Letters

Let me be clear: I am not seeking and would not accept an appointment to the vacant Southampton Village Board seat if Trustee Ed Simioni wins the mayoral election. This false rumor being spread by Bill Manger — that Simioni will appoint me — is 100 percent untrue. The fact that Bill is focused on pushing baseless gossip rather than his own record says it all.

Instead of distracting residents, he should be answering real questions. Why didn’t he inform the public about the oversized industrial solar awning in our historic district? Why is he treating Old Town Pond with bacillus bacteria, a method that the leading algae bloom scientist said won’t work? And why has he been silent about any updates on Pond Lane?

Right now, I’ve stepped back from politics to focus on something more important than anything else: my newborn son. Becoming a father has given me a profound sense of purpose, and that is my priority.

I continue to keep residents informed, not because I’m seeking office but because I care deeply about the future of our village. Our residents deserve sound policy and leadership grounded in facts, not fear.

Jesse Warren

Southampton Village

Warren is a former mayor of Southampton Village — Ed.