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Town of East Hampton Trustee {_getChooseLabel(this.selections.length)}

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    John M. Aldred
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    David J. Cataletto
    (Dem)

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    John L. Dunning
    (Rep)

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    Timothy A. Garneau
    (Dem)

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    Celia M. Josephson
    (Dem, WF)

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    Kurt Kappel
    (Rep)

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    James Stark Vilar
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    Michael G. Wootton
    (Rep)

Biographical Information

What do you feel are the most pressing issues facing the Town Trustees right now and how would you address them?

Do you feel the increased presence of vehicles on the beach poses a danger to the health of our shorelines? Why or why not? If you feel it is a problem, what would you do about it.

3. What would you do to ensure the quality of the Town’s waterways for future generations?

How can communication be improved between the Town Board and the Trustees?

Bio Graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a degree in Zoology. After a stint with the Peace Corps in India, he settled in East Hampton, raising two boys with his wife Gale. He feels fortunate that his sons, their wives and four grandchildren are living, working and going to school locally.
Experience Director, East Hampton Town Shellfish Hatchery (retired)
Education BS Zoology, U. Rhode Island
- Assuring access to the ocean beach for local fishers, as called for in historic legal reservations, but called into question by homeowner opposition and recent court decisions. We are appealing the decision to prevent local fishers from accessing certain ocean beaches and will continue to do so until the rights enshrined in the reservation are recognized. - Water quality in Trustee owned harbors, ponds and creeks. We are working with all upland interests, as well as town, county and state entities to identify and address sources of negative runoff into these water bodies. - Catalog and bring up to date all private dock specifications in Trustee waters. We are in the late stages of a comprehensive dock inventory and update.
We support responsible beach driving. Personally, I believe that there is too much unnecessary driving on the beach. Driving is limited at times in areas of environmental concern and user conflict.
Primarily address upland sources of contamination. The use of permeable reactive barriers, some incorporating PFOS filtration are being installed and evaluated. Homeowner education to limit the use of pesticides, herbicides and excess fertilization as well as encouragement to install IA septic systems.
Straightforward communication between partners. After all, we're all on the same team, governmentally.
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Bio I am honored to run for East Hampton Town Trustee. For over 25 years, I have lived in Wainscott and been an active member of the community, combining my professional experience with a lifelong passion for service. Locally, I have served as Treasurer of the Bridgehampton Presbyterian Church for the past 13 years. I am also an ocean lifeguard and first responder/rescue swimmer with East Hampton Ocean Rescue. Community service has always been central to my life: from raising over $10,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, to co-founding an annual swim fundraiser for pancreatic cancer research, to cycling 100 miles for autism awareness. I’ve also volunteered nationally with disaster-relief group All Hands and Hearts.
Experience Experience Treasurer, Bridgehampton Presbyterian Church (13 years) – Oversee finances, budgets, and compliance for a longstanding community institution. Ocean Lifeguard & Rescue Swimmer, East Hampton Ocean Rescue & Southampton Village Ocean Rescue (3 years) – First responder for open-water emergencies, dedicated to public safety. Vice President, Bank of New York – Career in global foreign exchange, advising Fortune 500 companies on risk management and strategy. Community Service & Fundraising – Raised over $10,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (“East End Man of the Year”); co-founded annual swim fundraiser for pancreatic cancer research; cycled 100 miles to raise funds for autism awareness; disaster relief volunteer with All Hands
Campaign Email wootton4eh@gmail.com
Campaign Phone 6313388874
Education BS - Industrial Engineering -Georgia Tech & MBA - Finance Columbia Business School; CFA - Chartered Financial Analyst
I believe the most pressing issue is the declining water quality in our bays, ponds, and ocean. This weekend, the swim portion of the Mighty Montauk Triathlon was canceled yet again due to unsafe water in Fort Pond, and even the backup location, Fort Pond Bay by Eddie Ecker Park, was unusable. That’s the second cancellation in just the last three years — a clear warning of how serious the problem has become, especially in Montauk. As Trustee, I will make water quality my top priority by supporting septic upgrades, expanding water testing, and working with scientists and conservation groups to restore our waters.
Beach driving is a cherished East Hampton tradition that I deeply respect. At the same time, I know we must protect dunes and nesting areas. Vehicles aren’t the main cause of water problems, but they can harm fragile habitats. I support responsible access through seasonal limits and designated areas, so we can keep the tradition alive while protecting the shoreline.
I want future generations to enjoy the same clean bays and beaches that I did. That means restoring wetlands and eelgrass, helping homeowners upgrade septic systems, and expanding water-quality monitoring. Every decision I make as Trustee will be guided by one question: Does this protect our water for tomorrow?
The Trustees and the Town Board both serve the people of East Hampton, but at times, communication has been inconsistent. I believe the best way forward is through regular joint meetings, clear channels for sharing scientific data, and more opportunities for public dialogue when decisions affect both bodies. As Trustee, I would work to foster a spirit of partnership, not rivalry. Our shared challenges — from water quality to shoreline access — are too important for us to work in silos. By improving communication and transparency, we can make smarter, faster decisions that truly serve the community.