Letters

A recent article reported that Southampton Town provided $200,000 to the Flanders-Northampton Ambulance District [“Flanders Ambulance Corps Gets $200,000 Budget Boost,” 27east.com, August 2]. That funding, made possible by an allocation from the American Rescue Plan — a law signed by President Joe Biden — provides a glimpse into the public safety impacts of good public policy.

While funding is crucial, Southampton Town’s ambulance and fire departments rely on the unselfish commitment of volunteers. Being aware of the vagaries of volunteerism, the Democratic candidates for Southampton Town supervisor, Maria Moore, and for Town Board, Michael Iasilli, are laser focused on volunteer retention and continuity.

Recent state legislation signed by Governor Kathy Hochul expands partial property tax exemptions for firefighters and ambulance workers. Michael and Maria wholeheartedly encourage our local officials to take action to ensure that those eligible can be included in this property tax relief.

The idea behind it is to reduce the length of service commitments to become eligible for a 10 percent property tax reduction. Currently mayor of Westhampton Beach, Maria encourages approval of the exemption and supports the required public notice announced by the Westhampton Beach fire commissioners.

Another way to increase retention is to provide health insurance to those volunteers not otherwise enrolled in a health plan. Michael Iasilli is dedicated to looking into the feasibility of making insurance available to our firefighters. Civil service law extends eligibility to active members now. What is needed is a dedicated public servant to work the process to get it done.

In a recent letter, I wrote about Michael Iasilli’s problem-solving capabilities. Let’s give him a chance to make this happen.

Besides support for our police, public safety demands tangible concern for all first responders. Rhetoric is unhelpful.

The American Rescue Plan committed over $10 billion in funds for public safety and violence prevention, including billions of dollars to recruit and retain first responders, avoid public safety layoffs, and purchase emergency vehicles and other equipment to keep our American communities safe.

President Biden proclaimed October 28, 2022, as National First Responders Day. More on that in a second letter about support for our police first responders and Democrats commitment to them.

Mike Anthony

Westhampton

Anthony is a former chair of the Southampton Town Democratic Committee — Ed.