Vital Aids
East Hampton
September 14, 2025
Dear Editor:
I oppose the United States Coast Guard’s plan to remove hundreds of navigational markers along the Northeast coast — buoys, day beacons, and lights. Arguing that the current system predates GPS does not justify discarding these vital aids.
Keep the markers. They save lives, protecting swimmers and recreational boaters. Many mariners — myself included — prefer not to rely solely on GPS physical aids provide a dependable backup when electronics fail or are compromised by a cyberattack. Buoys and fixed markers are indispensable for dead reckoning when GPS goes dark.
In heavy fog, the sound of a bell or foghorn is both practical and deeply reassuring; a real bell cutting through the mist offers tangible comfort.
Beyond safety, these markers enrich the boating experience. Boating is a major recreational activity for many. The markers also carry cultural and literary significance — as Herman Melville noted, people have long been drawn to the sea, a realm of life, danger, death, and renewal. Removing them would erase part of that heritage.
Removing navigational markers is like removing street signs. For safety, resilience, and tradition, retain the buoys, day beacons, and lights — they are part of our maritime DNA.
LARRY KONCELIK
Was the Worst
Montauk
September 15, 2025
Dear David,
Due to surgery and some lung complications, most of my summer was spent either in the hospital, emergency room, or doctor’s office. Remainder of the summer I stayed home coughing, nose running, etc.
Come September, I was able to proceed to the beach, chair and blanket carried with caution. One time, it was a peaceful day, surfers were polite until a few of them decided to fly a loud, large drone. This, along with running dogs scamping up sand and jumping over sunbathers, realization set in. Day is over. Pack up. Go home.
Trying again last week, parked myself, chair, and blanket near the top part of the dirt road. It didn’t take long. A pit bull jumped on me while I was on my blanket, friendly, but not necessary to share my blanket with this unleashed pup.
Later, cleaning off the sand, decided I’ll sit in my chair when an idiot decided to rev up his motorcycle. A minute or two of this noise, Mr. Stupid spinning on the sand throwing multiple mounds of said sand my way.
Here’s my question: Why? What’s the reason for the rule, no dogs on the beach between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. from May through Sept. 15, not understood by adults? This summer was the worst for dogs on the beach at any time their owners felt like walking or driving there.
I have been an owner of five dogs at one time. They were kept safe at home with plenty of water and shade. Don’t even attempt to say she doesn’t like dogs; I’ve always made sure my pups were kept safe.
Thanks for your attention,
BEA DERRICO
Filled With Music
East Hampton
September 12, 2025
To the Editor,
Please consider this submission for your paper. I tried to write a formal obituary, but it didn’t feel right. My dad, Neil Kraft, died on Sept. 6 in his East Hampton home. He lived in East Hampton for most of his adult life, raising all three of his children there. He and my mom were together for more than 50 years, after meeting as students at the Rhode Island School of Design.
He was deeply involved in the community, most notably through his volunteer work with Springs Meals on Wheels, the Springs Food Pantry, and the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons. A lifelong New Yorker, he was also the creative mind and designer behind many influential advertising campaigns, including the iconic Marky Mark and Kate Moss Calvin Klein underwear ads, as well as the branding and design of Voss Water.
So here it goes.
When I think of my dad, I think of music. Of the names he gave us, borrowed from his favorite musicians. Of music played loud and constantly — in the car, in the house, in his headphones. He had a home speaker system that filled the yard before anyone else did. Playlists blasted from Billie Eilish to Miles Davis. He broke into random lines from songs, like shouting at the top of his lungs, “I’m a dick, Imma addicted to you.” Music was his comfort. Music was him. He closed his final playlist with “Singin’ the Blues” by Allen Toussaint.
I think of all he taught me: How to ride a bike and appreciate the scars. How to dive into a pool without belly flopping. How to use dial-up, start an AOL Instant Messenger chat. How to take a photo — always setting my own aperture and shutter speed, then editing it after in Photoshop. How to drive a car (though perhaps I should have learned that from someone else). How to use power tools, do home renovations, and garden — even if, in practice, I was never so good at that last one. There are more lessons than I can list, all of which shaped me somehow.
I think of his laugh — his real one, sharp and loud, almost hyena-like. The polite (yes, he could be polite) or teasing chuckle. His smile. I think of his work ethic and his creative spirit. His drive. Opening Kraftworks. The drawing Marley made of them working together, hung proudly — a child’s sketch that became a living reality.
He worked all week in the city, yet every Thursday night he came home — present. Family dinners at the table “like humans,” pajama-clad runs to Sam’s or Fresno after train pickup. Pennies pressed on the tracks, waiting for him to arrive.
Games had a way of getting out of hand. Monopoly ending in tears, and him winning at gin rummy every time.
There were nights listening to “Little House on the Prairie” under my quilt, childhood headaches cured by his “cocktail” of two Tylenol and two Advil, passports left behind on a plane in Paris, the blue sweater he bought me in London. The trip to ARF, where we brought home our first dog, Missy. At home, Mom chased him through the yard — Morrison on her hip, Marley’s hand in hers — shouting, “Neil, I already have three kids!”
Road trips, always with playlists. Playing Cinderella just to get my shoes on. Coffee milkshakes. Going to war with a man saving chairs with towels in St. Barts. Just, St. Barts.
He knew exactly which subway car to board to land right at the perfect exit. He walked the city on autopilot, every turn second nature.
Bike rides — endless bike rides. Side-by-side on the old road, we sang “Honky Tonk Women,” with me asking what a barroom queen was. Late summer nights in the old. red Mazda pickup, us piled in the truck bed, barreling down Barnes Hole Road, headed to make s’mores.
He taught me the sacred rule of the vodka martini: ice cold, no vermouth. Jumping into the cold ocean together. Bodysurfing. Shouting, “My pants are wet!”
The unfiltered joy he radiated at my wedding to Zach. Dancing under string lights with me to “The Weight” and “Angel from Montgomery.” Meeting Hendrix for the first time. Becoming the grandpa. Forging a bond with him that was visible, unshakable.
I think of him hanging photos in my home before his back surgery, shouting directions across the room to Mom. So many of those photos were his own work — the ones he hung that very day. Telling me the white paint made my home look like Walmart. Running three doors down when Hendrix locked himself in the bathroom. Fixing toilets. Building outdoor showers. Jackhammering the pond in Dallas.
The texts. The calls. The emails. The photos. The jokes only our family understood (Mommy, Daddy, Babysitter). His voice shouting, “Scott!” across the house. His humor. How deeply he cared — for his family, for his community, for the world. His opinions, clear and unfiltered, delivered with the same honesty as his laugh.
Grumbling about my dog being too energetic and friendly then adopting a dog who hated most people. Movies and TV shows watched together, always too loud. His hand, holding mine, while his other dug into popcorn or shelled peanuts, spilling and rolling down his chest. And then, holding his hand the night before the morning we lost him, watching “The Last Waltz” and “Stop Making Sense,” knowing he’d want his goodbye to be filled with music.
I’m grateful for the 35 years I got with him. It will probably never feel like enough, and yet I hold both the gratitude for the time I had and the pain of wishing I had more. Grateful for the love he always had, and showed, for Mom — a steadfast love carried through his entire adult life. For his love for my brothers, for Allison, for Zach, for Hendrix, and for me. Grateful I could show up as the daughter he deserved at the end. Because in losing you, we are all fundamentally changed.
Dad, I know I will always find you in music, in dry humor, and in a cold beverage.
Love you, Dad. Always.
Thanks,
DYLAN SMITH
Anyone in Favor?
Amagansett
September 13, 2025
To the Editor,
I counted six letters (including mine) about the proposed senior center in last week’s Star. I found it interesting that each one gave a different well-thought-out reason why the project should not proceed as planned — including lack of transparency in the process, lack of experience of the design firm, issues with the design itself, and environmental and fiscal concerns. This made me curious: Is there anyone out there who is actually in favor of this project? If so, could you write a letter stating the reasons for your support? We Star readers would like to hear from you.
ALICE HENRY WHITMORE
Campaign Tactic
Amagansett
September 14, 2025
Dear David,
As a longtime Democrat and a member of the East Hampton Democratic Committee, I want to share my concern and disappointment with a letter in this week’s Star from East Hampton Village Mayor Jerry Larsen. His letter dealt with the Democratic Committee’s process for nominating and supporting a candidate for the election of East Hampton Town’s supervisor in November 2026, some 14 months from now. Fourteen months!
In his letter, Mr. Larsen implies that the committee already has “predetermined support,” not for him, but for the current supervisor, Kathee Burke-Gonzalez, who likely will run for re-election. With all due respect for Mr. Larsen’s letter, and to use a term that regularly pops up these days on national TV talk shows, his assertion is “bullshit.”
As Mr. Larsen himself acknowledges, the Democratic Committee goes through a very transparent process of screening and interviewing all potential candidates before making a nominating decision. As a committee, we absolutely have not discussed 2026. We’re months away from that process, and when we do, we certainly would welcome Mr. Larsen’s participation. And, as he already knows, in the State of New York he has the option of filing a designating petition to appear on the ballot if he is not the committee’s nominee.
I respect Mr. Larsen, his distinguished tenure as village mayor and his many accomplishments — which is why I was so disappointed that 14 months before the election, he has chosen a campaign tactic that, sadly, President Trump often used: to imply that an election he might lose has been rigged long before it ever takes place.
As Mr. Larsen himself wrote, “As Democrats, we take pride in belonging to a party built on fairness, representation, and the democratic process . . . that must always guide us, especially when choosing our candidates for public office.” You’re 100-percent correct, Mr. Larsen: As Democrats, our committee takes great pride in following the democratic process, which is why we welcome you and encourage you to be part of that process.
Sincerely,
JIM LUBETKIN
Hostile Takeover
Amagansett
September 13, 2025
To the Editor:
Last week, Jerry Larsen (rather mildly, given the way he cussed out his own ambulance volunteers) called out my friend Anna Skrenta for some comments she made about the town Democratic primary. Ms. Skrenta implied that if Mr. Larsen defeated Kathee Burke-Gonzalez for the supervisor nomination in 2026, the party might not support him.
The erstwhile mayor and First Citizen of the Village running for town supervisor feels something like an attempt at a hostile takeover, given the discord between the two municipalities he has already caused, around issues like the price of dispatch services. I suppose that if we elect him, the First Citizen’s commitment would be to turn around and beat up the village for the town.
I vividly remember the early Saturday Night Live skit of which the punchline was “You’re both right! It’s a floor wax and a dessert topping!” Both Mr. Larsen and Ms. Skrenta are right and wrong. The town Democrats’ endorsement of (obedient) candidates in its own primary, and refusal to cooperate with (good) people it does not like running as Democrats, has greatly aided in making it the dreary, ideology and personality-free machine it is today.
On the other hand, if there were anyone worth fighting with those tactics, it would be Mr. Larsen. He is not a Democrat in any way I understand the word. If the local party had cared more about, I don’t know, standing for something, and developing a relationship with the voters, which inspired us and made us want to vote for them, Mr. Larsen would have no chance here. In the present mist and gloom, he does.
For democracy in East Hampton,
JONATHAN WALLACE
Personal Views
Amagansett
September 14, 2025
To the Editor,
Words are powerful. I can remember when Hawk Newsome, the leader of Black Lives Matter of Greater New York spoke with Candace Owens in 2019. His words always stuck with me. He won’t “judge,” as that is not our role, and we should focus on our own actions. After all, he pointed out that is God’s role and to the best of our knowledge none of us are God.
That doesn’t mean we can’t have opinions which are categorized as personal views. I particularly care to point out facts. Glad to see Cranberry Hole bridge is ahead of the senior center. Is the live betting still taking place? Let’s not hold our breath on the full comprehensive dredge of Napeague Harbor. Someone has stated, in the Irene Silverman article, why isn’t the senior center at the Child Development Center of the Hamptons? If only someone said that in the 2021 election (stops at mirror, smiles, and winks).
Tom Flight mentioned beech leaf disease. That’s already here and we are about five years too late. Time to start looking at spotted lantern fly, which allegedly had a swarm in Mastic last Thursday.
Michael Rodgers had a statement about it being “stressful” with the construction at Amagansett School. Is that because he needed to pass three change orders in late August after winning bids obviously came in underpriced? He did desperately mention previously he wanted those maples.
Or is it stressful for Michael Rodgers because the same day Wayne Gauger left the school board on Aug. 11 (which I’ll still take the appointment for that open seat), Brentwood Union Free School District was adopting “legal defense” with Richard Loeschner’s name in the middle of the resolution. What is that case for now? Mr. Loeschner’s name is on so many. Seems to be how Mr. Loeschner was available, in my opinion, to disgrace us with his presence. Reference his flawed investigation skills. The same guy who was hired to “train” Michael Rodgers.
Still here,
JOE KARPINSKI
In the Bin
Weston, Conn.
September 10, 2025
Dear Sir,
I found a copy of The East Hampton Star in the recycling bin of my local post office in Weston, Conn., and zoomed in on Christopher Walsh’s article about protest songs, realizing I hadn’t really thought about it till now.
I’m 72, never a big fan of folk, but I used to attend the Clearwater festival on the Hudson and helped shut down Indian Point. I also set up the environmental center at the Wetlands nightclub in the late 1980s. I was more of a Black Sabbath baby. My protest songs were “War Pigs” — and punk bands, all of which were one big protest. Then MTV descended into reality TV, despite Ozzy.
The protest songs are still there, underground, in the heavy metal scene, which has never been bigger, but gets no attention from mainstream media since after the Chicago 7 played them like a fiddle, they stopped promoting upcoming rallies and demonstrations in favor of tepid after-the-fact updates. Now the protest is on social media, compartmentalized by political allegiance, to a vast, ineffective audience, opening the door for a dangerous asshole like Trump getting elected with a piss-poor percentage of the popular vote — how totalitarianism waltzes in. Democracy, rule by the lowest common denominator, always ends with an emperor with no clothes at the helm of the fall.
Back in the 1970s a French author, sadly can’t remember his name, wrote a book called “USA,” about how to take down America and capitalism. Seems the current administration is following instructions to the letter — but not in favor of social justice. Meantime, vapid pop songs reign supreme on the red carpet of teenage dreams.
REMY CHEVALIER
Long Tradition
East Hampton
September 2, 2025
Dear David,
The Jewish Center of the Hamptons has a long tradition of hosting programs that invite dialogue and reflection. Each summer, we bring in speakers representing a broad spectrum of Jewish life and thought, including on issues relating to Israel. Those voices have ranged from a Palestinian from Gaza who shared her personal story, to Jewish leaders and thinkers with widely differing perspectives. Maj. Gen. (Res.) Nadav Padan, now chief executive officer of Friends of the Israel Defense Forces, joined us last week as part of our summer speakers. The F.I.D.F. works to provide for the well-being of soldiers and their families, whether by supporting widows and orphans of the fallen, expanding access to mental health care for those struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder, or funding educational opportunities for veterans.
Dialogue and discourse are meaningful only if we are willing to hear perspectives we may not share. Success is not measured by agreement, but by how we treat one another with dignity and respect across our disagreements. It is important to note that our speakers do not represent the singular voice of the Jewish Center because there is no such monolithic voice. Rather, we are committed to being a community where a range of perspectives can be expressed and engaged thoughtfully. We also recognize that there are those — even within our own community — who may take issue with some of the voices we bring to the center. They are encouraged to express that disagreement, but to do so respectfully, in the spirit of dialogue.
Regrettably, a small group entered the event with the purpose of disruption. They interrupted the program with chants of “Free Palestine” and other hostile statements before being escorted outside, where they continued their protest across the street. The same individuals were later involved in demonstrations at the American Hotel in Sag Harbor and in East Hampton’s “Tax the Rich” protest.
In a polarized moment, when civility often gives way to antagonism, we remain committed to the idea that disagreement can be aired without silencing or intimidation. Our community thrives when it is a place of welcome, respect, and honest exchange. That is the tradition we intend to uphold.
RABBI JOSH FRANKLIN
Jewish Center of the Hamptons
Turn the Heat Down
Montauk
September 14, 2025
Dear David,
I am a lifelong progressive Democrat and have owned a home in Montauk for 15 years. I have admittedly been diverted and even periodically amused by the sniping that goes back and forth, week after week, between the regular political commentators here — their names on both sides are well known to readers. The anger on both sides often descends to insults and name-calling and reflects a general trend in modern social media, where volume and vitriol are prized more than thoughtfulness and respect.
The assassination of Charlie Kirk profoundly disturbed me and was exacerbated by the societal response to it on both sides (as if there could be a “side” when reacting to a cold-blooded murder). I am especially troubled by the fact that the alleged killer appears to have been a “normal kid” from a “normal home,” without any indication that he was struggling with mental illness or extreme political fanaticism. The facts as we know them at this point strongly suggest that our society is self-destructing in real time.
Mr. Kirk espoused views that I disagreed with on virtually every subject. Nevertheless, his senseless murder is a tragedy that will undoubtedly reverberate throughout whatever future the United States as a nation has left. The posturing for what his legacy will be has already begun and is, unfortunately, bearing all the signs of weaponization for political purposes that we have come to expect. I for one am weary of bearing witness to it all.
This brings me back to some of the letters that appear in this newspaper. I respectfully ask that the standard-bearers of the political causes who share their views here agree to turn the heat way down — please stop calling out contributors by name, please stop hurling insults, please stop the hyperbolic characterizations of your opponents’ positions. It may be worthwhile to remember that a pebble thrown into a pond sets ripples in motion that travel outward long after the stone has settled at the bottom. Ideas rooted in strongly felt emotions and the manner of expressing them matter. Intelligent, respectful discourse will have a beneficial effect on our society long after the issues being debated have been resolved.
EDWARD MCGOWAN
Trump’s Tariffs
Amagansett
September 15, 2025
Dear David,
In a recent email to constituents, Congressman Nick LaLota excused himself for being unable to deliver the Montauk Inlet dredging as he had promised. He thanked East Hampton Town for stepping in to fully fund the project and enable it to start. (Funds which come from the wind farm contract.) But let’s not let Mr. LaLota escape responsibility for his failure to oppose Trump’s tariffs that harm Montauk’s fisheries. His tariffs are making Montauk’s products uncompetitive to Chinese buyers.
Montauk’s fishing industry has been a fixture for centuries and we are now watching it being treated dismissively and hurtfully by Trump (and Mr. LaLota).
ROBERT WICK
Been a While
Amagansett
September 15, 2025
Dear Mr. Rattray,
I fully agree. It’s been a while, perhaps too long, since we’ve seen my words in these pages. And I apologize. I’ve missed me! But the summer has been more than jam-packed with family visits since June. The most recent group — all seven — finally departed on Monday. (Our time together was brilliant, by the way.) And, I should add, I’ve been more obsessed with national and international news in recent months than with our local matters. So disturbing, so heart-wrenching.
It’s been weeks since I’ve even glanced at the pages of The Star, Mr. Rattray, and again, apologies. But today I sat down and read the most recent issue. Wow. So many contentious issues, angry outbursts, and finger pointing. The gun club, the senior center, the inlet dredging, the Metallica mayhem in our little hamlet — and who knows in what part of limbo the airport matters lie. Thank God for the clam contest and Maxine Deseta’s charming letter reporting on her recent visit to CVS, and courageous adventure returning Blythe Danner’s Amex card!
And I must acknowledge my own selfish preoccupations in recent months, attempting to promote the book I self-published 14 months ago: “Uniting the States of America — A Self-Care Plan for a Wounded Nation.” In the weeks leading up to the national elections I felt the content of the book would be most relevant. But since Mr. Trump was sworn in, the level of divisiveness, anger, and now political violence has only increased. By a lot. So I felt I better get back in promotion mode.
It’s not easy getting traction on a self-published book, especially one that’s not exactly what you’d call a “beach read.”
But I’ve been posting many videos on Instagram and Facebook in recent weeks, discussing relevant matters addressed in the book. Regarding one of those matters, it was gratifying to hear the words of Utah’s governor, Spencer Cox, following the assassination of Charlie Kirk. The governor (who has a chapter in the book) urged all to not return hate with hate, violence with violence, even as both sides of the congressional aisle — and the president himself — were pointing fingers and blaming the “other” for inciting the violence that led to the murder of Mr. Kirk. Even as our nation was mourning the lives lost 24 years ago on 9/11. Dark.
What else are you doing, Lyle? Grateful that you’d ask, Mr. Rattray. A couple days ago I started a Substack page to host a current writing project that involves ending the war in Ukraine through a radical, non-military agreement. Fingers crossed.
God bless us all,
LYLE GREENFIELD
Not Conservative
East Hampton
September 8, 2025
Dear Mr. Rattray,
With respect to fiscal issues, my political viewpoint can be considered conservative. Our government should work under the constraints of a balanced federal budget just as the American family must do with its household budget to avoid financial ruin by running up a huge debt that potentially cannot be paid. In 2024, the federal government spent $880 billion on net interest costs on the national debt. That total, which grew by 34 percent from $658 billion in 2023, was the largest amount ever spent on interest in the budget. Interest costs are on track to become the second largest category of spending in the federal budget.
Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” does nothing to reverse this trend. In fact, it may have the biggest impact on the federal deficit of any tax bill in history. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, the bill reduces taxes for higher incomes by an estimated $4.5 trillion while reducing federal spending by an estimated $1.4 trillion, mostly due to reductions in spending on Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and federal student loans. Over all, the C.B.O. estimates that the Big Beautiful Bill Act will increase the deficit by $3.4 trillion over the next 10 years and is set to equal 6.1 percent of the gross domestic product — significantly more than the 3.8 percent that deficits have averaged over the past 50 years.
Call Trump whatever you want, but definitely not a fiscal conservative.
SALVATORE TOCCI
Angry Letter
Montauk
September 12, 2025
To the Editor,
Last week’s angry letter from Bea Derrico to The Star was a word salad masterpiece. Trying to figure out her train of thought through the incoherent and nonsensical sentences was truly challenging. Her thought process is truly unique as she jumps from “hateful Trump syndrome” to bullets coming through windows and people yelling Trump is Hitler; that’s a lot to take in. Her soap box is doing overtime!
When she lashes out with these incomprehensible tirades after having her letters fact-checked, debated, and mocked one can only imagine her anguish. There are therapies for anger management.
ROBERT IHLE
Gun Culture
East Hampton
September 15, 2025
To the Editor,
Like fish who swim in the ocean not sensing water, people in a generations-old gun culture may not sense its inherent danger. Everybody they know has guns and they make sure that their kids go to safety classes. It’s their right as citizens, so it’s been decided.
But those same well-trained children may be into gaming where at a touch of a finger worlds explode. Do this thousands of times.
Most people are in favor of free speech but mine may get under your skin. You may not know that I’m just a political operative using whatever means to hype my audience and to make a buck.
You take it personally.
TOM MACKEY