Letters

Leadership requires vision, courage and trust. Mayors must have a clear vision on how to solve current and future issues faced by all residents. They must have the courage to listen to a vocal minority and act in the interests of a silent majority. By trusting employees and listening to their community, they will earn their trust.

Debates and challenges brought by the opponent of an incumbent makes a leader stronger.

Key issues in Southampton Village include traffic, taxes, safety and order, and environmental sustainability. Its current mayor restored the trust of all employees, including its Police Department. He and his team made traffic mitigation a priority, produced a budget without a tax increase, increased code enforcement, enacted carbon neutral results, and moved forward plans to restore water quality. A solution for sewer treatment will be the hallmark of Mayor Bill Manger’s second term, finally.

The Planning Commission worked closely with Bill Manger on key issues. We challenged each other on many issues, including during late evenings and on weekends. He earned our trust. His long government experience and dedication to serving the community outweighs any shortcomings.

The residents and employees deserve stability and continuity to keep Southampton Village a unique place to live and enjoy today, and for future generations.

I endorse Bill Manger for mayor on June 20.

Christian Picot

Southampton Village

Picot is chair of the Southampton Village Planning Commission — Ed.