Apply This Test East Hampton October 26, 2015 Dear David: Impressed with the Pope's message to the United States Congress, I have developed a new test when discussing and thinking about issues of public concern: what would Pope Francis do? I propose we residents of East Hampton apply this test to consider the myriad issues facing our elected officials and our votes in the coming election. If we do, it will be clear that we should reelect Larry Cantwell, Sylvia Overby and Peter Van Scoyoc. Here are some actions by those Democrat Candidates in the first two years in the majority (contrasted in some cases with actual or probable Republican actions) that to my mind exemplify what the pope would have done in their shoes: Purchased, with the community preservation fund, the horse farm in Amagansett, just east of the IGA, thereby preserving forever one of the most beautiful open tracts of land in East Hampton. (The prior Republican board proposed changing the zoning of this land to allow it to be developed as a condominium community.) Adopted a law regulating the construction of formula/chain stores so as to preserve our historic districts from looking like strip malls. Passed a law prohibiting helicopter traffic during evening hours so as to protect residents in the flight paths from noise disturbing their peace and quiet. (The Republicans vigorously opposed this by unsuccessfully challenging it in court and are receiving the major part of their campaign contributions from a commercial helicopter association to continue their court battle.) Took action to prevent huge crowds of people from congregating at night spots in Montauk and along the Napeague strip ( conditions that festered and grew during the prior Republican administration.) Passed a law prohibiting motels from opening bars.( Margaret Turner, a Republican candidate for town board, opposed this law claiming that it would lower the value of the motels, overlooking the negative impact on private home owners in the motel vicinities, such as increased vehicular traffic and reduction in their property values.) Protected our drinking water and bays from nitrogen runoff and other pollutants from septic systems by slowing down new construction through aggressive purchase of vacant land with the community preservation funds. (No C.P.F.-eligible property was bought during the four years of the Republican Wilkinson administration; the Republican mantra is more development — as if what we need are more McMansions.) Proposed a rental registry law that would put a lid on the rampant expansion of weekend tourism from Airbnb (Current law limits rentals to a minimum of two weeks; however there is no way to enforce this law if there is no legal obligation to register an intent to rent.) The grossly increased tourist population has environmental implications — more traffic and resultant auto emissions, witness the non-stop traffic on Montauk Highway from Montauk to the Wainscott traffic light and beyond, and I'm talking about any time of day or night, not just commuter hours, increased sewage with resultant water pollution, and greater crowds — witness the Montauk bar scene and the Napeague Strip.) I invoked the pope because each of the matters discussed above involves one or more of the core issues that the Pope addressed, namely: protecting the rights of the many over the few as opposed to advancing special interests and protecting the environment. Sincerely yours, DAVID J. WEINSTEIN Grown Locally East Hampton October 26, 2015 Dear David, My new job at Otis Ford now takes me on a west-to-east and back commute. It took a while to sink in, but the construction along Route 27 is overwhelming. The traffic headed east in the morning rivals that of the supply line for Patton’s Third Army. As I see steel rising from the ground on North Main Street, the oversized Home Goods building in Wainscott, and the Southampton condo craze brought on by Anna Throne-Holst, my thoughts turn toward the local election. Is this really the East End we want? I don’t. Your vote is now more important than ever. Your candidate requires even more research to make the proper decision at the polls. No longer can we just vote for a party. The choices are too diversified and complex. We need local people unaffiliated with business, development, or political favorites of any kind. Me, I’m looking for old East Hampton and the people who can get me there. One of my criteria for local elections is that the candidate have an East Hampton High School diploma. That way at least I know I have a grown-locally contender. You have to ask where these candidates came from. Their roots, so to speak, are critical. The folks “from afar” bring ideas from afar. Trustees should also be examined carefully. What trustees have local roots? Who really knows the waterways? Who remembers the days of haulseining and spearing for eels in the dead of winter? It’s these people you want in charge, not someone who just cruised into town on a paddleboard. So, get out and vote. Your vote is essential for the survival of old East Hampton and our rural way of life. And that elected official who didn’t came through with his or her promises, get rid of them! Yours to command, JEFFREY PLITT C.P.F. Land Acquisitions Amagansett October 24, 2015 Dear David, My wife and I attended the two debates sponsored by the League of Women Voters and the Concerned Citizens of Montauk. It is clear from statements made repeatedly during the debates that the incumbent Democratic candidates for town supervisor and town board are running primarily on their record for the properties purchased the past two years with community preservation funds. This is very commendable, as I think most of the residents of East Hampton want to preserve the open space for which the town is known. I for one do not want the congestion found in western Long Island, where I grew up. However, there is an unsavory aspect to certain of the community preservation fund acquisitions for which the incumbent Democratic candidates are responsible and failed to address. First, there is the South Flora Nature Preserve between Route 27 and the ocean in Amagansett. The Democratic candidates do not support parking along Dolphin Drive allowing East Hampton residents access to the beach abutting the nature preserve. There is a serious shortage of parking adjacent to the ocean beaches in the Town of East Hampton during the summer season unless you arrive early in the morning or in the evening. A reason given for not providing parking is if parking is available, the beach at South Flora will look like Montauk in the summer. This is a specious argument. The South Flora property was acquired with community preservation funds for the people of the Town of East Hampton. The community preservation fund is funded through a transfer tax paid by residents of the Town of East Hampton. However, residents are denied reasonable access for reasons which the Democratic candidates will not disclose. Prior to designating the South Flora property as a nature preserve, the town had an opportunity to create vehicular access and parking on the east side of the property using other properties owned by the town that were not part of South Flora and not purchased with community preservation funds. Prior to designating the South Flora property as a nature preserve the town board failed to take any action to consider access and parking. Looking at this in the best light, the town board fumbled on this, which is unacceptable. I supported the town’s acquisition of the former 555 property on Route 27 in Amagansett, preserving as open space an area of Amagansett that is already dense with commercial development and residential development. However, the town board made a serious error in acquiring the property with improvements on it, namely a stable containing living quarters. This transaction could have been structured so the portion of property with the improvements was acquired with non-C.P.F. money, but it wasn’t. The town board previously tried to purchase property on Neck Path in Springs with a home on it. It was only after Springs residents protested that the town board restructured the transaction so the improvements were removed prior to purchase. State law and the town code concerning expenditures of community preservation funds are not that complex where the town board can be forgiven for this serious misstep. I am mystified as to what the board was thinking when it sought these purchases. The fiscal problems caused by the McGintee administration’s misuse of C.P.F. money are fresh on the minds of East Hampton residents. Now we have a Democratic-controlled board running on its record of C.P.F. purchases and open access to beaches. This is Orwellian, considering the board’s mishandling of the South Flora property and the acquisition of the former 555 property in a manner not compliant with law. I am sure that between now and Election Day the residents of the Town of East Hampton will not know the ramifications of the mishandling of the former 555 property acquisition, but any sanctions imposed for failure to comply with the law will be a cost for the town and will fall on the shoulders of the taxpayers and not the incumbent Democrats on the board. The residents of East Hampton can ill afford another term of mismanagement by the incumbent Democrats. I especially urge independents and Democrats to think real hard before voting on Election Day about whether you want a town board controlled by individuals who run primarily on their record of C.P.F. land acquisitions, but have caused so much acrimony in the community due to their incompetence. MICHAEL F. JORDAN Happening Already East Hampton October 26, 2015 Dear Editor, One almost has to wonder why the East Hampton Republicans are campaigning for town board. Anything they claim to want that would help our community is happening already. For example, Republicans claim they want better code enforcement. They ignore the Democratic administration’s record: code enforcement up 30 percent, 50 Springs properties charged with housing violations. This happened through careful planning, including an online process facilitating complaints and an increase in staff, training, and coordination. The result: increased customer satisfaction, particularly in overburdened Montauk. Republicans claim to want more affordable housing. But they have never introduced any. In contrast, the Democrats, who initiated all the affordable housing in town, have made four new strides on those issues since they took office little more than a year and a half ago. A new affordable condominium model, shovel-ready; affordable apartments in limited business zones; support for a major modest-income project by the town’s Housing Authority and an updated community housing opportunity plan, prepared with community representatives, for more affordable housing going forward. Everything the Republicans really want would be detrimental to the public interest. They want to give back control of our airport to the Federal Aviation Adminisration and abrogate the first-ever airport noise restrictions, instituted by the current board. They want to re-elect town trustees whose only objective is making sure no other agency gets involved in cleaning our waters and saving our shores. They want to block a rental-monitoring program, no matter how renter-friendly, that would inhibit illegal renting to multiple tenants. And on and on. How could anyone endorse replacing our hard-working creative team of Cantwell, Van Scoyoc, and Overby with these folks? They have nothing to offer and plan to take a lot away. They have no rationale for running except to stay in the game. Sincerely yours, PATRICIA APATOVSKY Not the Time Springs October 24, 2015 Dear David: East Hampton is a fragile place, yet vital. It takes thoughtful, well-informed people, who understand what is needed and then work together in a civil manner, to nurture our community. This is what we’ve seen in these recent years and what we can expect from the Democratic leaders in the years to come. No nasty town board meetings, no huge donations from out-of-town businesses putting profit over the quality of our lives. The Democrats have specific plans and direction, and have achieved much in these past few years. It all takes time, patience, focus. We are just in the beginning of a better tomorrow. Now is not the time for a change, but the time to build on what has been achieved. I’ve seen these elected officials from the Democratic Party work long hours every day to assure that they are doing their best to protect our beaches, keep our waters clean, and secure our peace and quiet from the noisy planes and helicopters that fly over our homes on the way to the airport. These Democratic leaders are independent of intrusive outside money and interests, such as the huge donation by a New Jersey helicopter company to the Republican coffers. The Democrats have governed with civility — not like the shenanigans of the Wilkinson Republican board — and they offer detailed plans of what they are doing and want to do. The Democrats have been forward-looking and need your support to continue improving the quality of our lives. Don’t take all this for granted; don’t assume others will vote so you don’t have to bother. In a small community like ours, just a handful of votes, one way or the other, can change the future. Vote, please. PEGGY BACKMAN It’s Not About Nothing East Hampton October 26, 2015 Dear David, Two straightforward points may be made for this year’s Republican campaign for the town council. First, about $200,000 was contributed to purchase an “open mind.” Second, an “open mind” now means an empty head. What is the Republican position on the townwide need for middle-class and affordable housing? What is the Republican position on upgrading existing septics near our water bodies? What is the Republican position on abusive landlords who overcrowd housing? Republican campaign issues are like a Seinfeld show, about nothing. Sadly, the Republican “open mind” now means bought and paid for by out-of-town business interests who simply see the town as a cash cow. Larry Cantwell, Sylvia Overby, and Peter Van Scoyoc take positions and then seek to make them work. They don’t take money to avoid taking a position. It’s a sad epitaph for the Republicans, who take the money and run. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. These Democrats have our future in mind. Please vote on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3. It’s not about nothing. WILLIAM FLEMING Please, Not Again Springs October 26, 2015 Dear David, I am concerned about the mixed messages the Republican candidates are sending. Their slogan for Tuesday’s election is “Take Back East Hampton,” yet they are receiving tens of thousands of dollars from out-of-town Manhattan and New Jersey corporations who are sending mailings on the Republicans’ behalf and butting into our local election. The last time Republicans accepted thousands of big developers’ contributions, they abolished the Planning Department. The current Republican town board candidates are calling East Hampton the land of No. The last time we heard that from Republican town board candidates, it was doublespeak for ignoring tight zoning regulations to protect our neighborhoods from being overcrowded and businesses from increasing noise and expansion. The current town board candidates are saying that the Planning Department needs to be held in check. The last time Republicans said that they told the professionals in the Planning Department they were not allowed to make any recommendations to the boards that they serve. Please, not again. DEBRA FOSTER Five Reasons Springs October 24, 2015 Dear David: Here are five reasons to vote Republican. 1. Repeal the curfew at the airport in order to allow an unlimited number of helicopters and planes. Never mind the noise, pollution, and general inconvenience for thousands of people; the wealthy come first. 2. We need to do more to increase the number of vacationers on our beaches and in bars and restaurants, particularly in Montauk at night, never mind commotion, disorder, public urination, drunkenness. Repeal all ordinances that intend to fight those excesses, or at least make sure they are not enforced. Business before anything. 3. We need more people like former Councilwoman Theresa Quigley on our town board. Yelling at constituents and insulting opponents makes local politics so much more interesting. 4. On the national stage, we need to privatize Social Security, so that money managers and bankers have a windfall and get even more wealthy even when they lose people’s money, so that they can helicopter to our airport for the weekend (see above). 5. Obamacare must not stand. It allows millions of people, like some neighbors of mine in Springs, to get health insurance for the first time in their lives. We need to abolish this un-American government program! REDJEB JORDANIA A Political Mailer Springs October 24, 2015 Dear Editor: A week ago l got a political mailer from Tom Knobel. It was one of the many I’ve gotten from both parties this election season. What astonishes my wife and even me is that I actually read them. Anyway as aommercial fisherman I know Tom quite well; he’s a former commercial fisherman, and I was interested in what he had to say. The mailer was glossy, big, no doubt expensive, with Tom’s photo front and center. Typically it was full of information about him that he or his political handlers hope will lure votes. As usual it was an attempt to be inoffensive to the voter and shine the best light on himself. However, as I read it I saw on the back in the lower right corner something that didn’t work for me. In a list of Tom’s accomplishments was a statement that he “ran” the Baymen’s Association. Tom was the president of the association, but he didn’t run it. As a 40-year member and president for a number of years, I know nobody “runs” it. Was that statement a reflection of Tom’s ego and arrogance? Has he just told us he can run the town like he ran the Baymen’s Association? It wasn’t long ago we got rid of Wilkinson and Quigley, who tried to run the town with ego and arrogance. It might be best to not vote for Tom Knobel and a repeat of WilkQuig. BRAD LOEWEN Constructive Leadership Amagansett October 25, 2015 Dear David, It’s too bad for East Hampton that the presidential pyrotechnics are taking so much attention away from the very important local election right here in town. It would be unfortunate if residents did not pay attention. What is at stake here is the continued constructive leadership of a proven experienced team, Larry Cantwell, Sylvia Overby, and Peter Van Scoyoc. When elected two years ago, they faced a backlog of problems left over from a seriously dysfunctional administration. Now, barely two years later, they have built a strong record of accomplishment, from cutting total debt by $10 million, introducing affordable apartments in limited business zones, earning a $250,000 federal grant for coastal resiliency, acquiring over 150 properties and hundreds of acres of open space with C.P.F. funds, enacting the first airport noise restrictions, saving and restoring to full use Montauk’s Fort Pond House, instituting online code complaints, restricting chain stores in our villages, taking control of the Montauk club scene, bringing back civility to Town Hall, and more. It is not realistic for East Hampton citizens to gamble their votes now on an inexperienced trio who are offering no specific plan or program beyond empty words like “desire,” “drive,” “determination,” and “passion.” East Hampton needs the re-election of Supervisor Larry Cantwell and the board members Sylvia Overby and Peter Van Scoyoc on Nov. 3. We have our quality of life at stake. BETTY MAZUR Ms. Overby’s Leadership East Hampton October 26, 2015 Dear David, Fourteen years ago my husband and I moved to East Hampton. Now I am aware that means that I have lived here for exactly two seconds compaired to most families, but this has become our home, and there is nothing that I would not do for our beloved town. Seven years ago I was in a serious car accident. As I recovered from my surgery I began to volunteer with different organizations and committees in our town. I felt the need to give back to our community. This is where I first met Sylvia Overby. She was warm and inviting. Never a complaint came out of her mouth and it always made me feel better after I saw her. She always took the time to listen to me and entertained every question I had. She never made me feel rushed, even though I am sure that I have made her late once or twice. Even when we disagreed on a specific topic, she never made me feel that our discussion was a waste of time. But what has most impressed me about Ms. Overby is that she is not your typical politican. She never claims to be an expert and looks to different experts for advice on specific issues. To me this is the most amazing trait that a person can have and to have this in one of our own local politicans is invaluable to our community. I hope that other residents get to enjoy Ms. Overby’s leadership for years to come and re-elect her so she can continue to make our home a better place. Warmest regards, ILISSA MEYER Getting Good Things Done East Hampton October 26, 2015 Dear David, We are truly lucky to have our current Democratic town board. This board’s priorities are the public’s — careful financial management, code enforcement, water management planning. They are preserving our quality of life by maintaining public beach access, keeping beaches family-friendly, restricting noise from airports and other commercial activities. They have also cared for people with special needs, providing services for seniors, children, and people with disabilities and planning affordable housing for people with limited incomes. It is the strength of this board that they listen to the public and strive for consensus before acting on difficult issues. Their sustained effort to develop a rental registry and a law on commercial use of residential property is going to pay off by improving code enforcement and they quality of neighborhood life, without burdening law-abiding residents or restricting working people’s opportunities to make a living. Last but not least, this board is implementing visions for the future: preserving open space and limiting development, reducing use of climate-changing fossil fuels, planning for coastal resiliency. With openness and compromise, the members of this Democratic board are getting good things done. Let’s re-elect Larry, Peter, and Sylvia to continue their good work. ELLEN PETERSEN Republican Answers East Hampton October 26, 2015 Dear David, As we go forward toward voting for the board, supervisor, and trustees, it seems we should consider some facts about the Republican candidates. Here are some: Candidate Tom Knobel does not, repeat does not, live in East Hampton. He owns a property here. He works and lives UpIsland five days a week, every week! How can someone who is not here 24/7 become familiar with every aspect of the government, people, and businesses of East Hampton he expects to serve? Ludicrous! I guess he will be counting on the paid pilots from the helicopter companies to set the public straight. (He’s certainly counting on the money they donated to him.) At the same time the airport industry is suing the town, Mr. Knobel gladly accepts their money. As for Ms. Larsen, nary a word from her. Let’s be honest. She was not a first choice candidate within her own party. She has failed to show up at two out of three candidate debates. She is nowhere to be found or heard. Could it be that she has nothing to say? Actually, when attending the first debate she sat next to Tom Knoble and repeated everything he said . . . take money from the community preservation fund, and called the airport an asset. On what basis would we vote for her? There is no experience in governance and just the same old Republican answers. Having a small business doesn’t qualify one for the expertise necessary to work on the board. Ms. Turner has had friends testifying to her niceness and her ability. She does have ability . . . as a loyal Republican to any and all business needs. At Wilkinson’s knee Ms. Turner continually asked for louder noise, larger bars, tables outdoors, more music, more expansion, and more parking for bars, restaurants, and motels. And Wilkinson gave it to her! Ms. Turner may have skills, but her point of view and work has for years been as a paid employee and lobbyist for the Business Alliance and their many clients. She thinks business, not people! One doesn’t change their views overnight and she cannot in all honesty say her work experience was for the good of the public. So, if you are undecided about how to vote, check out these facts and draw your own conclusions. NAOMI SALZ Working So Well Springs October 25, 2015 Dear David: I have a question for those voters who are considering or have already decided that a change is needed in our town government. But before I ask the question, I would like to point out again what our current government has accomplished: First of all it has cut our debt by $10 million, it has put in place airport noise restrictions, it has acquired hundreds of properties and hundreds of acres of open space in sensitive areas in order to protect our environment, it has improved code enforcement to reduce housing violations, especially in the Springs where I live, it has protected the community preservation fund and used it only for the purpose it was originally meant for, it has protected our harbors and groundwater so that we may continue to enjoy our beaches and drink clean water, it has restored civility among town board members and allowed citizens to express their opinions without being insulted. So, I ask, why would you want to change something that has been working so well for us? Please, think again, and, on Nov. 3, vote with me to keep our supervisor and our town board and vote to elect the Democratic trustees. Thank you, ANITA SHELDON I Have a Platform Amagansett October 16, 2015 Dear David, Due to certain recent events, I have decided to revive my dormant campaign for the position of East Hampton Town common whipper. The East Hampton Town common whipper is an enforcement position mislaid a few centuries back. I share an exchange with my campaign: Me: I’m running! Them: You’ll need money. The Democrats have 163 supporters, the Republicans 37. Me: 37? I have a policy platform. Them: Don’t do platforms. React! Me: I have a platform: More oysters, fewer trustees. more work-force housing, fewer nimbyesque lawyers, more sand, fewer helicopter flights. Them: We are worried about the whips. Me: Big ad: Take back East Hampton! Protect the people! Protect our place! Energy! Determination! Desire! Passion! Them: Is that an N.R.A. ad or for Viagra? Me: I lifted it from the Republicans. Them: Who are your supporters? Me: The East End new leaders, musicians, scientists, and dog people. Them: You’ll need a poll. . . . All good things, DIANA WALKER Legally Protected Springs October 17, 2015 Dear Mr. Rattray, I congratulate the Republican candidates, Tom Knobel, Lisa Mulhern-Larsen, and Margaret Turner on a well-run, issues-oriented campaign. This ticket of candidates is a knowledgeable, experienced, honest and hard-working team that will bring transparency and good decision-making back to East Hampton Town Hall. I note with interest, Mr. Rattray, that in your recent editorial excoriating Republicans over campaign contributions and what Republicans might do when they get into office, you neglect to mention to the voters what the Cantwell administration (including Overby and Van Scoyoc) has actually done in office. Possible illegal actions they took with the Principi property in Amagansett have resulted in yet another Suffolk County District Attorney investigation of East Hampton’s community preservation fund. As you know, campaign contributions are legally protected speech under the United States Constitution, and in accordance with New York State law the Republicans have publicly disclosed their contributions. It’s not the Republican candidates that are under investigation by the district attorney; it’s the Cantwell administration that is. D.A. Thomas Spota is a Democrat, and one presumes he would have disposed of his investigation before this election if there was no “there, there” as they say. He has not. Moreover, a recent review of the town’s official statement for its August borrowing shows the town with a nearly $1 million deficit, something that has not occurred since the last Democratic administration. The April official statement shows a surplus, yet just four months later, a deficit exists. What’s going on with the town’s finances? East Hampton residents don’t need to be dragged through scandal and financial ruin again. We are still paying for the antics of the last Democratic administration you endorsed. On Election Day, Nov. 3, I urge all voters to put East Hampton back on track and vote for the Republican ticket of Knobel, Larsen, and Turner. Sincerely, CAROLE CAMPOLO Decision-Maker Springs October 25, 2015 Dear David, I am writing to endorse Margaret Turner for East Hampton Town Board. Ms. Turner has been an indefatigable attendee at town board meetings for nearly 10 years. She has been appointed by both Democratic and Republican administrations to numerous committees, including affordable housing, housing needs, lighting, energy sustainability, business, and wastewater management. There is no other candidate running for the town board, including the incumbent board members, that has more institutional knowledge or more insight into the issues facing East Hampton. Furthermore, Ms. Turner has experience in both the private and not-for-profit sectors. As a product manager for major retail businesses, Ms. Turner traveled not only the United States but the Near and Far East including Japan, Korea, and India, and Europe. At a time when few women in the retail industry were at Ms. Turner’s level, she was negotiating major contracts across many different cultures, honing her skills as a negotiator and decision-maker. As the executive director of the nonpartisan East Hampton Business Alliance, Ms. Turner advocated on behalf of an extremely important constituency in our community, small business employers, our friends and neighbors, who are unfortunately under siege by a hostile Cantwell administration and its overreaching, intrusive, and business-killing regulations. Helping the most needy in our community, Ms. Turner has also been a hard-working volunteer for local charitable institutions including our churches and synagogues. Margaret Turner’s decades of experience, her negotiating skills with diverse cultures, as well as her extensive experience in East Hampton issues, will bring a breadth of knowledge and skills to the East Hampton Town Board that is sorely needed at this time in our town’s history. I urge all East Hampton residents to vote on Election Day, Nov. 3, for Margaret Turner, on the Republican, Conservative, or Reform Party line. Margaret Turner is the intelligent choice for East Hampton. Sincerely, DON CIRILLO What a Difference Amagansett October 26, 2015 Dear David, What a difference we’ve seen on Edgemere Street in Montauk! The proactive steps taken by the town board in expediting the parking ban on Edgemere through new legislation have demonstrated early success. Gaining the input and support of the town Police Department, Montauk Fire Department and the community through the Montauk citizens advisory committee and a public hearing, we were able to make this happen prior to the conclusion of the summer season. Stepping up enforcement and enforcing existing laws is always the priority, but to solve problems there may be times that changing the law has stronger results, such as the actions taken to improve safety concerns on Edgemere Street. Similarly, the chaos and out of control drinking at Indian Wells Beach required town board action supported by the community and the trustees. Restricting taxis and buses from the parking lot on weekends, restricting alcohol during lifeguarded hours and checking for beach stickers on vehicles entering the parking lot has restored Indian Wells to a safe family friendly local beach. The town board will do what is needed by providing the necessary resources, but we are ready to change and improve the law if it is required. Both Edgemere Street and Indian Wells Beach are examples of improving the quality of life in East Hampton by updating and refining our code. Sincerely, SYLVIA OVERBY Councilwoman Endless Legislation Springs October 25, 2015 To the Editor, East Hampton has to stop trivializing itself with endless legislation that restricts the ability to live here and must start addressing the needs of those who are striving to exist. Instead of progressive intrusions on privacy and the right to work, our town must foster the ability of working people to remain. Three out of four largest employers are paid for by taxpayers (town, schools and village), and yet no real effort has been aimed at generating private employment. If the lack of career jobs is mentioned, the excuse for not seeking to create them is the lack of housing for workers, a problem maintained by the town’s failure to prioritize people. The scope of the housing crisis in East Hampton is not even on the radar of the current town board, as proven by the rejection of the ready-to-go Wainscott housing project. The community preservation fund is being clouded by inappropriate purchases that include the tearing down of existing buildings and the hidden pre-transaction discussions that allocate millions of dollars. A town board that can guarantee $4 million for a project that the public never heard of is a town board that needs changing. I am proud to have brought forth in my campaign for supervisor that we need fairness and equity for our hamlets, that our government should exist to assist, that endless litigation is not the path to a better town, that public property belongs to the public, and that our town’s preservation includes the people it consists of. Our town needs to be an inclusive and diverse place. The failure to accommodate and see other points of view, as shown in the Uber fiasco and at the airport, and the petty and reflexive combativeness of the town board are leading to millions of dollars of litigation expense. I am seeking a more open government that strives to achieve in deed what the current board only talks about. I appreciate the consideration of my fellow townspeople, and ask for your vote. TOM KNOBEL Republican-Conservative-Reform Candidate There Is a Disconnect East Hampton October 24, 2015 Dear David, Changes need to be made on the town board. It’s quite clear that there is a disconnect between this town board and our hard-working community members. Unfortunately, many people struggle here and are now being forced to struggle even more. Take for instance, the rental registry. As proposed, a law-abiding homeowner could end up a defendant even if he has bad tenants. How is this loose-ended proposal helping the honest person who needs to rent their home to make ends meet? Another example is the last draft of the truck legislation. Setbacks were proposed as to where you can park your vehicle on your property. Imagine getting a summons for parking too close to your property line! Let’s consider our town employees, the backbone of our community. They have not been given a raise since 2010, yet town board members generously gave themselves a 2.5-percent raise in the 2016 tentative budget. We desperately need affordable housing, many of our town departments are understaffed, and more attention needs to be paid to our young adults who are trying to cope with mental health issues and substance abuse. Our senior citizens deserve a center that is beautiful, warm, and inviting. And how about allowing access to our public beaches? I am an Independence Party member, endorsed by the Republican, Conservative, and Independence Parties. Please support me by voting on Nov. 3. Thank you. LISA MULHERN-LARSEN Creative, Driven, Smart East Hampton October 23, 2015 Dear Editor, Our sister, Lisa Mulhern-Larsen, is running for East Hampton Town Board. We can’t stress enough that she would be the person our town would benefit most from. She is a family member that we can always rely on. Our sister is creative, driven, smart, and generous. Lisa is always willing to go above and beyond to be of service to others, including anonymously helping strangers in need. Her love for our community has been demonstrated through her years of dedication and volunteerism to many organizations here in town. Please take the time to vote for her on Election Day this Nov. 3! Thank you, GINA MULHERN CARROLL LOGIE Effective Leader Montauk October 23, 2015 Dear Editor, I have known Lisa Mulhern-Larsen since 1976. She has been a friend and also a co-worker. We played on the same softball team in high school and also as adults in the East Hampton Women’s League. Our work history includes coaching girls’ softball and working for the Viking Fishing Fleet in Montauk. As an employee of the same organization I have had the opportunity to observe Lisa’s work ethic first hand. Lisa is a highly reliable individual who could always be counted on to complete her work in a timely and organized manner. Working for the Viking Fishing Fleet required that Lisa engage in multiple roles from bookkeeping to retail sales. She showed a great deal of flexibility in managing these different positions. She also demonstrates a consistent ability to maintain her composure, even when confronted with difficult customers or complaints. As a coach, Lisa was an excellent role model for the girls on the team. She was able to motivate the team with her enthusiasm for the sport. She was also patient in teaching these girls to develop their skills as players. I have seen her find effective ways of communicating to girls as young as age 9 in ways that not only engaged them in the sport, but also helped to build their sense of confidence and self-esteem. In sum, Lisa is not only a team player but also an effective leader. As a resident of Montauk, I have every confidence that she will be a strong advocate for the needs of the people residing in our community. Sincerely, Catherine Roxbury New Freshness Amagansett October 25, 2015 Dear Editor: I met Lisa Mulhern-Larsen 18 years ago when our boys played roller hockey together at the youth Park in Amagansett. I was new to the scene of youth sports and Lisa made me feel welcome from the start. She has an inclusive personality and was my go-to person in all things sports. As our friendship grew, so did my admiration for her when we served together on a Little League board and an East Hampton Middle School board. I quickly found out that Lisa has those rare qualities that are so essential when finding solutions to the various challenges that boards can face. What can you expect from Lisa as an East Hampton Town Board member? She will bring a new freshness to the board. She is fair-minded and an independent thinker. She is approachable! She wants to hear not only the loudest voices that write continuous letters to the various papers each week, but also the smallest voices that are rarely heard, those who are facing and dealing with the daily struggles of living in the Hamptons. The under-represented that are too busy with getting their children to school and working long hours to put food on the table. The children of local families that find it impossible to stay in the area because of the lack of affordable housing, and the lack of jobs that enable them to pay the resort-like rental rates, and for those who rely on our town board members to ensure free public access to our beaches, so that they to can appreciate the wonders of our area. The Hamptons have many challenges that need active, caring board members with fresh outlooks to solve the serious issues that our community faces. That is why I am voting for Lisa Mulhern-Larsen and the Republican ticket. DAWN BROPHY Honored to Serve East Hampton October 26, 2015 Dear David, The silly season, as some call it, is now in full bloom, as evidenced by the proliferation of campaign signs. But this year is different. Something truly outrageous is happening which threatens to subvert the process by which we elect people to represent us on the East Hampton Town Board. Call it outside money and influence. Contributions from New Jersey helicopter interests to the G.O.P. campaign now total over $275,000. These are the same interests that are suing the town in federal court because we regained our right to control our airport by refusing to take Federal Aviation Administration funding. One of the ways outside money is being spent is by hiring campaign workers from Centereach and elsewhere to go door to door delivering misinformation about me and my running mates. I won’t be surprised if wild claims and untruths are broadcast in nasty television ads next. But I have faith that citizens will see through the fabrications because they know me. My wife, Marilyn, and I have raised our children here, built a home and business here, and give to the community. Since Larry Cantwell took office less than two years ago, Larry, Sylvia, and I, working with Fred and Kathee, have preserved over 200 acres of open space, improved public access to bays, beaches, and harbors, updated the community housing plan, initiating two affordable housing projects (the first town-sponsored projects in eight years), completed a townwide wastewater management plan to help protect our precious waters, rescinded the sale of Fort Pond House and reopened it for public use. We have continued to strengthen the town’s financial status by closing the scavenger plant (saving $800,000 tax dollars annually), retiring debt, and improving our bond rating while balancing the budget and remaining within the 2-percent property tax cap. We have sought and received over $20 million in grant funding to protect our water quality, adapt to changing coastlines, implement renewable and sustainable energy projects, such as solar farm leases on town properties. We purchased 18 acres of farmland in Amagansett and prevented the creation of a new overlay district that would have enabled developers from Connecticut to construct 79 luxury condos. Perhaps most important, the public and fellow board members are treated with dignity and respect. Agendas and resolutions are available days ahead of meetings and public participation is welcomed. I have been honored to serve as your town councilman these last four years and ask that you vote for me, Sylvia, and Larry on Tuesday, Nov. 3, so that we can continue getting good things done. Keep the team together! Sincerely, PETER VAN SCOYOC Democratic, Independence, and Working Families Parties Supreme Court Justice Sag Harbor October 26, 2015 Dear David, Before voters pull a lever for a Supreme Court justice, they should understand how important this position is because it could have an impact on their lives, and who has the best experience and credentials for the job. I believe Robert Quinlan is clearly the best choice for this position. I have known and worked with Bob for more than 30 years and always found him to be smart, reasonable, and fair. Please vote and pull the lever for Robert Quinlan for Supreme Court justice. STEPHEN A. GROSSMAN
Published 4 years ago
Last updated 4 years ago
Letters to the Editor: Town Board Choice 10.29.15
October 29, 2015