The American idea that giving money to political campaigns is free speech means that the very rich have far more speech, and so in effect far more voting power, than other citizens.
We believe we have safeguards and checks, but the only checks that matter are the huge sums flowing from Manhattan to Southampton, as evidenced by the town election this past November.
The November 2024 election is on the horizon, and Southampton voters should be vigilant as they follow the money trail. The Democratic candidates for office will claim local roots while raking in vast campaign funds from the Manhattan elite. The Manhattan agenda often does not reflect the best interests of those individuals who call Southampton home.
Real estate sales are essential to our local economy, but our local and state offices should not be for sale.
Greg Robins
North Sea
Seriously?Re: Southampton Town proposed 2026 budget: a Bearcat armored vehicle for the police department [“Southampton Town Unveils $143 Million Budget That Would Hike Taxes 9.7 Percent, Add More Police,” 27east.com, October 2]? Seriously? Literally and figuratively, where are we going...
Reconsider DecisionI am so disappointed and deeply saddened by the Regal Cinema corporate decision to discontinue broadcasting the Metropolitan Opera Live in HD series at its Hampton Bays theater. For many years, many locals were able to access and experience world-class...
Bad Advice?Perhaps you have seen the latest social media video targeting Councilwoman Cyndi McNamara, which was paid for by the Suffolk County Democratic Committee. The ad starts by promoting Democratic Town Board candidate Tom Neely’s achievements, then quickly transitions into a...
Does the JobIf it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. For about 20 years now, under both Democratic and Republican administrations, Sundy Schermeyer has performed flawlessly as town clerk. It’s not a headline-grabbing type of job, but it is key to the operations...
Preposterous IdeaThe Suffolk County engineers have more sense than Charlie McArdle or anyone else [“Suffolk County Will Again Restrict Lanes, Re-Program Traffic Lights on CR39 in Pared-Down Version of Traffic Flow Experiment,” 27east.com, October 1]. There are hundreds of people who...
Man of His WordWhen Tom Neely entered the race for Southampton Town Council, it was already a win. A win for elevating candidates with experience, good character, know-how and common sense. Tom is someone who is dedicated to the work of local government,...
Dumb and DumberLast week, Pete Hegseth, the pretty boy of Fox News, womanizer, and former drunk, summoned all of the leaders at the highest levels of our armed forces from all over the world to a meeting in Quantico, Virginia. At that...
Cyber Audit NeededMy name is Mark Bernardo, and I am running for the office of Southampton Town clerk. My wife, Lisa, and I have resided in Westhampton Beach for over 11 years. I have over 50 years of experience in computer animation...
