When the Sag Harbor Village Board of Trustees adopted a new policy earlier this year limiting public comment to the end of its monthly meeting — after board members have... more
Sometime in November, it appears that some new traffic patterns will appear along County Road 39. They won’t be brand new — they are the result of a great deal of testing and trial-and-error this year, led by Southampton Town Highway Superintendent Charles McArdle. For the first time, though, they will become the full-time rules of the road. Generally, that could be beneficial. The ad hoc changes along the busy highway, particularly in the afternoon to try to deal with the outflowing westbound traffic, create confusion and probably add to slowdowns, at least at first. This way, drivers who regularly ...
8 Oct 2025 by Editorial Board
Anyone who believes every local issue is cut-and-dried, and simple to resolve, should take a closer look at Poxabogue Field in Sagaponack, and at least acknowledge just how thorny a choice the Southampton Town Board faces. On the surface, it should be simple. The eight-plus-acre farm field would have become just another high-end subdivision, but the late Geri Bauer bought it in 1987 — a time before the Community Preservation Fund and other farmland preservation efforts had been born — to keep it in agriculture. In 2021, with the CPF firmly in place, she completed the task by selling it ...
by Editorial Board
The Automated Data Processing Inc. National Employment Report, a measure of private employment in the U.S., reported that payrolls at private employers declined by 32,000 jobs in September. Let’s hope the weakening economy doesn’t impact Southampton Town too negatively. Given this context, Southampton Town voters will have the option to select two candidates on the November 4 ballot who have experience in economic development. Maria Moore and Tom Neely are familiar with the requirements for job creation and expanding the tax base. As I walk through Westhampton Beach, I am struck by the town’s renewed energy and vitality. Several new ...
6 Oct 2025 by Staff Writer
It is the exception to the rule when you get to vote on a position in government for an individual without consideration of politics, because that person is just widely held in such well regard. Sundy Schermeyer is that exception to the rule! As a lifelong Democrat, a former Southampton Town councilman and someone who has lived in this community and engaged with town government at all levels, I can without reservation support Sundy Schermeyer for another term as our town clerk. Sundy has worked tirelessly improving efficiencies and making government administration more transparent to better serve the public. She ...
by Staff Writer
I am deeply honored to be serving my first term as the Suffolk County legislator for the 2nd District for the past year and almost three quarters. The 2nd District is immense — it stretches from Montauk Point to nearly Moriches Inlet, including the Village of West Hampton Dunes, but not Cupsogue County Park, and includes 60 miles of oceanfront beach. There is much beauty within this area, but also many challenges. Like my predecessors, Bridget Fleming and Jay Schneiderman, I sit on several committees at the legislature: environment, parks and agriculture, veterans, public works, energy and transportation, health, and ...
by Staff Writer
I recently put up a very large, very legal sign at my office on County Road 39, letting everyone know whom I’ll be voting for in next month’s election. It’s a bold declaration of who I am personally supporting, and I’d like to expand a bit on why. As a lifelong resident of Southampton who makes my living here, those who serve in local government impact me more than what happens on the federal level. I’ve been a registered Democrat my entire life, and as I’m getting older, I better understand the need for a balanced government. My ballot will ...
by Staff Writer
I am writing to explain the significance of Columbus Day for the Italian American community and to highlight the history and meaning behind this national holiday. Columbus Day is not only a celebration of exploration but also a day that honors the journey, resilience and achievements of Italian immigrants in the United States. The origins of Columbus Day as a federal holiday have a deeply meaningful connection to the Italian American experience. In 1892, a tragic event occurred in New Orleans: Eleven Italian immigrants were lynched after having been acquitted of murder charges. This horrifying act reflected the discrimination, prejudice ...
by Staff Writer
As life in the 21st century grows ever more complex, I find myself turning to recognized experts for guidance. These individuals are educated, skilled, experienced and passionate. A talented teacher will guide my grandchild through another successful school year. A family doctor patiently educates me on actions that will keep me healthy and active. A favorite car mechanic will keep my decade-old car reliable, perhaps for another decade. Likewise, as I reflect on the enjoyment my family takes in our beaches and waterways, I am grateful to have found an expert whose education, skill, experience and passion make him an ...
by Staff Writer
Years ago, it was a snowy day when I sat on a metal folding chair in a packed Social Security office in Riverhead. (Hopefully, it’s been refurbished.) There must have been 50 people in this small room at all times, given the coming and going, many with clothing sporting the flag and/or veteran hats during the hour or so when I was there. I recall that day as a practical byproduct of the current government shutdown. Half of the people at Social Security with me that day may have voted Republican, with half of them being recipients of both Medicare ...
by Staff Writer
I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for Tom Neely in his candidacy for Southampton Town Council. I have known Tom Neely for over 30 years, and during that time I have consistently been impressed with his integrity, dedication, leadership and community involvement. He has shown a deep commitment to a better community for everyone. As a voter, taxpayer and community member, I value transparency, strong ethics and practical solutions, and Tom Neely embodies all of these. He brings not only vision but also the ability to work collaboratively, listen to constituents, and deliver results that matter. I have ...
by Staff Writer
