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Sag Harbor Express / Editorials / Opinion / 1895348

Editorial: Equal for All

Editorial Board on Jan 30, 2020
There has been much clamoring recently about changes enacted last month to the state’s criminal justice system, most notably the elimination of cash bail for many defendants changed with nonviolent... more

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Angry and Determined

I felt the need to express my sentiments regarding the recent ICE raids that I personally observed on the morning of Wednesday, November 5, in Hampton Bays [“Federal Immigration Sweep in Hampton Bays, Westhampton Beach Sparks Protests,” 27east.com, November 5]. My sister and I have been attending a wonderful program at St. Rosalie’s Catholic Church titled “The Conversation Cafe.” It has a primary purpose of helping primary English speakers improve our Spanish and, conversely, primary Spanish speakers improve their English. I personally feel that it has given me a second gift. I have made some new friends that just happen ... 17 Nov 2025 by Staff Writer

Warped View

The recent election has brought into focus what voters are currently thinking. The effort to bring illegal immigration under control, while overwhelmingly popular for candidate Donald Trump, was now portrayed as an authoritarian nightmare perpetrated by Nazis masquerading as federal employees. The dilemma for the current administration is how to manage the huge immigration mess that Democrats created. It obviously cannot be cleaned up using a progressive toothbrush but rather a government broom. To be clear, there are no innocent illegals, only less offensive cases. The priority should be the deportation of those who have broken the law or who ... by Staff Writer

Behind the Masks

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions are taking place across the United States, and not just in urban areas, as we discovered on the South Fork last week. But the most alarming thing about ICE raids is the aggressive nature, and the lack of transparency. Many ICE agents are making arrests while wearing masks — they will say it’s because agents have been harassed personally when they’re identified by the public. But the masks are symbolic of the entire process, which is markedly different from most police actions. When agents from New York City swept through gathering places on November ... 12 Nov 2025 by Editorial Board

Stronger Future

I am deeply honored and humbled by the trust the residents of our town have placed in me by electing me to the Town Council. Winning this election is not just a personal milestone; it is a collective achievement made possible by the dedication, energy and belief of so many in our community. To my wife, Cynthia, whose love and support carried me through every challenge, thank you for standing by me. To our committee members and volunteers who knocked on doors, made calls, wrote letters and postcards, your tireless efforts made this victory possible. To every supporter who offered ... 11 Nov 2025 by Staff Writer

Mere Stewards

With the conclusion of the 2025 election, I want to take an opportunity to thank the members of my team and all those who came out to vote. To those who support me and voted for me, I would not be able to do it without you, and I thank you for your trust. To those whose vote I didn’t win, I say: I am glad you came out to voice your opinion, and I look forward to earning your respect in the future. During my time on the board, it has also been a great pleasure working alongside Trustees ... by Staff Writer

In the Running

I am announcing my candidacy for East Hampton Town supervisor. Our town government needs a renewed sense of direction, one that emphasizes fiscal discipline, professionalism and public service. For the past five years as mayor of East Hampton Village, I have managed budgets that kept taxes among the lowest in our region while expanding services and improving quality of life. We invested in community programs, enhanced public safety, and supported events that celebrate our shared identity, from concerts at Main Beach to the Hamptons Pride Parade. Earlier this year, I was honored when the New York State Democratic Committee asked ... by Staff Writer

Oversight Failure

In his November 6 Letter to the Editor [“Growing Silent”], Mike Anthony suggested climate change, specifically increased water vapor in the atmosphere, may have been responsible for the erosion that led to the damage to the Sunrise Highway bridge abutment over the Shinnecock Canal in Hampton Bays. Although climate change and renewable energy are important topics and deserve consideration by Southampton Town, taxpayers must understand that the damage to the bridge abutment was caused by the state’s failure to conduct scheduled maintenance on the storm drain. The damage that occurred in late October did not just happen because of severe ... by Staff Writer

A Great Success

On behalf of Little Lucy’s I would like to sincerely thank everyone who helped make Little Lucy’s 24th annual Halloween Pet Parade a great success. I’d especially like to thank Mayor Bill Manger for his continued support. Thank you to the Parks Department, for the use of the stage, and the Village Police Department, for always keeping everyone safe. Thank you to all the volunteers, the merchants, restaurants, vendors, contestants, for your time and generous donations. To all of you who helped Little Lucy’s raise animal awareness and much needed funds for the beneficiaries Suffolk County SPCA and Southampton Animal ... 10 Nov 2025 by Staff Writer

Donate Food

Thank you for your editorial in the November 6 issues [“Stop the Hunger”], in which you urged all of us to contribute to our local food pantries now because of the suspension of federal SNAP benefits. Emphasizing that this is not a partisan issue, I made similar requests to local Democrats during the recent campaign, as well as more recently this last weekend. We can each find food pantries nearest us by going to the Town of Southampton website and putting “local food pantries 2025 v2” in the search box. To this list, please add Bay Street Theater, Sag Harbor. ... by Staff Writer

Dragnet

Recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in Hampton Bays and Westhampton Beach lay bare the irrational immigration policies of the Trump administration. I wrote this one and a half years ago: “In February 2017, The Southampton Press’s Michael Wright reported on local businessmen and their reasons for employing immigrant laborers; his article was titled “East End Employers Say Immigrant Workers Pay Taxes, Provide Foundation for Local Economy.” In that article, local tradespeople expressed the belief that the new Trump administration would be judicious in their approach to immigration, that the new administration would deport only bad guys. On July ... by Staff Writer