Letters

I was shocked and deeply disappointed to learn that our proposed town budget found the funds to include a purchase of a military-style vehicle, a Bearcat armored tactical vehicle, at the cost of $200,000 to $400,000 [“Southampton Town Unveils $143 Million Budget That Would Hike Taxes 9.7 Percent, Add More Police,” 27east.com, October 2].

It sickens me to see our National Guard troops invading our country’s cities dressed in full gear. This is just a local manifestation of the use of unnecessary force and intimidation. This is not who Southampton Town is as a community. We are neighbors, friends and families who take pride in living in a safe, welcoming town, not one that looks or feels like a military base.

While I do recognize that we may have some problems, there is simply no justification for bringing war zone equipment into our peaceful streets. What encounter would possibly require a SWAT vehicle? Our police officers need the tools to protect and serve, not to intimidate.

Many of our residents fled violence and intimidation and are productive and beloved members of Southampton Town. Can you imagine how parents and children feel when the see a military vehicle rolling through town?

At a time when so many in our town are struggling, it is hard to understand how this purchase could possibly be a priority. Imagine what $200,000 to $400,000 could do for housing, our environment, schools and libraries? Let’s pierce the tax cap for real needs.

We must speak up. I urge our police, Supervisor Maria Moore and Town Council members to explain this decision openly, to reconsider the need for such militarization, and to listen to the voices of residents who believe in trust, accountability and compassion — not armored vehicles.

Bonnie Doyle

Hampton Bays