Letters

We are in the midst of a very important election in our communities, and I want to encourage you to take advantage of your responsibility as a citizen and vote in this election, and future ones.

This newspaper, which we are fortunate to have to support our democracy, sponsored a debate among three candidates for Southampton Town Council running for the major parties [“VIDEO: Express News Group Hosts Virtual Southampton Town Debate,” 27east.com, October 16]. They are two incumbents: Rick Martel and Cynthia McNamara, both on both the Republican and Conservative tickets; and Tom Neely, on the Democratic ticket.

I listened to the debate, which was chaired very effectively by Executive Editor Joe Shaw, and I listened again today to be certain of my choices. You can listen to the recorded debate if you didn’t hear it live.

Early in our history the French diplomat Alexis de Tocqueville wrote “Democracy in America” after his travels in our early republic. He said, “It cannot be repeated too often that nothing is more fertile … than the art of being free, but there is nothing more arduous than the apprenticeship of liberty.”

What he said then, more than 200 years ago, is true today. Making the right decision is not easy, and we have to think about our choices.

In the debate, the candidates focused on the complicated issues relevant in 2025, including affordable housing for workers and those who serve the community, using farmland for other purposes, and traffic, an intensely discussed one. In addition, ongoing conflict between the town government and the Shinnecock Nation was discussed. These are not easy issues, and they require deep thought.

I left the debate impressed with all three candidates, and the moderator. They are smart and thoughtful. But only two can be elected.

I concluded that Tom Neely is the right candidate for me, because of his extensive experience with the issues at hand, serving on the Planning Board, as transportation director, as Chamber of Commerce president, and as vice president of the Hamptons Jitney. To enhance his chances, I plan to vote only for him, and I encourage you to consider doing the same.

Early voting is open now, and Election Day is November 4. Don’t fail to participate in the apprenticeship of liberty.

Nick Michelli

Water Mill