked those running for office to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles in the days leading up to the election.

Charles McArdle, 56, of Hampton Bays is running on the Conservative, Republican and Working Families lines for Southampton Town Board. His opponents include Democrats John Bouvier and Craig Catalanotto, Republican Richard Martel and Hannah Pell, running on the Independence line. He has four children: Sean 30, who is married with one daughter and a member of the FDNY who lives in Eastport. Megan, 28, is a married pharmacist who lives in Hampton Bays. Liam, 26, is employed by Solo Leasing, and lives in Hampton Bays, and Seamus, 22, is employed with Peconic Marina, and lives in Hampton Bays; Seamus is a seasonal police officer for the Town of Southampton. McCardle is a retired detective with Southampton Town Police, and owner of CM Security Consulting, Inc. and Peoplepool Valet Service, Inc. both located in Hampton Bays.

Check out Patch's full Q&A with Glenn Goldsmith below.

Patch: The single most pressing issue facing our community is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Charles McArdle: Overcrowded housing and lack of code enforcement. I plan on working on affordable housing for our current residents of the Town of Southampton. (not non-residents). Increase the staffing and results of code enforcement. The Town of Southampton has freely increased your property assessment, but does not enforce the local codes of neighboring homes, which brings down the true value of your property.

P: What are the critical differences between you and the other candidate seeking this post?

M: I have been employed by the Town of Southampton for 20 years. I know every street, every neighborhood and every department in Town Hall. I have proven myself not only in public sector, but also in the private sector. My company employees over 200 young adults. I understand, budget, contracts, payroll and public service.

P: If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community?

M: Lack of code enforcement has led to a huge problem with property values decreasing and overcrowding housing. This has also led to schools being overcrowded and an increases in school tax.

P: Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

M: I take seriously the responsibility of improving the quality of life for East End families, and would like to make a difference for the people of Southampton. I plan on addressing important issues that affect our families, like overcrowded residences, lack of affordable housing and enhanced code enforcement.

P: What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

M: My career in the police department, three terms as PBA president. Building two companies and employing 200 local young adults.

P: The best advice ever shared with me was ...

M: "Triple check what you have already double checked."

P: What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

M: I always have voted my conscience and will do what's best for the people of Southampton.