Letters Policy

The Star publishes every letter to the editor it receives, with the exception of those sent anonymously, those not exclusive, or those judged to be an invasion of privacy, libelous, or obscene.

Letters that are copies of those sent to public officials and press releases addressed as letters will be handled as appropriate. Writers are directed to make use of The Star's free "Cards of Thanks" when more than three individuals or businesses must be listed.

All letters, including those sent by E-mail, must carry an address and phone number for verification.E-mail: letters@easthamptonstar.com

LETTERS

Genuine Question
East Hampton
January 15, 2000

To The Editor:

Job Potter's letter in last week's Star was the model for statesmanship and official responsibility in government. Thank you for printing it.

But why did The Star's headlines, front page, read "Democrats Block" and "Board Cans"? Clearly, from The Star's own reporting, it was the Republicans who canned Mr. Cantwell. This is a genuine question, because I don't understand.

Thanks again for Councilman Job Potter's letter. There should be a reprint somewhere, so that dignity, manners, and commitment come back to the town board.

Sincerely,

KATHLEEN WOESSNER

---

- The lead headline in last week's Star should have read "Democrats To Block Green Hollow Woods Condemnation Until Further Study Shows Whether It Should Be Scaled Back." Unfortunately, we didn't have the room. Ed.

---

On The Mark
Sag Harbor
January 15, 2001

Dear Helen:

Your call to have "those little green envelopes" taken seriously - the ones sent out with property tax bills this year asking for contributions to the Suffolk Campaign Finance Fund - is right on the mark. There is no better time, no better way for the people of Suffolk County to endorse publicly funded campaigns than to send in a contribution to the fund. There is no time limit, by the way. Contributions can be made at any time during the year. They can also be made in any amount. And, as you pointed out, the Campaign Finance Board, upon request, will send out an envelope to anyone who requests one.

This method of funding may be less than perfect, but everyone should see it as an opportunity to register support for serious campaign finance reform. Candidates who accept partial public financing under the Suffolk program must limit how much they spend on their campaigns. They are also prohibited from accepting donations from political action committees, lobbyists, or firms doing or proposing to do business with Suffolk County. Candidates for the offices of county executive, county legislator, comptroller, treasurer, and district attorney are eligible to participate.

The League of Women Voters of the Hamptons supported the 1998 law and urges the people of Suffolk to support the fund and help make this groundbreaking law a model for counties across our state. We hope everyone will make a personal commitment to campaign finance reform by sending a contribution, in whatever amount, in "the little green envelope." It's time to change the way we hold elections.

Sincerely,

SANDRA A. FERGUSON
President
League of Women Voters
Of the Hamptons

---

Stay Involved
Montauk
January 12, 2001

Dear Mrs. Rattray:

I only wish that the people who have wished Alec Baldwin a safe journey and sarcastic farewells would leave, and people like Alec would stay.

Alec, if you're reading this, stay involved in politics. You are intelligent and compassionate, and I think you genuinely care about people.

Sincerely,

MARY JUDGE

---

Wizards And Soldiers

Once upon a time, in a kingdom by the sea,
lived a large group of soldiers, not unlike you and me.
The soldiers worked hard, by night and by day,
to care for the wizards who kept them in pay.
They kept to themselves, worked hard at their charge,
and made a good living, at least by and large.
But with nowhere to shop and nowhere to live,
nowhere to play and no more to give,
the soldiers left town, ne'er to be seen again,
and the wizards started looking for a few more good men.
But the wizards, who thought themselves clever and wise,
found themselves on their knees, praying up to the skies,
for help with the tasks the soldiers would do,
and soon, with regret, they all fully knew.
Their beautiful castles, in the kingdom in the sun,
were far too much work to be any fun.
So the wizards too left for new kingdoms afar,
which they made fully sure had homes, fields, and a bar,
where the soldiers could gather at the end of the day,
when the work was all done and they needed to play.

LAURIE BERNHARDT WILTSHIRE

---

Just Like Family
Bridgehampton
January 9, 2001

Dear Editor,

Yesterday at Schmidt's, Bridgehampton, my car refused to start. One of the owners, Jennifer, noticed my dilemma and jumped into the car to attempt also to start it. When that failed, she offered her office for me to telephone for help. In the meantime, she suggested one of her employees could drive my dog, my groceries, and me home. When I declined the offer, it was suggested that I help myself to a cup of hot coffee while I waited for road assistance.

It was as if I were family.

Thank you,

MARY LOU WOOTTON