Bridget Fleming for Southampton Town Board

Welcome to my website, and thanks for visiting. I’m running for Town Board to change the way things are done in Town Hall. Listening to members of the community, I am struck by the overwhelming feeling that our town government is run by a small group of people for a small group of people. Their go-along-to-get-along approach has left the taxpayers to pick up a tab that’s now in the many millions of dollars. My professional experience as an Assistant D.A. under Robert Morgenthau, where I was Chief of a unit that prevented and punished fraud in public programs, has taught me how to get tough on the misuse of taxpayer dollars. My husband is a small contractor in Noyac, where we’ve lived for almost a decade, so I know the importance of safeguarding our hard-earned tax dollars. When I take my place on the Town Board, I will roll up my sleeves and get to work rooting out overlapping services, slashing wasteful spending, and preventing sloppy bookkeeping. I’ll make sure the Board listens to the people who know what the solutions are, and that the Board is held accountable for the steps we take. I’ll help us to get away from management by crisis and back to good government; and to enact and enforce laws and programs that will protect our beautiful environment and keep our families healthy and safe. Please be sure to visit the Volunteer and Contribute pages if you'd like to help, or click here to contact me. I look forward to hearing from you!

WE DID IT!

Wednesday, March 10, 2010 | 2:33am

Our very own Bridget Fleming is the newest member of the Southampton Town Board! Check out the numbers at the Suffolk County Board of Elections, and then read all about it in the Southampton Press and Newsday (which may be subscribers-only). We'll have a message from Bridget in the next day or two, but for now: congratulations to Lieutenant Bill Hughes on a well-run campaign, and many, many thanks to all of our great volunteers. We couldn't have done it without you!

A few assorted photos

Sunday, March 7, 2010 | 11:38pm

We've posted a few new photos on the Flickr page and the Facebook group, but here's the one you've all been waiting for:

That's right: we've got Elvis.

Great new volunteer video

Sunday, March 7, 2010 | 1:40pm

Volunteer Ron Larson put together this terrific video of volunteers in action at HQ last weekend. It's a fantastic illustration of the enthusiasm we're working with. Way to go, Ron!

(It's no Les Misbarack, but it's pretty good for a local campaign!)

This weekend's big events

Friday, March 5, 2010 | 11:31pm

Several events this weekend (all of which we hope you'll attend):

Saturday afternoon: Join us at headquarters (47C Jobs Lane in Southampton) from 10am until 3pm this Saturday, March 6, for an afternoon of coffee, camaradarie, and phone calls (or just plain "calls," if you're feeling alliterative). Bring your cellphone (and those free weekend minutes!), and we'll supply the script and the call list.
Sunday afternoon: Join us for more phone-calling, as we conclude our valiant attempt to make it through our entire high-priority call list in one weekend. Same Bat-channel, same Bat-headquarters, slightly different Bat-time: noon until 4pm.
Sunday evening: Celebrate the fact that we're finally finished with all those phone calls with a relaxing dinner at Regulars Music Cafe. From 5pm until 7pm, $30 buys you access to a full buffet and hour upon hour of live music!

Fleming and Thiele discuss first-responders

Friday, March 5, 2010 | 4:52pm

During Bridget's meeting with Assemblyman Fred Thiele last week, the two had a chance to discuss an issue that's very important to both of them: health insurance for volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers. To read our release, click here, or click on the image above.

Residential density in Hampton Bays

Friday, March 5, 2010 | 3:37pm

We've gotten some questions about the residential density issue, so we wanted to pass along this message from Bridget.

I believe my opponent may have misunderstood my position on residential density in Hampton Bays. I'm certainly not opposed to the addition of accessory apartments; I was referring to Planned Development Districts (PDDs), which are discretionary decisions by the Town Board, and which come with important hamlet-by-hamlet considerations. I understand how difficult it is to find reasonably-priced housing throughout the East End. It's a major concern to many families. I surely wouldn't want to change zoning where accessory apartments are already permissible, and I would not discourage the Planning Board from approving a variance for an accessory apartment if the zoning code does not allow for it and a variance is needed. And if you still have questions, please don't hesitate to follow-up.

Another new radio ad is up

Friday, March 5, 2010 | 3:33pm

We've got another new spot up on WLNG, this one touting Bridget's endorsements by all three local papers. Longtime radio man Walt Skretch recorded the body for us; let us know what you think!

The Sag Harbor Express endorses Bridget!

Thursday, March 4, 2010 | 5:15pm

The Sag Harbor Express added its endorsement this afternoon, completing the sweep! As they put it:

"[Bridget Fleming] has the background, intelligence, character and compassion we feel would make her a superior and well-rounded Town Board member.”

We concur. We'll add a link as soon as it goes up.

The Southampton Press endorses Bridget!

Thursday, March 4, 2010 | 3:23pm

Calling her "intelligent and sensible," the Southampton Press endorsed Bridget this morning, writing:

"Ms. Fleming's focus is on creating jobs, and she has already taken steps to meet with officials at the state and national levels to talk about what can be done. ... [She would] provide a counterbalance on a board leaning hard to the right, and would ensure that key issues will get a serous discussion involving all perspectives on the political process."

We couldn't agree more. You can view the entire text of the endorsement here; we'll post a link to the 27east.com version as soon as it goes live.

New radio ad from Fred Thiele

Thursday, March 4, 2010 | 11:55am

Assemblyman Fred Thiele recorded a radio ad for Bridget the other day; it's in rotation on WLNG as we speak. Have you heard it?

The Independent endorses Bridget!

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 | 11:03pm

The Independent announced its endorsement of Bridget this evening, noting that she'll "help balance the Board":

"[T]here is much to like about Fleming: she's obviously extremely bright, she honestly cares about the community, and she is a hard worker."

Click the image below to read the full endorsement, or click here to read it on indyeastend.com, the Independent's website.

Bridget calls for the passage of two proposals

Saturday, February 27, 2010 | 12:58am

Bridget addressed two different issues at this past Tuesday's Town Board meeting: first, urging the Board to approve the Justice Court's request for a full-time court officer; and second, urging the Town Board to approve the Green Committee's request for a town sustainable energy coordinator. She made compelling points on both. Check it out!

New radio ad

Friday, February 26, 2010 | 11:13pm

Our new radio ad hit WLNG's airwaves this evening. What do you think? Let us know!

Bridget meets with Assemblyman Fred Thiele

Friday, February 26, 2010 | 10:51pm

Bridget and Assemblyman Fred Thiele at Thiele's office

Bridget met with Assemblyman Fred Thiele at his office in Bridgehampton this morning. Assemblyman Thiele is a supporter of the campaign, and endorsed Bridget in January.

Phone-banking at campaign HQ!

Friday, February 26, 2010 | 10:32am

Join us at headquarters (47C Jobs Lane in Southampton) from 10am until 3pm this Saturday, February 27, for an afternoon of coffee, camaradarie, and phone calls (or just plain "calls," if you're feeling alliterative). Bring your cellphone (and those free weekend minutes!), and we'll supply the script and the call list. Hope to see you there!

Two parties this weekend

Thursday, February 26, 2010 | 8:45pm

We have two separate events scheduled for this weekend, so take a look and see which one -- or two! -- fits into your schedule, and then stop by and say hello.

Saturday, Feb. 27. Join host Alex Gregor at the American Legion Hall in Hampton Bays (55 Ponguogue Avenue, across from the library) from 7pm until 9pm. No charge for drinks and hors d'oeuvres. Come say hello to Bridget!
Sunday, Feb. 28. Join hosts Victoria Kahn and Marc Chiffert at their house at 107 Wooley St. in Southampton from 11am until 2pm. No charge; come and enjoy brunch with Bridget!

Note: We did originally have a party scheduled for Regulars on Friday night, but we've decided to cancel that one and reschedule, in light of the snowy weather. That party will take place next Sunday, March 7, from 5pm until 7pm.

Congressman Bishop in Southampton

Tuesday, February 23, 2010 | 4:14pm

Congressman Tim Bishop was in town this past weekend, and he and Bridget took the streets on behalf of the Fleming for Town Board campaign, meeting and greeting voters in and around Southampton. Above, they chat in front of Herrick Hardware; below, they pause in front of the Southampton Chamber of Commerce.

Walk for Bridget this weekend!

Tuesday, February 16, 2010 | 10:11pm

Despite the cold weather, Bridget's friends and supporters continue to be met with warm wishes at the doorsteps of Southampton's voters. So this Saturday, the campaign we'll be holding another walk-rally, this time in Hampton Bays.

Meet at 10am at the home of Bruce King, 92 Ponquogue Ave. in Hampton Bays. We'll provide the coffee, the donuts, the hand warmers, the walk-books, and the stack of campaign literature; all you have to do is show up (and maybe wear a warm coat!).

For more information, or to RSVP, email Irene Donohue. Hope to see you there!

Note: even if you can't walk, we'd still love to have your help! Stop by campaign headquarters at 47C Jobs Lane in Southampton from 11am to 3pm; we'll have volunteers making phone calls all afternoon!

Upcoming debate schedule

Tuesday, February 16, 2010 | 10:08pm

There are three debates scheduled for the next week or so, and Bridget is very much looking forward to the chance to discuss the issues. Check out the schedule below. (At least one of these, and possibly more, will be filmed for SEA-TV; we'll post a schedule for that once we have it.)

Hampton Bays: on Thursday, February 18, from 7pm-9pm at the Hampton Bays Senior Center at 25 Ponquogue Avenue, Hampton Bays. Sponsored by the Hampton Bays Civic Association.
Flanders: on Monday, February 22, from 7pm-9pm at the David W. Crohan Community Center at 655 Flanders Road, Flanders. Sponsored by FRNCA (the Flanders, Riverside and Northampton Community Association).
Southampton: on Wednesday, February 24, from 7:30pm-9pm at the Southampton Cultural Center at 25 Pond Lane, Southampton. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters.

Bridget speaks at the February 9 Town Board meeting

Friday, February 12, 2010 | 3:00pm

A couple of new videos, courtesy of this past Tuesday's Town Board meeting. In the first, Bridget discusses the setting of hamlet boundaries (and specifically the importance of the North Sea fire district map to the North Sea CAC); in the second, she discusses a proposed senior citizens condominium complex in Speonk. Check them out below.

Meet-and-greet pictures

Wednesday, February 10, 2010 | 11:15am

We've posted a few pictures from a couple of recent meet-and-greets. Above, Bridget poses with Maria Daddino (our fantastic host!), Al Algeri, and Joan Hughes. Below, she shares the stage with Al Algeri and Mike Brewer. Visit our Flickr page or our Facebook group for more!

Two new endorsements

Monday, February 1, 2010 | 1:32pm

Two big endorsements to announce.

The Eleanor Roosevelt Legacy Committee has made Bridget one of just two endorsed candidates for this election cycle. Cathy Lasry, the president of the ERLC, had this to say: "We are thrilled to be supporting such an outstanding candidate like Bridget who will work hard to put our communities, and the State of New York, back on the right track again." Check out their statement here.

And the Long Island Environmental Voters Forum has announced that they, too, will be supporting Bridget for a second straight election cycle. The Environmental Voters Forum is a non-profit, non-partisan, grassroots political association established to identify, recruit and actively campaign for the election of pro-environment candidates across Long Island.

Bridget speaks at today's Town Board meeting

Tuesday, January 26, 2010 | 8:54pm

Bridget took the podium at this afternoon's Town Board meeting to speak in support of the reappointment of Comptroller Tamara Wright. We've got the video, courtesy of the Southampton Town Clerk Citizens Portal. Check it out:

If you'd like to turn the closed-captioning on, click the play button and then move your mouse over the small triangle in the lower right-hand corner and choose "CC."

Good article in the East Hampton Star

Monday, January 25, 2010 | 9:10am

There's a nice article by Jennifer Landes in the current edition of the East Hampton Star.

Click the blue button above to read some highlights, or check out the full article at the Star's website.

Endorsement quotes from local officials

Sunday, January 24, 2010 | 10:20pm

A number of great endorsements have trickled in over the last few days, from Congressman Tim Bishop, Assemblyman Fred Thiele, Supervisor Anna Throne-Holst, and several others. They're lengthy, but worth reading, so be sure to click the blue button below to check them out.

Congressman Tim Bishop:

"As a lifelong Southampton resident, I trust Bridget Fleming to protect our quality of life. Bridget has spent her career advocating for working families; now she wants to take that experience and be our voice on the Southampton Town Board."

Assemblyman Fred Thiele:

"The special election for Town Board in Southampton is critical. The Town faces significant challenges in the face of the current economic recession. Bridget Fleming is clearly the most qualified candidate for the Southampton Town Board. Her experience in prosecuting welfare fraud is exactly what Southampton Town needs to help the Town eliminate waste and reduce property taxes.

Just as important is her independent approach to governing. She will be a refreshing change to the political partisanship that has too often infected Southampton government. I know that she will do what is best for Southampton regardless of politics. I am proud to join the Independence Party in endorsing her candidacy."

Supervisor Anna Throne-Holst:

"In looking to fill the fifth seat on the Town Board this March 9th, I know - and believe most others recognize - the importance of electing an individual that will provide much-needed commitment to public service as well as balanced, intelligent, and experienced representation. I can not emphasize how strongly I believe that Bridget Fleming is the only candidate who provides that very level and combination of important attributes. I believe voters clearly spoke in support of all of the above this past November, and, in order to see that goal truly realized, I respectfully ask that you all join me in my very enthusiastic and heartfelt endorsement of Bridget Fleming for Town Council.

As part of my acceptance speech at the swearing-in ceremony on January 1st, I spoke of the importance of partnership and joint purpose amongst your elected representatives -- and you, the citizens of Southampton. Again, I sincerely believe Bridget Fleming is a crucial part of that partnership, and of honest, balanced representation.

I look forward to working with her throughout this short but important campaign - and most of all I look forward to joining all of you at the voting booth on March 9, as we together cast our votes for Bridget and for quality public service."

Highway Supervisor Alex Gregor:

"I support Bridget Fleming and I hope you will, too."

Trustee Bill Pell:

"I don't often lend my name to support anyone, but I will lend my full support and energy to get Bridget Fleming elected to the Town Board."

Planning for public spaces article in the Sag Harbor Express

Saturday, January 23, 2010 | 8:53pm

The Sag Harbor Express has a nice story about a recent meeting held by Save Sag Harbor, 725 Green, and a number of other organizations to discuss transportation issues facing the schools in Sag Harbor. Our candidate got a mention. Check it out here.

Newsday on Indy nomination

Tuesday, January, 19, 2010 | 3:32pm

Newsday has an article about the Independence nomination that's worth a read. Check it out here.

Also, be sure to click below to read our press release on the event.

Update: The Independent's also running an article that mentions the Independence Party nomination. Check it out here.

The Independence Party nominates Bridget!

Monday, January 18, 2010 | 8:19pm

Bridget with Assemblyman Fred Thiele and Supervisor Anna Throne-Holst at the press conference announcing Bridget's receipt of the Independence Party nomination.

Great news for the campaign: the Southampton Town Independence Party has nominated Bridget Fleming as their candidate for the upcoming special election! This afternoon, in front of a crowd of about twenty at the King Kullen in Hampton Bays (where Bridget was greeting shoppers), Steve Lynch, chairman of the Southampton Town Independence Party, announced the nomination:

Bridget has shown already in her prior efforts and in every aspect of her life... tremendous skill, tremendous knowledge and understanding of the issues, and she will be a credit when she is elected to Town Board on March 9.

Bridget gratefully accepted the nomination, and pointed out that she was particularly proud to do so in Hampton Bays, "where the voters have traditionally shown independence in the voting booth." We've put some photos from the event on our Flickr page and our Facebook group, including one of our very first canine supporter!

Update: the Southampton Press has a story up about the endorsement -- and they even have a video of the event. Check it out!

Upcoming volunteer gathering

Monday, January 18, 2010 | 4:59pm

For the second Saturday in a row, Fleming campaign headquarters will be hosting a volunteer gathering this coming weekend. From 11:00am until 3:00pm on January 23, join your fellow Fleming supporters for an afternoon of donuts, coffee, and some good old-fashioned envelope stuffin'. Click the picture below for full information; as always, RSVP to Irene Donohue at irene@flemingfortownboard.com. Hope to see you there!

Image of the volunteer invite; contact Irene Donohue at irene@flemingfortownboard.com for more info.

Interesting article in Newsday

Sunday, January 17, 2010 | 10:33pm

Mitchell Freedman had a good piece on the election in yesterday's Newsday. Click here to check it out.

Photos from the phone-a-thon

Sunday, January 17, 2010 | 4:52pm

Field director Tommy John Schiavoni and campaign chair Sally Pope.

Outstanding turnout at our phonebank on Saturday, where nearly 40 volunteers turned up to donate their time (and their unlimited weekend cell phone minutes!) to the cause of getting Bridget Fleming onto the Southampton Town Board. Above, field director Tommy John Schiavoni and campaign chair Sally Pope. (The great photo comes courtesy of Bridget's husband, Bob.) Check out the rest of our pictures at our Flickr page and our Facebook group.

The nomination is official!

Friday, January 15, 2010 | 10:39am

The Democatic Nominating Convention was held last night at the Nutrition Center in Hampton Bays. As expected, Bridget was the unanimous nominee. Above, she poses with Southampton Democratic Committee chairman Gordon Herr. Be sure to check out our pictures from the event on our Flickr page and at our Facebook group.

Volunteer phone-a-thon this Saturday

Thursday, January 14, 2010 | 7:38pm

Come one, come all to campaign HQ this Saturday (January 16) from 11:00am until 3:00pm for a volunteer-driven cell-phone-a-thon. Full info below (click the image to make it larger); RSVP to Irene Donohue at irene@flemingfortownboard.com. Hope to see you there!

Great stuff from Hamptons.com

Wednesday, January 13, 2010 | 11:03am

There's a nice story on Hamptons.com about this past weekend's kickoff event. Head over there to check it out. (That photo looks so familiar for some reason...)

Radio ad released

Monday, January 11, 2010 | 3:29pm

Our first radio spot of the campaign is up on WLNG. What do you think?

Spot #1 - "Special Election"

Pictures from the kick-off

Sunday, January 10, 2010 | 7:23pm

Great turnout yesterday for our volunteer kick-off! Above, Bridget poses with Rep. Tim Bishop; below, Supervisor Anna Throne-Holst addresses the crowd. Visit our Flickr page or our Facebook group for more!

Volunteer kick-off

Wednesday, January 6, 2010 | 10:04pm

Please join us this Saturday morning for our volunteer kick-off! Drink some coffee, meet the candidate, and meet special guest Congressman Tim Bishop! Hope to see you there!

Volunteer Kick-Off
Saturday, January 9, 11am
Fleming Campaign Headquarters
47 Jobs Lane, Southampton
Hot Coffee & Donuts!

Big story in the Independent

Wednesday, January 6, 2010 | 2:19pm

Passing along a note from Bridget:

Friends, I can now confirm the Independent's report: tomorrow evening, the Executive Committee of the Southampton Town Democratic Committee will unanimously recommend that I be given the party's nomination for the Town Board seat vacated by Supervisor Anna Throne-Holst. If nominated, I will run. As ever, I look forward to meeting as many of you as I can, learning about your thoughts and concerns, and engaging in an honest and thoughtful debate with my opponents. You'll hear much more from me in the coming days and weeks; in the meantime, you have my deepest thanks for your support thus far.

Some recent news

Sunday, January 3, 2010 | 5:01pm

On Friday, Bridget joined incoming Supervisor Anna Throne-Holst at the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center for Throne-Holst's swearing-in. Above, a moment from just after the ceremony.
Dan's Papers did a nice story this week about the upcoming special election. Check it out here.
And finally: one and all are invited to join us this coming Thursday at the Democratic Nominating Convention, as the party officially announces its nominee for the upcoming special election (for the Town Board vacancy created by the above-mentioned Supervisor). The Convention will be held at the Southampton Inn on Thursday, January 7, 2010, starting at 7:00pm. Hope to see you there!

New radio ad released

Friday, October 30, 2009 | 5:13pm

We've cut a new radio spot in response to yesterday's flurry of newspaper endorsements (this time with the help of local actor -- and co-founder of the Bay Street Theater -- Steve Hamilton). What do you think?

Spot #3 - "Endorsements"

The Sag Harbor Express endorses Bridget!

Thursday, October 29, 2009 | 2:40pm

The Sag Harbor Express endorsed Bridget this morning. We'll post a link as soon as the endorsement is up on their website, but for now, here's a sample:

"[Bridget Fleming] has a firm grasp not only on what she would do if elected, but was also well versed in what's currently going on in town hall. We are always impressed when candidates come to the table armed and educated about what they are getting into and Fleming is clearly one such candidate. We feel Fleming has skills that will be vital in coming months. Therefore, Fleming gets our nod."

Update: here's a link to the full endorsement.

The Southampton Press endorses Bridget!

Wednesday, October 28, 2009 | 4:21pm

The Press just posted its endorsement of Bridget. This is turning into quite a day for the Fleming camp!

"Bridget Fleming, a Sag Harbor attorney recruited to run for the board by Anna Throne-Holst, is a feisty, well-rounded newcomer to local politics, also in her first run for elective office. She assails the 'culture of leadership' in Town Hall--meaning the lack thereof, and the failures therein--and has been a quick study on key issues in this year's race.

Ms. Fleming has a command of most issues, is nimble and spirited in defending her positions, and yet remains open to new interpretations. She seems to have all the attributes of a Town Board member who deserves a seat at the table, and a voice in the various debates."

You can view the article now if you're a subscriber by clicking here; we'll post a link to the 27east.com version as soon as it goes live.

The Independent endorses Bridget!

Wednesday, October 28, 2009 | 11:32am

The Independent announced its endorsement of Bridget this morning, lauding the "promise Fleming brings to the table":

"Fleming could easily turn into an outstanding board member. ... The Independent endorses Bridget Fleming."

Click the image below to read the full endorsement, or click here to read it on indyeastend.com, the Independent's website.

Great quote from Fred Thiele

Tuesday, October 27, 2009 | 10:17pm

Assemblyman Fred Thiele had this to say about Bridget on Tuesday:

"Bridget Fleming's experience in prosecuting fraud has already saved taxpayers money. She has the qualifications to fix the financial mess in Southampton Town."

LWV Debate on TV

Tuesday, October 27, 2009 | 9:48pm

Be sure to catch Bridget's excellent showing at last Thursday's League of Women Voters debate on SEA-TV (Channel 22). It's scheduled to air at the following times:

Thursday, Oct 29, at 3:30pm;
Friday, Oct 30, at 10:00pm;
Saturday, Oct 31, at 6:00pm; and (for you early birds)
Sunday, Oct 1, at 7:30am.

Letter to the Editor from Porter Bibb

Monday, October 26, 2009 | 6:02pm

Check out this great letter to the editor from Rolling Stone founder and former White House correspondent Porter Bibb. It ran in both the Sag Harbor Express and the Southampton Press.

Throughout this year’s intense, but never uninteresting election campaign, one candidate, Bridget Fleming, has consistently stood out as a clear-sighted, intensely energetic and tireless campaigner. She may also be the most accomplished individual running for elected office in Southampton Town. An eight year resident of Sag Harbor, Bridget is an accomplished trial lawyer, a working wife and mother, and a veteran of Manhattan District Attorney Robert Morganthau’s vaunted prosecutorial team where she was chief of the unit that prevented and prosecuted fraud in public programs. Bridget has led large, complex financial investigations and will bring that unique experience to bear in addressing the serious financial straits Southampton now faces.

Click over to the Sag Harbor Express to read the whole thing; it's worth it.

Final newspaper ad

Monday, October 26, 2009 | 10:59am

Our last newspaper ad of the campaign season (!) went to press today. What do you think?

Radio ads are up!

Saturday, October 24, 2009 | 6:52pm

Our radio ads are up on WLNG. Check them out below and let us know what you think!

Spot #1
Featuring testimonials from Joe Mangiaracina from Eastport and Kay Kidde from Westhampton Beach.

Spot #2
Featuring testimonials from former supervisor Mardythe DiPirro from Westhampton Beach and former Town Board candidate Fred Stelle from Sag Harbor.

For older entries, please click here.