Civic Leader Steps Down To Run For Town Board

Civic leader Brad Bender has plans to throw his hat back into the ring and seek another run for a Southampton town board seat in the 2013 election.

Bender, president of the Flanders, Riverside and Northampton Community Association, announced at Monday night's monthly FRNCA meeting that nominations were open for the FRNCA board through the April meeting.

"I will step down as president," Bender said, adding that he will remain on the FRNCA board. "I plan to run for Southampton Town board."

Bender said there was "an issue" with his being FRNCA president and running for a town board seat, prompting his decision to step down as FRNCA president in April.

The run will not be Bender's first: Democratic Councilwoman Bridget Fleming secured re-election to the town board, and Republican candidate Christine Preston Scalera, who finished with the second-most votes in the town council race for two seats, won by a narrow margin ahead of Independence Party candidate Bender.

Bender said Monday he will have to screen for candidacy and will seek lines with the Democratic, Independence and Working Families parties.

The decision to run, Bender said, was born from his "love of community and being involved. We need a strong community-minded voice in town government," he said.

Bender said after his narrow loss in 2011, he "went right back" to his FRNCA position as president, as well as his work as the chairman of the town's affirmative action task force, and serving as a member of the Riverside economic development committee. Bender added he attends fundraisers and to support Southampton events.

"I believe it's time the people of Southampton get their money's worth form their council people and that is my intention -- to put people and community first," Bender said. "I'm a team builder and a problem solver and will run on what I can bring to the table."

He added, "I truly believe I'm the candidate that can serve all residents. It's all about community."

Meanwhile, Bender urged residents to seek positions on the FRNCA board. "We've had the same few people up here switching hats for years," he said. "Ask your friends and neighbors. This is a great thing, to get up here and be in service. It's rewarding."

FRNCA elections will take place in April; only registered and paid FNCA members can vote.