Town Board Reluctantly Accepts Comptroller's Resignation

With regrets, the Southampton Town Board voted Tuesday to accept the resignation of Town Comptroller Tamara Wright, effective the end of the month.

Wright, who has served as comptroller since 2009, will take a similar post at Brookhaven Town Hall. Town Board members said they do not wish to see her go, and even joked about refusing to let her step down.

"I don't think there is enough words to thank Tamara for all the work she has done," Town Supervisor Anna Throne-Holst said. She said Wright put in untold hours and effort to get Southampton's financial management in order.

"We have to congratulate Brookhaven for getting a great comptroller," Councilwoman Bridget Fleming said.

The Brookhaven Town Board voted Feb. 7 to appoint Wright as the town's finance commissioner to replace John O'Neill, who resigned Jan. 6, The Times Beacon Record reported.

O'Neill's resignation came during the same week that Wright's reappointment was tabled at the Southampton Town Board reorganization meeting. Councilman Jim Malone had requested the reappointment vote be so that before making a decision newly elected Councilwoman Christine Preston Scalera could have the opportunity to meet with and question Wright with the entire Town Board present. Wright was eventually for a two-year period, which has now been cut short.

Right started as a consultant in 2008 before being appointed comptroller. Fleming credited Wright with righting the ship of the town's finances.

Wright said Brookhaven's