Letters

I have spent many board meetings asking Southampton Village officials to explain to residents how taxable assessed values are determined. I have also noted that the current system benefits the wealthiest, while regular homeowners who live on Windward Way and Dale Street are paying more than their fair share.

I fear the outcome of this most recent election, because the wealthy donors of Bill Manger, Gina Arresta, Roy Stevenson, Robin Brown and their association’s chosen fifth trustee will have full control over Southampton Village. I’m very concerned that their donors, who spent over $100,000 on elections, will be reluctant to move to a fair, equitable and transparent system of determining assessed values.

I do not believe the public fully understands how far these elite donors will go to grab full control over the village to benefit themselves. Village residents should take note of who is controlling their community. They should review the campaign finances of Manger, Arresta, Brown and Stevenson to see who is behind them. These individuals and their associations have a tremendous influence on how the budget is spent, who gets appointed to the zoning, planning and architectural review boards, and who gets preferential treatment and who does not.

While I am looking for a change to the determination of assessed values, it is hard not to feel disenfranchised by the external influence of special interests, outside organizations and associations.

As an aside, I’m very disappointed in The Press. The village sends every resident a real estate tax bill that contains deceitful full market value wording and a nonsensical low-ball number. In the grievance process, the trustees ignore the facts presented, use the process to punish select residents and make decisions that benefit their own corrupt, greedy motives.

The present assessed value system discriminates against the residents who can least afford to pay a disproportionate share of the village tax burden. Yet The Press has entirely abandoned concern for village residents. The Press’s failure to expose the despicable and corrupt workings of the village in the assessed value determination and oversight is a failure of The Press in its Fourth Estate responsibilities.

Last week, I asked the residents to get involved. This week, I’m asking The Press to be part of the solution.

We know the mayor and trustees are not truthful, but if enough of the rest of us care about others and want fairness, maybe, just maybe, the mayor and trustees will do something good.

It’s a long shot, but maybe.

David Rung

Southampton Village