The October 24 issue of The Press contains an article about the candidates’ debate for Town Board and supervisor offices held on October 17 [“Southampton Town Board And Supervisor Candidates Debate The Issues,” 27east.com, October 22]. While observing that debate, I was struck by how times have changed during the 20-plus years that I have interacted with town government. During much of that time, the Town Board was severely divided, not just between the political parties but between the individuals on the board, even if they were in the same party. Frequently, the result was acrimony and an inability to make decisions that were good for the town as a whole.
During the past four years, that dynamic has changed. The board members are working together. Much of the credit for this belongs to our current supervisor, Jay Schneiderman. His collegial approach to the job of supervisor, working with the other Town Board members, in particular John Bouvier, with his water quality expertise, has resulted in progress in water quality and other environmental issues that are critical to the future of the town.
From the debate, it is clear that one of the Town Board candidates, Craig Catalanotto, has demonstrated a similar ability to work with others; for example, when he brought people together to reach agreement on the potentially divisive Speonk Commons workforce housing project. His election to the Town Board would be a welcome addition.
Tip Brolin
Water Mill
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