Michael G. Wootton

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MICHAEL G. WOOTTON

Republican

BACKGROUND:

• Wootton, 65, is making his first bid for public office. He has an MBA from Columbia University and spent 25 years working in finance.
• He lives in Wainscott with his longtime partner, Maria Teresa, and has two college-age children.
• He has served as an elder and treasurer at the Bridgehampton Presbyterian Church for 10 years and is also an ocean lifeguard and first responder with East Hampton and Southampton Village ocean rescue.

ISSUES:

• Wootton is a lifelong Independent who said he’s running to end one-party rule in East Hampton politics, and be a dissenting voice on the council.
• Wootton said he supports keeping the East Hampton Airport open, since it generates economic activity. “Instead of suing or trying to close down the airport, I think maybe there’s a middle road,” he said.
• He also supports stopping development at the former Wainscott sand and gravel pit, where a 50-lot industrial and commercial subdivision is proposed. Wootton said the property should be preserved or repurposed for something recreational for residents.