Letters

Bob Giuffra is undoubtedly one of the country’s most accomplished litigators. He is also the chair of the Lake Agawam Conservancy and in that capacity wrote an unfortunate and misleading letter last week [“Playing Politics,” Letters, November 27] accusing me of staging a “political ambush” for raising concerns over the village’s review and supposed “approval” of recent plantings along Gin Lane. He further claimed that I pressured the village attorney, an allegation that would be laughable if it were not so recklessly untrue.

One would expect a greater regard for facts from an attorney of Mr. Giuffra’s stature before attaching his name to any public statement, especially one as ill-tempered as his letter. If there is an ambush here, he may be looking through the wrong end of the telescope.

Let me set the record straight.

I first learned of any substantial plantings only from an offhand remark by the mayor on Tuesday, November 11. Until that moment, I — like most village residents — had no knowledge of such plans. The following morning, a week before planting started, I began doing what any responsible trustee should: working to understand the facts and applicable procedures.

Every relevant village official I spoke with, other than the mayor, confirmed, without any pressure whatsoever, that a certificate of appropriateness was required, as it is for any landscaping or change of appearance to any property within the historic district.

I attempted, quietly and in good faith, to find a path toward an expedited and proper review. Along the way, I received multiple assurances that I would be provided the planting plan and documentation showing that it had been reviewed by a village board. To date, I have received none of that documentation, nor have I found any evidence that such a review ever occurred.

What I have received, however, are “friendly reminders” from influential village voices that the bioswale was a gift, that the plants had already been purchased, and — my personal favorite — that I “shouldn’t make waves.”

Calling my efforts a “political ambush” is nothing more than gaslighting. I was doing my job, and I made every effort to do it respectfully. The real problems are poor leadership, a process that can charitably be described as sloppy, and a fundamental misunderstanding by some of the requirements and purpose of our own laws. The only political element here is that residents deserve transparency rather than politically convenient expediency.

For the record, I am not opposed to bioswales — in fact, I support them. I am also a contributor to the conservancy.

I take my responsibilities as trustee seriously, and I will continue working diligently to ensure openness, uphold our laws consistently and protect the interests of all residents.

Rob Coburn

Trustee

Southampton Village