|
For this column I have interviewed
Suffolk’s 2nd Legislative District Democratic candidate,
Tim Motz.
BACKGROUND
Age 35; married with three children. resident of
Watermill and originally from Garden City and Quogue. Bachelors Degree
in History from Tulane University. Currently Special Assistant to the
Commissioner of the Suffolk County Police.
SUPREME COURT JUSTICE, FOOD, SUFFOLK REP & MOVIE
Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Peconic Bay scallops, my dad,
Quogue Mayor George Motz and Casablanca
THE 2nd LD
Covers Montauk, Amagansett, Easthampton,
Southampton, Westhampton Beach and Hampton Bays. Also covers East
Moriches. Population of approximately 80,000. Currently the LD is
represented by Republican Jay Schneiderman, who is seeking a second
term.
SUCCESSES & FAILURES OF THE INCUMBENT LEGISLATOR
I like his commitment to renewable energy. That’s
about it. He has no ability to cooperate with anyone including County
Exec Levy, the Legislature or his constituents. He is all about himself.
It’s a crucial time on the South Fork to decide what we want to be.
Either we remain a unique and wonderful place or become just another
suburban community.
ON THE LEVY ADMINISTRATION
He is a strong County Executive with a great
agenda. He is not afraid to take on the sacred cows. Steve has reached
out to the East End since he was elected. If elected, I look forward to
working with him closely to address the key issues.
CRISIS AREAS TO DEAL WITH (1st 100
days, if elected)
There are five that come to mind:
1-Southampton-Housing codes need to be strictly enforced in the Town and
Village 2-We are sitting on $75 million in County preservation funds. We
need to obtain the money and use it while it is still there. 3-County
Road 39-It is a morning bottleneck and we may need to manipulate the
North-South traffic lights. A car pooling strategy is a possibility.
This is where my opponent has been asleep. He has done nothing his first
17 months in office except write a panic letter to Congressman Bishop
asking for help. 4-Gabreski Airport (Westhampton Beach)-We need to work
with the Lease Screening Committee and ensure that there is no
additional traffic. The community needs to play a more active role in
planning for the future. 5-Amsterdam Beach Property-We need to make sure
that this land is preserved. In addition, I plan to pursue the
preservation of out most precious and aesthetically spectacular open
spaces from day one.
MINOR PARTIES
I’ve been a supporter of the third parties. I
hope to receive both the Independence Party and Working Families lines
and have the utmost respect for Chairman MacKay and Chairman Pohanka.
It’s important to give voters viable options and third parties
represent this.
THE 2nd LD RACE & THE SUFFOLK
LEGISLATURE
This is the key race. It’s not impossible for the
Legislature to go 9-9 this year and with my victory, the Democrats could
very easily have a 10-8 majority. This would be a great Legislature for
our County Executive to work with. And this could be the blueprint for
the next 20 years. We need to put the bickering behind us and make
progress.
MY PERSONAL PLEDGE/PERSONAL GOALS
I will take no County car and no other perks. I
will only take a salary. I will respond to all calls and will set strict
office hours so that any resident can visit and chat. Personal goals
include getting elected, of course, and going to Orlando, Florida with
my family for a few days.
|
