November 7, 2017 is election day. In Southampton, vote Jay Schneiderman for Southampton Town Supervisor.
Jay Schneiderman, at the helm as Southampton Town Supervisor, is a consensus builder who wants to preserve the social and geographical beauty that makes Southampton special. His long history of service in the Hamptons has rendered him a favorite official (and neighbor) among the residents of the East End.
Growing up in this famous part of Long Island, he intimately understands the need to balance economic and cultural diversity. Anyone who lives in or has visited the Hamptons knows firsthand that the differences are huge — from summertime denizens on Gin Lane’s multimillion-dollar row to less rarified fishermen, landscapers, teachers, and nurses whose local roots and commitment to the town keep it thriving. It’s crystal clear that there’s tremendous economic disparity. That’s a tough gap to tackle. But, wanting to make Southampton a better place for everyone is a major driver for Jay. He gets up every day with the passion to overcome this challenge.
Political Path
After earning a bachelor of arts degree in chemistry from Ithaca College and a master of arts in education from the State University of New York at Cortland, Jay taught science, mathematics, and music at various East End schools. He also managed his family’s business in Montauk, and later formed a property management company.
But, Jay is no stranger to politics. He went on to serve two terms as the supervisor of East Hampton Town and served six two-year terms on the Suffolk County Legislature. He is credited with many accomplishments, including the widening of County Road 39 in Southampton, initiating Suffolk County public bus service on Sundays, preserving thousands of acres of open space and farmland, and never raising general fund property taxes in 16 years of elected office.
Consensus & Community Building
Jay believes in the power of the people. His role doesn’t only open the door to meeting celebrity politicians like Joe Biden and Michael Bloomberg, it affords him the opportunity to drive real change in the community. He’s proactive in bringing residents into the dialogue to get a sense of where the community stands on important issues. He insists, “It’s their town, their future.”
His team leverages an outreach program that actively aims to cultivate a strong sense of community. He solicits feedback on key challenges the community faces like reinforcing the local economy, preserving historic buildings, maintaining clean water, and preserving the charms of the small town ‘way.’
Growing Up Hamptons
Jay lived most of his life in Montauk, where he and his sister, Helen Ficalora, co-own the Breakers Motel. He and his family now call Southampton home. His daughter, Magda, and his son, Ruben, were named after his parents. His parents grew up during the Great Depression, and as Jay says, “It taught them to prepare for hard times,” and he credits them for his skills in managing budgets.
There must be something in the Hamptons water, as both Jay and his sister have put their marks on the map. Helen is the originator of the alphabet charm craze. You’ve certainly seen celebrities and Hamptonites adorning themselves with her signature circular charms imprinted with an initial. Her pieces are sold all over, including right here in Bridgehampton as well as in Manhattan.
A Surprising Avocation
Did you know that Jay has a passion for music? You may have seen him jamming on drums with reggae and fusion bands at The Stephen Talkhouse in Amagansett.
Hamptons Favorites
“What do I love about the Hamptons? The bays. The beaches. Driving over the Ponquogue Bridge and seeing the clammers and the sparkling waters. But more than anything else, what I love most about the Hamptons are the people.”
For more info on Jay, please go to jayschneiderman.com
