Letters

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the residents of East Hampton Town and Southampton Town who cast their votes for me in this year’s election.

Throughout the past year, I had the privilege of visiting many of you during the weekdays and weekends, as you graciously welcomed me into your homes and communities. Through these encounters, we have forged lifelong friendships.

The South Fork, despite its natural beauty and affluence, is increasingly becoming unaffordable and unrecognizable to the less wealthy. While environmental preservation is a noble cause, we must not overlook the fact that our local families, who are struggling to make ends meet, are the ones in dire need of preservation.

I offer my congratulations to Ann Welker on her victory and impart this piece of advice: I hope she will legislate for the benefit of all constituents in our district, not just for the affluent minority who financed her and the Southampton Democratic Committee’s campaigns.

Advocating for the environment is important, but it should not overshadow the need to implement policies that empower and aid our local citizens. To do so would be a disservice at best.

Manny Vilar

Springs