Meet A Candidate: Tom Neely, Southampton Highway Superintendent

SOUTHAMPTON, 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.

Thomas Neely is running for Southampton Town Superintendent of Highways on the Democratic and Clean Water lines against Charles McArdle, who is running on the Republican, Conservative and Working Families lines.

Following is Patch's full Q&A with Thomas Neely:

<b> Name <b>

Tom Neely

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

66

<b>Position Sought</b>

Southampton Town Highway Superintendent

<b>Party Affiliation</b>

Democrat

<b>Family</b>

Cynthia D'Andrea Neely-wife

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

No

<b>Education</b>

BS Communication, Ohio University

<b>Occupation</b>

Transportation consultant since May 2021

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

Southampton Town transportation and traffic safety director, retired April 2021

<b>Campaign website</b>

www.neelyforhighway21.com

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

After 16 years as an appointed official, I wish to continue serving to improve the town's road system and overall transportation network for motorists, pedestrians, cyclists and public transportation users.

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

Traffic congestion and lack of facilities for pedestrians and bicyclists. I will advocate strongly for improvements in traffic flow on state and county roads, to reduce 'cut through' traffic volume on local roads. Then focus on improving pedestrian and bicycle accommodations on town roads.

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

I have significant related experience through my previous position with the town. I have worked with residents, town officials, state and county agencies on issues involving our road and transportation system. I understand how town, county and state entities function with regard to planning and funding road and transportation improvements. I have a plan for making the needed improvements.

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

I believe our town board acted appropriately in their handling of this issue on a local level.

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

I bring the experience needed to professionally manage the town highway department's $8 million operating budget; $3 million capital budget and 60-plus employees. I have the ability to work with others, both as individuals and organizations. I will work closely with the department staff to improve morale and bring a higher level of professionalism to the department than has occurred in the recent past.

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

I was the town liaison to the widening of County Road 39, a $15 million dollar project. I was the town project manager and liaison to the State DOT on the "Bridgehampton Traffic Safety Project", a cooperative improvement of the Main Street corridor for pedestrians which cost over $1 million; I have supervised numerous projects ranging from the installation of several bus shelters in the town, to the installation of about 20 electronic "speed display units" at strategic locations in the town. I have also supervised dozens of traffic engineering studies related to speed limits and stop/yield sign evaluations.

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

As one of eight children, my parents taught us to always respect others and learn to get along even if you didn't agree with someone.

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

I spent 17 years as a vice president of Hampton Jitney, a regional transportation company and one of eastern Long Island's most successful businesses. While there I learned a great deal about our regional road and transportation network. As a private citizen, I was also active in public service as a volunteer. I coached youth sports; served as president of the Southampton Chamber of Commerce; and served on the town's comprehensive plan committee and business advisory council.

I wish to continue my commitment to public service as the Town's Highway Superintendent.