Letters

My home in Noyac represents a unique family history. It was a second home for my family for three generations. In the 1960s, my grandparents purchased the quaint beach house for its charm, nestled adjacent to Noyac Bay.

After spending many summers in the Southampton community, they became familiar with the interests of Pine Neck locals. And, just like any close-knit family, the interests of the community meshed together. The character of the community was something that didn’t simply reflect the aesthetic or physical appeal but the values and stories of many immigrant Americans who saw the possibilities of a burgeoning utopia.

After my grandparents passed on, my father worked hard to keep the house in our family. We were lucky to have the opportunity to grow up with my grandparents’ dream home.

In spending many moments with other family members and neighbors who would speak about the unique history of Sag Harbor, I would hear reminiscences of my grandmother clamming down by Circle Beach with my aunts and uncles, and fun travels to Bridgehampton ocean beaches with friends who lived nearby.

But there would be serious conversations, too — talks about the importance of environmental preservation, water quality and preserving a sustainable quality of life.

It’s because of our Democratic majority that the community’s interest is reflected in our policymaking.

Leaders like Supervisor Jay Schneiderman and Councilperson Tommy John Schiavoni are able to carry on this tradition, preserving precious land and keeping the cultural and economic vibrancy at the heart of our downtowns. It’s because of others in Southampton Town, like Councilperson John Bouvier, that our beaches are kept clean and our shorelines protected. Democrats understand that the people’s interest matters in the long term.

We are also lucky to have this type of representation extend to the county level. Suffolk County Legislator Bridget Fleming advocates each and every day for our community by enhancing countywide initiatives that deal with the funding of coastal resiliency management to combat the effects of climate change and protect the East End’s shorelines and aquaculture.

There is still work to do such as addressing economic and racial disparities worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Community leaders like Robin Long understand that these important issues require steady leadership. Additionally, the responsiveness of our highway department can be improved with the expert leadership of Tom Neely, who has the engineering prowess to get the job done for residents.

Southampton Democrats win because they understand the community best. They are rooted in the cultural and neighborly history that defines the East End. That proves a very fundamental concept: that the basis of government rests with the people.

On November 2, I encourage you to vote Democrat.

Michael Iasilli

Sag Harbor