Letters

Kudos to Highway Superintendent Charlie McArdle for his self-serving pat on the back with his “Outside the Box” letter [July 18]. His “outside the box” is nothing more than selective entitlements given to a very small group of people who are complaining louder than the rest of the residents who are sharing the same traffic inconveniences throughout the town.

In his letter, he made Councilwoman Cyndi McNamara look like the bad guy for being the only one to not support the extension of the restrictions to Mill Farm Lane. The reality is, Cyndi McNamara is the only councilperson representing all taxpaying residents of the town. It is an insult and a slap in the face to everyone else in the town when so much attention and resources are given to a tiny subdivision, when hundreds, if not thousands, of residents are suffering the same inconveniences.

This issue has taken resources from the Highway Department and Police Department, with four sector cars there on July 18 to enforce a turning restriction. Why haven’t the highway or police departments been deployed at Shrubland Road to enforce the same? This reeks of quid pro quo to the highest level.

To further expose the selective entitlements, just weeks ago, Councilman Tommy John Schiavoni felt it appropriate to waive the fees of 20 nonresident beach parking permits for a group of drummers to use Sagg Main Beach to assemble. Now, not only did this forfeit nearly $10,000 of fees, but it also exposes the town to the liability of assembly without any permits that are required by anyone else wanting to have any gathering on a public beach. Again, Councilwoman McNamara represented all taxpaying residents by being the only dissenting vote.

It is my hope that this letter is read by many, relayed to others, and opens many eyes to realize who, out of all elected officials, is actually representing all of the taxpayers and not just a select few. The families that have been here for generations are the ones that have suffered more inconveniences than anyone — all I ask is that we be represented equally.

Anyone who agrees with me, please remember this at election time.

Richard Berkoski

Water Mill