Candidate Profile: Richard Carozza For Southampton Town Supervisor

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — Southampton Town residents will be hitting the polls soon to elect local representatives.

The race is on leading up to Election Day, which, this year, falls on Tuesday, November 3.

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.

Richard Carozza, a Republic candidate, is facing off against incumbent Maria Moore, a Democrat, for the Southampton Town Supervisor's seat.

Richard Carozza

How old will you be as of Election Day?

63

Does your campaign have a website?

Yes: https://www.richcarozza.com/

What city or town do you live in?
Speonk, in the Town of Southampton.

What office are you seeking?

Southampton Town Supervisor.

Party affiliation
Republican.

Education
Master’s degree in Public Administration, Long Island University Post.

What is your occupation?

My professional background is in real estate development and financial services, including financial planning, real estate management, and site development.

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

I am a husband and the proud father of five adult children. Family is central to my life and to my concern about whether the next generation can afford to build a future here.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

No

Why are you seeking this office?

I am running because I want Southampton to remain a place where working families can live, seniors can stay in their homes, and young people can build a future. Residents deserve responsible spending, reliable services, clean water, and practical progress on housing and infrastructure.

I want to bring my professional experience to Town Hall, listen to each hamlet’s concerns, and turn community priorities into plans with clear costs, deadlines, and accountability.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing constituents is:

Affordability — the combined burden of housing costs, property taxes, and everyday expenses. We need to address those pressures together so that the people who sustain Southampton can afford to remain here.

What needs to be done to address water quality issues on Long Island?

We need a coordinated plan for wastewater treatment, appropriate sewer expansion, and improved septic systems. Projects should be guided by environmental evidence, with clear financing and protections for residents facing connection costs.

I would also support consistent water testing, accessible public reporting, and cooperation among neighboring municipalities and the Shinnecock Nation. Protecting drinking water, ponds, creeks, and bays requires sustained work and measurable results.

What do you think can be done to improve infrastructure, highways, and related services?

Start with a public capital plan that ranks projects by safety, condition, and community need. Road maintenance, drainage, dangerous intersections, pedestrian safety, and wastewater infrastructure should have clear schedules and budgets.

For roads controlled by the county or state, I would actively pursue intergovernmental agreements and funding. Residents should be able to see who is responsible, what progress has been made, and when work is expected to be completed.

How would you help local business owners struggling with high rents, inflation, and labor shortages?

Town government can make permitting clearer, reduce avoidable delays, and give applicants predictable answers. I would work with business owners on parking, access, infrastructure, and ways to strengthen year-round commerce.

Workforce housing is also part of the business equation. Employers need workers who can afford to live within a reasonable distance. Our approach should support existing businesses while preserving the character of our hamlets.

How are federal issues impacting local government?

Federal decisions about funding, immigration, environmental programs, and economic policy can affect local budgets and services. Southampton needs to prepare for changes, pursue available assistance, and understand the long-term obligations attached to grants.

My responsibility would be to advocate for residents and maintain working relationships with officials at every level, regardless of party.

What is your stance on how ICE enforcement has impacted local communities?

Public safety and public trust must guide our response. I support lawful enforcement, due process, and treating people with dignity. Residents should feel safe reporting crimes, serving as witnesses, and seeking emergency assistance.

I would seek clear communication among local officials, law enforcement, and community organizations about their respective responsibilities and the effects of enforcement on families, schools, and businesses.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidate seeking this post?

My professional background shapes my approach: examine the finances, identify obstacles, establish a workable plan, and measure progress. My priorities are affordability, accountable spending, housing, and infrastructure.

I would ask voters to compare our specific proposals, experience, and plans for delivering results. I intend to make my case through clear commitments and respectful discussion.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Helping seniors remain in their homes, supporting veterans, protecting natural resources, strengthening local businesses, and improving access to town government are central priorities.

I also want a lasting, respectful working relationship with the Shinnecock Nation — one that recognizes its sovereignty and supports cooperation on shared priorities identified together.

What accomplishments in your past demonstrate that you can handle this job?

My background includes work in real estate development and financial services, along with experience working with municipal officials on planning and development matters. Those responsibilities have required financial judgment, coordination, and problem-solving.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I love the East End — its beaches, natural beauty, local businesses, and communities. I want future generations to have the opportunity to enjoy it and make their lives here.

As supervisor, I would make listening, accessibility, and follow-through part of the job every day. Residents deserve honest answers about what town government can accomplish, what it will cost, and how long it will take.

What is the best advice anyone has ever given you, and why?

"Listen first, then follow through." That advice reminds me that good decisions begin with understanding people’s concerns and that trust depends on keeping your word.