Happy Thanksgiving and Best Wishes to All

As the holiday season is now here, it is important to express our gratitude to those who are special in our lives ... our family, friends, work colleagues and others - and not just those that we think about often, but also those who have played an important role in our lives in the past. Reach out with a friendly Hello and inquire how things are going. Let people know that you are thinking of them, recalling fond memories and expressing best wishes to them and their families.

Quality of life here on the East End is vital, so it's important to pay it forward in this special place that we call home.

Let us count our blessings and remember to think of those less fortunate. Over this holiday season, if you can - participate in fundraisers for local charities, contribute to food pantries, donate winter coats, toys, books, clothing and other items to those entities organizing drives and hosting collection points for the needy. Helping others who may be struggling, no matter how large or small your contribution may be, is a wonderful way to give back to your community and makes the holiday season all that more merrier. Remember our veterans and those currently serving in the armed forces for the sacrifices they have made and continue to make for the freedoms we enjoy in this great country.

My sincerest thanks to the people who came out from all walks of life, from across the political spectrum, to participate in the recent General Election for important Town and County public offices. I greatly appreciate the vote of confidence cast by over 8,900 people across the South Fork for my campaign for Suffolk County Legislator. It is my belief that there is a certain honor in trying and losing and there is no honor in not trying. Although I was not successful when the votes were tallied on Election Day November 5, I am proud of the vigorous campaign efforts and having provided the voters with a choice. It was a great run!

Whether you placed a sign on your front lawn, attended a fundraiser event or sent a campaign donation, helped to make phone calls, handed out literature, stuffed envelopes or just called or emailed to say "Good Luck, you've got my vote!" - please know that I greatly appreciate everything that was done to support my candidacy during the months and weeks leading up to Election Day! Onward and Upward ...

THANK YOU also to all those who called, texted, or emailed over the past several days to express encouraging words. Please accept my heartfelt gratitude for your kind expression of thanks for my past public service as Southampton Town Supervisor and Councilwoman and for my courage and perseverance to enter the political arena once again.

I want to applaud all the candidates for their stamina and courage to run for public office because it is not easy to put yourself out there and to endure the intensity of the schedule and all the political drama that comes with running a campaign. So, THANK YOU to all the candidates on the ballot this year for stepping up and offering your candidacy and a choice to the voters for this year's election.

Best wishes to all who have won the support of the people for elective office throughout Suffolk County - and in particular for important local government representation in "my community" spanning from Moriches to Montauk on the South Fork of Long Island in the Towns of Southampton, East Hampton, Shelter Island and Brookhaven. May you make sound decisions in the interest of good government and serve with honesty, integrity and strength of character.

Happy Thanksgiving and Sincere Best Wishes for a Wonderful Holiday Season as 2019 ends and a New Year begins!

Linda Kabot, Former Southampton Town Supervisor

Email LindaKabotHamptons@gmail.com