After selling his successful business in 2015, Arnott G Gooding (aka Gordon Gooding) has devoted most of his time and enormous energy to making Shelter Island an even better place to live.

 

As a Reporter editorial last August stated, “there is arguably no greater protector of preserved land on the Island than Gordon Gooding, the longtime chairman of the Town’s Community Preservation Fund Advisory Board [CPF].”

 

Under his leadership the Town has preserved over 55 acres of undeveloped land for water recharge. Most recently, Gordon was instrumental in the acquisition of 20 acres of land in the environmentally sensitive area between South Menantic Road and West Neck Creek. He garnered praise for rescuing the all-but-dead deal from many, including the former Supervisor who gave Gordon credit for bringing it 99.5% to completion. Moreover, Gordon has worked with the Town Board members, the highway department, and volunteers to open existing properties for public access. (shelterislandtown.us/community-preservation-board)

 

When a former Supervisor and Town Board proposed using part of the protected Klenawicus Airfield for a wastewater treatment facility, Gordon successfully led the opposition, joined by a broad section of Shelter Islanders.

 

Gordon’s other Island leadership roles include serving as President of the Hay Beach Association and Co-President of the Shelter Island Association, which represents all 11 neighborhood associations on the Island.

 

Gordon is running for Town Board to make Shelter Island a better island for all. He believes that:

​

• Good leadership involves openness; good listening skills; receptiveness to other opinions; consensus building; willingness to compromise; and a desire to inspire positive change. But, when necessary, the ability to take a hard stance against negative impacts and initiatives. 

​

• Effective Town management requires impartial input from Town volunteer committees, knowledgeable Town personnel, and, where necessary, other experts.

​

• The Town can successfully preserve and enhance our precious natural resources (including our water and preserved land) and create needed affordable housing, without excessive spending or unwanted commercial development.