Editorial: A Time To Remember - 27 East

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Editorial: A Time To Remember

Editorial Board on Jul 2, 2020
There is no sugar-coating it: The Class of 2020 got ripped off. There was no prom, no senior skip day, none of the anticipation and celebration of a traditional graduation... more

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Saying Goodbye

The Golden Pear Café in Bridgehampton will close its doors on Monday, October 27. After 30 years of faithful service, meaningful relationships and contributions to the heart of this community, we are forced to say goodbye. We have been disappointed — by a landlord who prospered alongside us for three decades, only to sever the relationship without cause or justification. It is a heartbreaking end to a remarkable chapter in The Golden Pear’s history. For 30 years, my team and I upheld every term of a triple-net lease — paying millions in rent, insurance and taxes. Through summer seasons and ... 22 Oct 2025 by Staff Writer

Something Crooked

There’s something crooked happening in the Southampton Town Council elections. In our polarized times, we’ve gotten used to the idea that there are candidates on the far left and the far right, usually represented in New York elections by the Working Families Party and the Conservative Party. Sometimes we see cross-endorsements between Democrats and Conservatives, just as in the past there were occasional cross-endorsements between Republicans and the Independence Party, usually to indicate more moderate candidates. But you never see Republicans and the Working Families Party working together. That’s because their principles are diametrically opposed. That’s what seems to be ... by Staff Writer

Ripple Effect

There’s a certain irony to the fact that local elections have the biggest direct impact on people’s lives — yet they regularly have the lowest turnout, much lower than, say, a presidential election, where every single vote is a tiny drop in an ocean of democratic decision-making. Your vote in the November 4 town elections — early voting begins October 25, which makes it even more convenient to get to the polls, compared to scrambling to cast a ballot on a single Tuesday — will determine how your property tax bill is spent, how your town will develop (or not), ... by Editorial Board

Use With Caution

Nothing happens in a vacuum, and the timing of Southampton Town’s proposed purchase of a $400,000 Lenco BearCat armored truck, coming as federal troops are on the streets in some cities and masked ICE officers appear to operate outside normal law enforcement norms, was bound to raise some concerns about the ongoing militarization of local police forces. But Southampton Town Police Chief James Kiernan has made a compelling case for the purchase: It’s a piece of equipment that might appear excessive — until the moment it’s needed. And at that moment it’s not just necessary, it likely will save lives. ... by Editorial Board

Yes, MAGA

Cyndi McNamara is, too, a MAGA — if MAGA means “McNamara Against Government Asininity.” Since coming our way, she has done her homework, sought out the public’s concerns, and been available and open and conscientious throughout. Most important, she actually plows her way through the slippery mountain of paper and dross data generated by planners, consultants, engineers, experts and other know-it-alls who generate hackneyed ideas and big bills. And whom do they work for? She is clear-sighted, informed and measured — a necessary asset and corrective on an often clueless, self-serving, brain-dead board. And her cards are on the table, ... 20 Oct 2025 by Staff Writer

Deep Commitment

I have lived in Westhampton since 2011 and have followed Maria Moore’s work closely, first as mayor of Westhampton Beach and now as Southampton Town supervisor. Over the years, I’ve had several opportunities to listen to her and speak with her directly. She has always impressed me as a calm, straightforward and genuinely caring leader who values dialogue and treats everyone with respect. As supervisor, Maria has continued to show that same steady and thoughtful approach. She has focused on the practical issues that truly matter: protecting water quality, promoting renewable energy, improving waste management, and keeping our town government ... by Staff Writer

Job Well Done

Sundy Schermeyer first ran for Southampton Town clerk in 2006 and beat her opponent. She ran a second time unopposed, and when she ran for third, fourth and fifth terms, she was cross-endorsed by both the Republican and Democratic parties. Why? She does a spectacular job. As town clerk, she oversees the record-keeping and filing system of the Town Board, in addition to overseeing the records for over 37 other departments. She brought the town clerk’s office into the digital age. She implemented an online BID/RFD portal for vendors to bid on town projects and upgraded the process of making ... by Staff Writer

In This Together

I attended both “No Kings” rallies in June and again last Saturday. The spirit of both were identical: We are a community of Americans, coming together, expressing ourselves in the most American of ways — by demonstrating and marching. Both rallies were extremely peaceful. The organizers were absolutely clear in that intention in all of the emails and reminders I received. There were a few “dump Trump” chants, but the real chant that got the momentum was “This is what democracy looks like.” Being at those rallies was uplifting and hopeful. Everyone was in a wonderful mood and complimentary of ... by Staff Writer

Ignore the Noise

It’s election time and the arrows are flying, but they’re far off the target and only hurt those who launched them. Case in point: At a recent Bridgehampton-Noyac forum, it’s reported that the discussion was hijacked by supporters of Town Councilwoman Cyndi McNamara, who seeks reelection in November. Ms. McNamara’s friends shifted the group’s focus from policy to a video ad by the Suffolk County Democrats criticizing her record. They used the ad’s claims, which they called inaccurate, to attack her opponent, Tom Neely. Mr. Neely, however, disavowed the video entirely, saying he had nothing to do with it, and ... by Staff Writer

Shared Successes

As Election Day draws near, it is time to take stock of the last two years. I start by asking a simple question: Are you happy with your local way of life, and do you see improvements (even if small)? I hope the answer is that you can see things happening around our waterways and great strides being made in the name of conservation. That said, I can appreciate that many residents may be sick of politicians, politics and all that comes with it. Keeping that sentiment on the forefront, I do want to share that I believe our local ... by Staff Writer