Letters

When your publication dispenses its “Gold Stars and Dunce Caps,” I hope you will take the unprecedented step to add an additional star alongside the name of Town Highway Superintendent Charles McArdle.

As an administrator who could have easily monitored the challenges of westbound traffic modifications from the comfort of a construction trailer, Charlie was planted roadside throughout the entire ordeal, wrapped in the neon OSHA jacket of his subordinates, barking orders into a walkie-talkie while simultaneously scowling at hapless motorists who were reluctant to merge into a single lane.

My daily afternoon eastbound commutes confirmed his presence, a battle-hardened general in full command of his troops.

While I’ve never personally made his acquaintance, I suspect he is of the breed to shun accolades, with a humble “just doing my job” shrug.

Well done, Mr. McArdle.

Dennis Finnerty

Hampton Bays

Finnerty has served on the Southampton Town Planning Board since 1992 and as its chairman from 2000 to 2021 — Ed.