If anyone doubts for a minute that the GOP in Southampton Town brooks
no dissent, look no further than its refusal to endorse incumbent Nancy Graboski as a candidate for the Town Board.
In early 2005, Nancy Graboski announced she would join two fellow Town Board members,
Democrats Steve Kenny and Dennis Suskind, and not support Jim Zizzi’s reappointment to the town’s Planning Board.
It was reported that she was asked to explain her position at a Southampton Town Republican Committee meeting.
At the time, I chuckled when it was suggested that this move might cost her renomination. Independence would be
seen as treason by the GOP, I was told. I laughed, because I thought the person was kidding or at least exaggerating.
As a Democratic committeeperson, I could not in my wildest dreams envision someone being penalized to that extent
for following her conscience or having the courage of her convictions.
On one hand, I realize there must be some adherence to “The Party Line,” or why
else run on it. But, in return, the party should consider an incumbent’s entire record in measuring this and not
regard one dissenting vote as unforgivable treason. The Democratic Party may not be perfect, but I’ve never seen
that kind of vindictiveness there. This observation doesn’t make me proud, as if that’s something special. That’s
the way I think it should be. The American Way. Since I cannot think of another compelling reason why Ms. Graboski
failed to receive the nomination, especially as an incumbent—it appears related to her independence on this one
issue. I expect this will be “officially” denied, but I think we are getting used to being lied to, manipulated
or at least misled, at unprecedented levels, by Republicans in high office, starting at the national level. “Power
tends to corrupt, and absolute power tends to corrupt absolutely.”
I guess Nancy Graboski will now qualify as a local “Profile in Courage.” I am
saddened that an elected official cannot vote her convictions as a matter of principle, at least occasionally,
without committing political suicide.
What a sad commentary about the level of local politics.
MARION BODEN
Hampton Bays
Southampton Democratic Committee • PO Box 384 • Westhampton • New York
11977