Letters

I read with regret the Letter to the Editor that appeared in the July 11 edition of The Southampton Press, titled “Suspicious Resolution,” from David Rung. Here are the facts:

I was contacted by village counsel while on vacation, requesting me to testify in an Employee Relations Board matter dating back to my tenure as village administrator.

I am retired, a private citizen (no longer a public official), and as such the subject of my compensation came up. The current village administrator suggested that I be paid the rate that is customarily paid to retired police officers when they are required to testify in court proceedings, which is 1½ times the retired employee’s last hourly rate, effectively the overtime rate; $175 reflects 1½ times my last hourly rate.

I gave the testimony on behalf of the village, as requested, because I am a professional and thought it was the right thing to do.

It is unfortunate that, once again, I see my name in print.

Charlene Kagel-Betts

Southampton

Kagel-Betts is the retired Southampton Village administrator — Ed.