I was concerned and confused by Jose Reyes’s letter in The Southampton Press last week [“Missing Jesse,” Letters, January 8].
In 2023, I worked with the Town Board to purchase the vacant lot at 137 Pond Lane from John Paulson so that it will be preserved in perpetuity [“Southampton Town CPF Will Move Ahead With Purchase of Pond Lane Parcel; Park Expansion Plans Remain Up in the Air,” 27east.com, December 13]. In fact, I testified at the Town Board’s public hearing on how important it was to purchase the property with Community Preservation Fund money so that it could be “swapped” with the land on the opposite shore of Lake Agawam in order to place the algae harvester there. Once up and running, the harvester will begin to filter and clean the lake water.
As mayor for the past six months, and as trustee for a total of five years before that, I have always advocated for the community 100 percent. This is evidenced by the fact that I listen to all the residents and their opinions and base my decisions in a fair and considered process. I will always welcome community input and do what I believe is best for all residents.
The Village Board moved a public hearing to the Cultural Center in September because of the number of people who were interested in speaking about the proposal for Southampton Gardens and Pond Lane. We heard from everybody who wished to speak. The Board of Trustees also held a public hearing on changing the terms of village office holders from two to four years. While having an election every other year instead of every year would save taxpayer money and provide greater continuity in village governance, the board and I listened to the residents and tabled the proposition.
I welcome Mr. Reyes to come to Village Hall, as I do all residents, and meet with me about any concerns. I might add that our tremendous staff in Village Hall have noted that Deputy Mayor Arresta, Trustee Zinnanti and I each spend more time working and meeting with people in Village Hall than the former mayor did. We face tough situations head on, consider them from all perspectives, and make decisions. This is the only fair way to represent all residents.
William Manger Jr.
Mayor, Southampton Village
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