Letters

The incivility and rudeness that is infecting our national politics has found its way to Sag Harbor. Most of the time I try to put aside offensive language directed at me as mayor, but Laura Greening has crossed a line. In a recent letter to the editor [“A Bully,” Letters, November 17], she accused me of bullying. That is a loaded and offensive term, particularly in this day and age, and her accusation is completely false and without merit.

The truth is this: Megan Toy is an outstanding young woman with deep roots in this community. I was happy to recruit and appoint her to our new administration as a member of the Planning Board, with the unanimous support of my fellow trustees.

Last June, I initiated a number of adjustments and changes in board assignments: new chairs, as well as reassignments of some individual members. Toy was asked to move from Planning to make way for a new chair and to allow the outgoing chair to retain her seat for another year. I offered her a seat on the Board of Historic Preservation and Architectural Review, where she now serves with distinction.

All of the changes we made, including Toy’s reassignment, were appropriately noticed as rules require. Each was unanimously approved by the full Board of Trustees.

We could have done a better job communicating information about the planned changes, and I have personally expressed to Megan my regret for any discomfort we created. At the end of the day, I am pleased that Megan Toy continues to be productively involved in village government where her contributions are valued by her peers, her chair, this mayor, the trustees, and the community.

Laura Greening describes herself as an advocate for affordable housing, yet complains about the work we are doing in advancing affordable housing. She is among the folks who are suing Village Hall to nullify and cancel our affordable housing initiative, and to repeal the local laws we passed last June. Greening is all for affordable housing — but part of an effort to kill it!

I understand that there is controversy over the Potter/Conifer proposal, which is now subject to a full environmental review. There is a formal forum and process for contesting that proposal. Engage there.

The ill-considered lawsuit is having a chilling effect on our efforts to advance accessible and affordable workforce and senior housing, and the unfortunate litigation is costing village taxpayers real money.

I invite Greening to stop the name-calling and incivility. My door is always open. Join our effort to help the next generation — Megan Toy’s generation — to live, work and thrive in Sag Harbor.

Jim Larocca

Mayor

Sag Harbor Village