Local Elections are Just 70 Days from Now

Incumbent Suffolk County Legislator Bridget Fleming apparently thinks that she’s a shoo-in for re-election.

Election Day is 70 days from now. Unlike my opponent, I am not arrogant. Nor do I think I am entitled. I am thankful for the opportunity to run an issues-oriented campaign so that voters can decide who they believe best represents them.

Here are a few reasons why I am running:

Fiscal Responsibility is the #1 issue in Suffolk County. As former Southampton Town Supervisor and Councilwoman, I have demonstrated that I can make the difficult decisions necessary, just as I did in 2008-2009 during an economic downturn. We need to take back the County Executive seat, and we need to take back the Legislature by voting in people who put the taxpayers first.

I am supporting John Kennedy for Suffolk County Executive because he is a proven fiscal watchdog and our best chance to Save Suffolk.

The Bellone Administration and the Rubberstamp County Legislators like Fleming are continuing on a path of financial disaster. The operating deficit is nearly $900 Million. Suffolk County’s bond rating is just one grade above junk bond status, and a court recently ruled that Bellone’s raid on monies set aside for clean water programs to pay for day-to-day operating expenses is ILLEGAL.

The Facts Do Not Lie.

Having Integrity and Restoring Public Confidence in County Government are Key Concerns of Constituents. Our incumbent South Fork County Legislator, Bridget Fleming, is a rubberstamp for the Bellone Administration. Her campaign promises that laud her background as a former prosecutor ring hollow because she has done nothing to help root out fraud and abuse. Bellone’s handpicked Police Chief and Information Technology Commissioner were arrested and convicted on corruption and fraud. The former District Attorney and the chief of his Public Integrity Unit were arrested and are awaiting trial on intimidation, corruption, witness tampering and cover-up charges. Republicans called for resignations, but the Democrat Lemmings on the Legislature, including Fleming, stood silent.

Citizens, Taxpayers and Voters deserve more effective representation. Suffolk County is broke, and yet:

• Fleming has voted YES to redirecting county funds for “Public Financing of Political Campaigns.” This scheme creates a new county bureaucracy to dole out matching funds to political candidates running for County Executive and County Legislature. (December 2018)
• Fleming is one of two legislators (out of 18) who voted NO to suspend an automatic cost-of-living pay raise for legislators and other county elected officials. (September 2017)
• Fleming has voted NO to accepting specialized public safety federal funding designed to combat gangs because the resolution contains language about the Department of Homeland Security, and she wanted to go on record against accepting any monies that may be associated with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). (February 2019)
• Fleming favors taxpayer-funded college, health care, and drivers licenses for illegal aliens. Suffolk County currently spends over $700 Million for public assistance welfare programs annually in its $3 Billion Operating Budget.
• Fleming is strongly in favor of wind turbines off the coast of East Hampton – (a) despite the economic and environmental concerns of our local commercial fishermen, Town Trustees, hamlet business owners, and long-time community residents, and (b) despite the clear lack of sufficient studies to identify and mitigate impacts to the fisheries, marine wildlife including whales and dolphins, shorebirds, and more. Fleming cares more about paying lip serve to the “Climate Change Justice” Movement, than serving her local constituents.

Time for Open Government, Time for Civility, Time for Fiscal Solvency.

Fleming is not conducting County business in an open, transparent manner even though she tries to make the public believe that she is by holding press conferences, using social media, and podcasting through cell phone videos. Fleming and her Democrat colleagues conduct closed meetings in the basement of the Legislature building to discuss the budget and Republican Legislators are excluded and given short notice to review proposals. This is the arrogance of “one-party rule,” and we need to end it.

My record in local government is built on listening to the voices of the taxpayers and solving their problems. I have done this in a way that is not only cost-effective, but without creating or increasing bureaucratic nightmares.

I bring common sense and principled leadership to the table, with a proven track record in reaching across the aisle to work with others for the common good, regardless of political party affiliation.

On Election Day, November 5, you will have the opportunity to select your representatives for important elected positions at the county and town level. Please take the time to cast your ballot for the candidates who will serve with honor, integrity, fiscal responsibility and community-minded professionalism.

I have worked hard, and will continue to work hard, to earn your vote of confidence. My name is Linda Kabot and I am running for the Office of Suffolk County Legislator in Legislative District #2, which spans from Moriches to Montauk and includes Shelter Island.

For more info, visit my campaign website: LindaKabotForSuffolk.com