Letters

As a former employee of both Mayor Jesse Warren and Trustee Bill Manger, the two candidates currently vying for the role of mayor, I was deeply conflicted about whom to support in this year’s election. I was the deputy campaign manager for Jesse’s 2021 reelection bid and the manager of Bill’s trustee campaign the year thereafter. I also worked in Village Hall for two summers in a row.

However, I quickly saw that I could not in good conscience support Jesse’s reelection. Having worked alongside him in numerous capacities for nearly three years, I witnessed firsthand his poor management style, alienation of colleagues, and desire for unilateral control over village government.

To anyone struggling to decide between Jesse and Bill, I hope my perspective can provide helpful insight into why Bill is, unquestionably, the leader our village needs.

When I first met Jesse during the summer of 2020, I was captivated by his progressive rhetoric, infectious energy and vision for the village. Whether through his door-to-door canvassing, his innovative use of social media, or his professed commitment to transparency, Jesse seemed to embody the highest form of constituent engagement.

Yet I soon realized that my initial perception of Jesse was incorrect. Many of you have likely observed that Jesse is a born campaigner, able to talk his way into voters’ hearts with lofty promises and pointed criticisms of his opposition.

But Jesse’s words are just that — words. Time after time, I watched him make unfeasible demands of Village Hall employees, burdening them with the unrealistic promises he had made to residents to win their votes. If employees countered his command, Jesse would deem them incompetent or insubordinate. Repeatedly, he disregarded due process and chain of command in Village Hall.

The most unsettling aspect of Jesse’s leadership was his disrespect for the time and efforts of his colleagues, myself included. He demeaned some of my most trusted mentors, namely Trustees Gina Arresta, Robin Brown, Bill Manger and Roy Stevenson. He would speak ill of these individuals to me while I was working in Village Hall, knowing full well that I hold each of them in high professional and personal regard.

Ultimately, Jesse wants to be surrounded by yes-men, people who do not think for themselves but rather do whatever he tells them.

I write this letter with a tinge of sadness for what Jesse could have been. But I am proud to instead work for Bill: an accountable, competent leader who shows unwavering respect to his colleagues, constituents and even his political opponents.

Another two years of Jesse will only bring greater division to this tight-knit community. I encourage all residents to finally put a stop to it.

Lydia Palmer

East Hampton