Letters

Dysfunction again strikes Southampton Village Hall. This past Friday, Julie Fitzgerald, “assistant to the mayor,” was fired, as the mayor described that he had another direction he was going in.

Once again, his approach clearly exhibits the immaturity of an individual lacking any skills in management, personnel or leadership. His manner is irresponsible as a village official and degrades one’s trust in government.

As “assistant to the mayor,” Julie’s responsibilities were broad enough that simply letting her go without considering the proper personnel backup is irresponsible; this also includes her village computer and programs.

I found Julie Fitzgerald to be one of the most dedicated and productive employees in the village. Her accomplishments include: Southampton Fest, the village’s website, the village’s newsletter, liaison to the Southampton Arts Center, and assistant to the mayor. Often, she would fill in at the front counter, addressing beach permits, parking permits and certificate requests, always being polite and with a smile.

A village employee, in an email, summed it up: Julie was the “spark plug” of the village.

I forward a very sincere thank you to her and her husband, Michael, for their dedication and commitment to the Village of Southampton.

Michael Irving

Southampton Village

Mr. Irving is the former mayor of Southampton Village — Ed.