Letters

The Southampton Press serves an important role in our community. Joe Shaw, you’ve moderated conversations with professionalism and fairness. But for the October 9 Express Sessions event on village issues — many of which are self-inflicted — I urge you to ask tough questions and assemble a more balanced panel.

Currently, there’s only one woman, and three of the four listed panelists are tied to the same administration. The only independent voice on the panel is Trustee Rob Coburn. How about asking former Village Trustee Kimberly Allan? I’d love to hear a strong, competent woman’s voice like hers. If this event is meant to be a real discussion, it shouldn’t just echo politicians, their appointees and friends.

There are real issues that deserve attention:

1. Pond Lane Park. After doing nothing for more than two years, the southern parcel was lost. The plan collapsed while Mayor Bill Manger remained silent.

2. Sewer project. After Manger killed the Bowers Lane location — and his political bosses dismissed the Meeting House Lane site without the public knowing about it — why has there been no meaningful progress? Why not listen to Trustee Coburn and others advocating for a smaller, decentralized system that could be completed faster and more efficiently?

3. Zoning overhaul. Why did Manger rush through a massive zoning change, one that would have been adopted if not for the intervention of affordable housing advocates like Bonnie Cannon, without sufficient public engagement?

4. Lifetime benefits. Why did Manger quietly allow himself to qualify for lifetime taxpayer-funded health care benefits, locking in coverage for life while working residents like me struggle to access care?

5. Traffic spending. What’s the total cost of the traffic studies conducted this year alone? Has the village really spent $100,000 in 2025? Why won’t Manger release the invoices to the public?

Joe, you’ve helped create a prestigious local publication that is vital to our community. But true journalism means holding politicians accountable, not offering them puff pieces or copying press releases from expensive publicists.

Our village deserves open dialogue, a range of voices and honest answers.

Jessica McNerney

Southampton Village