To the Editor:

In your recent article LIPA Bill is In, Plus Some, the price tag for necessary changes to the Long Island Power Authority’s billing system to recover costs from customers in the Visual Benefits Assessment area were described as “outrageous,” however, there are legitimate explanations for those costs.

LIPA expended untold man hours in negotiation, innovation and sweat equity in its attempt to accommodate the wishes of the residents and officials with a stake in the 8.5 mile transmission line upgrade running between the Village of Southampton and the hamlet of Bridgehampton which added a new single circuit 69 kilovolt (kV) transmission line needed to meet projected future growth and increased reliability for residents and businesses in the Village and Town of Southampton as well as for residents and businesses across the South Fork.

In developing a solution that allowed for the full burial of this transmission line originally proposed 55% underground and 45% overhead, LIPA departed from its standard policy of constructing transmission lines aboveground; this was out of a deep respect for the unique qualities of the east end combined with the residents’ willingness to pay the incremental costs associated with fully burying the transmission line.

The final agreement reached between LIPA and the Town of Southampton that created the Visual Benefits Assessment and detailed the particulars of how these incremental costs would be recovered was part of a court-ordered settlement placing many restrictions and requirements on LIPA demanded by the Town of Southampton.

LIPA worked with its contractor, National Grid, to develop the special requirements for billing and accounting for the VBA. This program will be utilized to bill approximately 20,000 customers within the designated area in each month for the next 20 years. It was not a one-time endeavor that could have been handled outside LIPA’s regular billing and accounting systems.

LIPA’s computer billing system is designed and tested to produce standardized bills that are the same for every customer. It was extremely difficult and costly to modify that system to create the exceptions and special rules required by the Settlement and a significant amount of customization was required. That said, LIPA made every attempt to modify and adapt available methods and computer code to accommodate the VBA with the least disruption to the existing system.

That LIPA had to create the billing software was a direct result of the Town of Southampton’s decision to recover this cost through LIPA’s bill, rather than alternative methods available to the Town, such as rolling the costs of the project into the general property tax levy or placing these separate individual charges on the tax bills of landowners in the designated area. 

The bottom line is this, LIPA, one of the largest public electric utilities in the country, resolved a contentious issue with one community in its vast service territory acting more like a neighbor and partner than a monolithic and faceless public utility. LIPA’s President and CEO Kevin Law, a longtime friend of the East End, worked personally and tirelessly in seeing this through to a satisfactory conclusion between the parties involved. Remember, at the end of the day, the lines were buried, and that’s what the community wanted.

Sincerely,

Ed Dumas

Vice President of Communications

Long Island Power Authority

Will Support Library Vote

Dear Bryan,

When the Board of Directors of the John Jermain Memorial Library originally proposed four years ago to build a new library building at the outskirts of the village while at the same time rebuilding the old building on Main Street, I was one of those who argued against this two-building solution to the library’s problems and wrote several columns opposing it in your pages.

Having been so vocal on the subject I feel a certain obligation to address the issue raised by the new plan to rebuild and expand the building on Main Street and let the property next to Mashashimuet Park remain empty. This time I’m in favor of it. Catherine Creedon explained it to me and my wife one day when we were in the library looking at the plans and I came away impressed by her understanding of the library’s needs and her passion for books. I have a few reservations, the main one being that I had hoped the new library addition would greatly expand the space for books, and that does not appear to be the case. The current library’s book collection has been out of date and inadequate ever since I moved here in 1981, and it is long overdue for updating and expansion. I would have liked to see three or four times as many bookshelves in the proposed new library as the present library has.

But the plan as it stands now is provisional. Firmer plans wait on the outcome of the election on the library bond issue at the end of June. And this plan does bring the library up to standards in other areas, it keeps the library centrally located, in easy walking distance of downtown, it saves the old building, whose value to the village is obvious, and it does not split library services in two. That would have been disastrous in the long term–too expensive, too inconvenient, too ambitious. This plan incorporates an understanding that there are limits to what a small village can do, and that’s the most positive thing that has come out of the long process that led to it.

So I will be voting yes on June 29, and I hope enough other voters will do the same to make this project possible.  

Sincerely,

Anthony Brandt

Sag Harbor

To Fix What’s Broken

Dear Bryan:

I am thrilled to have accepted the Southampton Democratic Committee’s nomination as a candidate for the Southampton Town Board. I look forward to putting every ounce of my energy, talent and intellect into winning the race and serving our community.

My family and I have enjoyed eight years here in Sag Harbor. Now that my son Jai is about to enter first grade at the Sag Harbor Elementary School, I feel it’s time to give back to the community, and my husband Bob enthusiastically supports my decision.

I have spent my entire academic and professional career in public service. As an Assistant District Attorney under the legendary Robert Morgenthau I fought for the safety of the community; and as Chief of the Welfare Fraud Unit, I worked to protect the integrity of public programs.

There is a lot to be done to fix the mess in Town Hall. I am grateful to Anna Throne-Holst for her confidence in me in inviting me to join her and Sally Pope in their efforts to fix what’s broken. My professional background has given me the experience and the insight to know how to roll up my sleeves, ask the tough questions, and get the job done.

In the coming months, I look forward to meeting as many of Southampton’s citizens as I can. I served on the Noyac Citizens Advisory Committee for two years and I know what good hard work the CAC’s do. So I will listen at meetings of the CAC’s and Civic organizations. I will go door to door and stand on sidewalks. I will make myself available to interest groups and to individuals, so that when I take my seat on the Town Board, I do so with an understanding of what matters to all the people. Anyone who would like to contact me, or get involved in the campaign can visit my website at www.flemingfortownboard.com. I welcome input and support.

With gratitude for the blessings of this wonderful community,

Bridget Fleming

Noyac

Solar Regulations

To the Editor:

I would like to respond to the various references to the Sag Harbor Historic Preservation and Architectural Review Board (HP&ARB) in last week’s articles concerning trustees and mayoral candidates for Sag Harbor Village as it pertains to solar energy.

It appeared to me that the HP&ARB may not be in favor of the “greening of Sag Harbor” and that we may be opposed to harnessing solar energy. That is definitely not the case. In the past several months we have authorized two applications of solar panels being installed in the historic district of the village. We are also 100% in favor of utilizing the flat roofs of all of Sag Harbor to harness and produce solar energy (where the technology is not visible from public thoroughfares).

It is important to remind everyone that, regardless of our predispositions toward solar energy and how that impacts our functioning as a HP&ARB, our board is Federally mandated. Until these standards are changed/updated/ameliorated we have clear guidelines that we must adhere to in order to remain in compliance with the Federal government.

Hopefully the technology can change quickly, producing products that will prove effective for the cause and also meet Federal guidelines as they relate to historic districts; and conversely, hopefully the Federal approach to solar energy and historic districts will come more in line with the important and timely needs of this issue.

We value what we in Sag Harbor are so lucky to have, and we wanted the candidates and our neighbors to know. On a case-by-case basis we will adjudicate on all solar applications, and where they conform to our Federal guidelines, we will try to ensure that they are approved.

Sincerely,

Cee Scott Brown, Chair

Sag Harbor Historic Preservation and Architectural Review Board

Respect Life, Don’t Waste It

To the Editor:

The Montauk shark tournament will be held again this year on June 20th.

In light of the current global rate of species extinction, and the substantiated fact that children will be growing up in a world with an impoverishment of biodiversity because of our inability to share this planet with our fellow creatures, I believe we should strongly object to such an event.

The Humane Society of the United States and other Conservancy groups have protested these hunts. 

The needless slaughter of animals should be protested. Children should be taught to respect life, not encouraged to waste it.

Sincerely yours,

April Gornik

North Haven, NY  11963

P.S. A rally will be held to protest this tournament on Saturday, June 20th, from 4-5 p.m. at the intersection of West Lake Drive and Star Island Drive, Montauk.

Make Believe Monsters

Dear Bryan,

 ”Jaws” was a great movie. My husband, the late and great actor Roy Scheider, was justifiably proud to have starred in it. The mechanical shark he ‘fought’ on location was such a mythic caricature of an actual shark that the filmmakers nicknamed him “Bruce”. Like Stephen King’s monster dog “Cujo,” “Bruce” was a mechanical Hollywood gizmo, who resembles a real shark about as much as “Cujo” resembles your own dog. And yet, while no one would dare suggest we celebrate the recreational killing of dogs, in this tournament here on Long Island sharks are treated as though they are fantasy machines, not living, breathing, vitally important creatures who are absolutely essential to the health of our global environment and who are facing — many of them — total extinction within our lifetime.

This weekend, the Montauk shark tournament, once again, is promoting the senseless slaughter of these valuable animals. Their place in our environment is every bit as sacred and vital as our own.

I know what Roy would say. He would say that only make-believe heroes kill make-believe monsters. Real heroes save real animals.

Let’s be heroes – be at the protest on June 20th, 4-5PM, at the intersection of West Lake Drive and Star Island Drive in Montauk.

Thanks,

Brenda Scheider

Sag Harbor

Setting the Record Straight

Dear Editor,

In last week’s letter to the editor submitted by Emily Liese titled “Not What They Seem”, she made several incorrect claims about the Sag Harbor Elementary School (SHES) PTA which completely misrepresent the organization. While it is tempting to not dignify these offensive statements with a response, it is our concern that letting them go could cause members of our community to be mislead by these inaccuracies.

More specifically, she wrote in reference to the PTA’s efforts to get out the vote on the school budget:  “The public has to look to see who was really behind the PTA mobilization. The reality is that it was the Teacher’s Union of Sag Harbor (TASH) who convinced the PTA to rally support for the budget and elect two rubber stamps to the board. ……..  We can thank the PTA for doing the union’s dirty work.”

So to set the record straight:

1)  It is the PTA’s responsibility to get out the vote and help get the school budget passed. In the New York State PTA Resource Guide, the handbook that spells out the rules governing the PTA, it states: “It is the PTA’s responsibility to promote an understanding of the education needs of the community and to demonstrate how the proposed budget meets those needs.

“The PTA Should:

Organize a community-wide coalition to produce a positive vote.

Disseminate information to parents and community members so that all may be informed.

Call all parents on the day of the vote as a reminder. Arrange for transportation and baby-sitting if possible.”

2) The SHES PTA did not endorse any school board candidate. Again this is against the PTA rules. Our focus is on issues, and not individuals. The PTA may have members who personally worked on school board candidate campaigns, but that is certainly within their rights. Just like one can be a member of other community organizations and separately be active in campaigns and elections. That is the beauty of democracy.

The SHES PTA did go to great lengths to assist the community in making up their own minds in this past election. We co-hosted the “Meet the Candidates” night, which was open to the entire community, plus we invited all the school board candidates to participate in a question and answer session at our April PTA meeting.

3) The SHES PTA is not involved with the teachers’ contractual issues. Again the PTA rules prohibit it. The SHES PTA has taken no position, made no public statements, not discussed teacher contract issues with its members, nor worked with either TASH or the school board in order to participate in or influence the outcome of the negotiations.  It is simply not in our charter, nor is it our interest.

What is in our charter is to actively promote, participate in, and advocate for the education of Sag Harbor’s children. That is why the PTA exists, and why we volunteer so much time to this effort. We hope that in the future if community members have questions regarding PTA activities, they contact us directly instead of publicly slandering an organization whose sole purpose is to support the community’s children.

Sincerely,

The SHES PTA Board

Kim Marcelle, Chris Tice, Stephanie Harrison

Supports Bromberg

 

Dear Editor,

Like many other people in the village I will be supporting Mike Bromberg for mayor in the upcoming June election, but it is gratifying to know that with difficult challenges ahead for local government Sag Harbor has three citizens willing to stick their heads above the political hedgerow and run for office. 

I am not acquainted with Jim Henry, but like most other village residents, I do know Brian Gilbride and Mike Bromberg—each has spent years in volunteer service to the community. On a personal note, each on occasion has gone the extra mile to help a member of my family, but I am sure both would be embarrassed by anything more than a private expression of gratitude.

When you get a chance to speak with Mike, tell him what you are thinking, he is a great listener with a wry and sometimes dry sense of humor, even about himself. You might not find him at the Post Office though, he knows most people just want to get their mail and go, but you will find him at most community events.

Mike served with me on the Sag Harbor Board of Education for a short time, but it was long enough to realize that his questions, especially in executive sessions, were thoughtful and productive. He could ask awkward questions that needed to be asked, but do so with humor and a light touch.

As an attorney, I have come to understand Mike’s values as a professional and his personal sense of integrity. He is able to compromise on the opinions he holds, but not on his principles. And isn’t that all we can ask of a fellow neighbor, friend or a mayor?

Regards,

Thomas Horn, Jr.

Sag Harbor

 

Questions Ad

 

Dear Bryan,

I am writing this letter in response to a campaign advertisement paid for by a committee supporting Jim Henry for Mayor of Sag Harbor Village. In last week’s ad, Mr. Henry made the bold statement that he will “Restore Sound Fiscal Management” to the Village. If Mr. Henry had attended a single Village Board or Budget meeting over the last four years he would know that the Village’s tax rate has decreased more than 10% while increasing the level of resident services and retaining a healthy fund balance. The practice of this administration over the past four years has been the epitome of sound fiscal management. For Mr. Henry to insinuate otherwise demonstrates a complete lack of understanding of the Village’s finances and management.

Mr. Henry also states that he will “prevent an unfair tax burden for our senior citizens”. Again, Mr. Henry’s ignorance prevails as if he were educated on this subject he would understand that our senior citizens have seen significant reductions in their tax rate due to the current administration providing senior citizen tax exemptions at the highest rate allowed by New York State law.

Mr. Henry states that “current spending is out of control” including the police and fire department budgets, yet he then states that “he would plan to significantly increase the budget for planting trees and developing parks as well as develop more Village programs for music and the arts”.  Does Mr. Henry really believe that planting gardens and holding concerts are more important than the required basic services of public safety?

Lastly, Mr. Henry has stated, “I don’t think Sag Harbor has had the leadership or imagination to make use of our resources,” adding that the Village “has been run by accountants.” Considering the recent fiscal issues in the Towns of Southampton and East Hampton, I am sure that most Village taxpayers feel confident in its most recent leadership.

Greg Ferraris, Mayor

Sag Harbor

 

Confused by Ad

 

Dear Editor:

In this election season I was confused by the ad Mayoral Candidate Jim Henry is running and handing out.  He states that he wants to “restore sound fiscal management to Sag Harbor”.  The statement is puzzling because Gregory Ferraris as Mayor has provided sound and excellent financial management for the Village.  Gregory has worked hard and applied his considerable skill as a CPA to help navigate the Village into a solid financial position.  In fact overall spending was reduced from the prior year which resulted in a tax rate decrease.  A fact which calls into question Mr. Henry’s other assertion regarding unfair tax hikes.  As Gregory finishes up his term we all owe him a well deserved thank you. 

Candidates should campaign and articulate positions.  However, the use of unfounded accusations and scare tactics doesn’t help.  I would hope all the candidates for Mayor and Trustee can have a respectful and factually based discussion as we campaign.

Timothy Culver

Sag Harbor, NY

 

Flags of Honor

 

Dear Editor:

This past Sunday, the day before Memorial Day, I started home down the long common drive to my house to find carefully placed American Flags lining the driveway. Flags of honor for Jordan. No note, no call received, just a wonderful quiet demonstration of what Memorial Day is all about. Remembering, honoring the fallen that fought for our freedom.

You brought me to tears. A heartfelt thank you to the secret neighbor, family or group that was so thoughtful.

With Love,

Jordan’s Mom

JoAnn Lyles

 

Can’t Afford HR 676

 

To the Editor:

Elaine Fox is persistent if nothing else. She keeps saying the same thing over and over again about HR 676 without any attempt to answer the objections that have been offered in opposition. Tim Bishop said it – the people of the U. S. cannot afford this law. He is correct. Recently the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid advised us that Medicare itself is currently $3 trillion dollars in debt. Peter Orszag, director of the White House Office of Management and Budget said in the Wall Street Journal (May 15, 2009) that current projections for Medicaid and Medicare out to 2050 (only 40 years) shows that these two programs will increase from five percent of GDP to 20 percent – and that’s without a “Medicare for all” program. 

There are many reasons for these high costs but Medicare’s main effort in controlling costs has been to reduce fees to doctors and hospitals. Finding and reducing fraud, continually under-funded by Congress, costs Medicare over $10 billion annually and Medicaid over $32 billion. Also Medicare makes no effort to control costs by limiting access. How many of us know people on Medicare who go to one doctor, then another and another until they are “reassured”? How many know people who have purchased “durable medical equipment” for home use because the vendor says, “no cost to you because you’re on Medicare”? A system that does not involve the patient in being responsible for his or her own health but makes them “immune from payment” as Medicare does is not a healthy system. Human nature demands incentives and our health demands that we take care of ourselves through diet and exercise and making good decisions about our health. If, as with Medicare, we feel we don’t have to pay for our care, and this is expanded to the whole population, then our health care “system” will bankrupt the country. 

Dr. Fox, your advocacy requires more than your opinion; it requires that you present all of the facts and be honest with those who listen to you. Congressman Bishop and the Obama administration are right to be working on something better than the single payer system offered in HR 676.

Sincerely,

Howard Roth

Southampton

 

Support HR 676

 

Dear Editor:

Congressman Tim Bishop calls to “set aside the stale debates of the past and build a uniquely American approach to health care” in a letter to the editor last week. Unfortunately, Congress is moving towards more of the same by allowing private health insurance companies to yet again dominate the discussion. 

A public, single-payer health plan is not even under consideration despite being preferred by the majority of American physicians and patients. Almost every other industrialized country has a single-payer plan –  remarkably, these other nations spend disproportionately  less on health care yet generally do better on standard health indicators. 

How can this be? Profits, marketing, underwriting, and other administrative costs of private health insurance companies run about 30% vs. Medicare 4%. 

The window of opportunity to build a strong health care plan is not yet closed. Support a public single-payer plan such as HR 676 (“Medicare for All”) already supported by 75 congressmen but not Congressman Bishop. 

John Oppenheimer, M.D.

Sag Harbor

Recommends Henry

To Editor,

In 2007, I had the opportunity to advocate and work for Jim Henry’s campaign for Southampton Town Supervisor. I witnessed first hand how Jim works and came to understand what drives his public policy thinking. It was a pleasure being part of that campaign.  Some things that impressed me:

Concern for the public good. Jim understands the connection between public policy and undue influence from favor seekers with deep pockets. Clean government is a top priority for Jim.

Financial acumen. Jim has an economic degree from Harvard which he used to establish a successful career as a business consultant. This technical and practical background will give Sag Harbor the right mix of intellect and experience to handle fiscal matters in these tough times.

Legal talent. On top of having an economics degree, Jim is an outstanding attorney. Combined with his keen understanding of economic issues, his legal skills can be put to good use for the betterment of Sag Harbor.

Honesty. During the course of campaigns, candidate handlers will suggest ways to best position messages and campaign personalities. Jim would have none of it. He is his own man, what you see is what you get. No camouflage, no subterfuge, no duplicity.

I recommend Jim Henry to the voters of Sag Harbor, you won’t be disappointed.

Mike Anthony

Former Chair, Southampton Town Democratic Committee

Westhampton

 Village Needs Improved Fiscal Management

To the Editor:

I greatly respect Greg Ferraris’ record of public service, but I guess that we are just going to have to differ about whether or not Sag Harbor Village needs to improve its fiscal management. In my view, it clearly does.

My concerns are really quite simple.

First, in a year when average property values in the Village have already fallen by more than 22 percent from their October 2008 peak, and our economic outlook remains cloudy, the Village’s new budget for 2009/2010 still assumes that the average value of the property tax base will continue to increase next year, from $1.898 billion to $1.920 billion.

While it is true that the Village has cut total spending slightly, from $7.55 million in ‘08/09 to $7.52 million next year, since the revenues obtained from non-tax sources has declined even faster, this means that the absolute value of property taxes will continue to rise, from $4.94 million to $4.97 million.

Coupled with the fact that property values are plummeting much faster than the Village has predicted, and also faster than spending has been reduced, this means that average property tax rates – as a share of wealth or income – are likely to soar, reversing the track record of declining tax rates since June 2006.

Of course this increase will be on top of the sharp increases that are expected in Town and State tax rates, in the midst of the deepest recession in five decades.

These rate increases will be especially hard on seniors and middle-class taxpayers. While the Village may well already be giving as much special relief to seniors as allowed to do by law, that relief is paltry. The best thing the Village could do for our seniors now would be find other revenue sources and prevent tax rates from rising still further.

Second, In hindsight, it turns out that all those vaunted “declining tax rates” that were ostensibly achieved by the current Village administration were not only temporary, but were also based entirely on the real estate bubble, not on any new efficiencies in government.

For example, total Village spending increased by more than five percent a year during 2006-2008. And some departments increased much faster — the expansion of police-related soared by 40 percent from 2006/07 to 2009/10. While Chief Fabiano and team do a fine job for Sag Harbor, if we are going to continue to maintain spending at this level, it is clear that we are going to have to find other sources of revenue. In these hard times, taxpayers simply cannot keep up. 

Third, the Village simply hasn’t devoted nearly enough energy to pursuing these other revenue sources. For example, the share of Village spending funded by state and federal aid fell from 6.8% in 2006/7 to 4.1% in 2009/10. And even after February, when the Obama stimulus package offered billions of dollars to state and local governments for projects like storm water treatment, Sag Harbor officials were slow to respond – while Greenport’s Mayor lobbied hard in Washington and has already been rewarded with a $4 million grant to fix his waste treatment plant, Sag Harbor’s conservative Village administration has so far only managed to hire a $5,000 grant writer. 

Furthermore, the Village administration has also not had much success demanding our fair share of Town CPF mortgage tax revenues – over the last decade, we’ve paid in more than $10 million and gotten back less than $1 million.

Finally, and most important, there are several large “unfunded liabilities” – critical projects investments that we should be making — that are simply missing from the Village’s new budget. 

As I have argued elsewhere, perhaps the best example is the long-delayed Havens Beach cleanup, which would cost at least $300,000. But there are many others. The fact is, despite talking about a “long-term capital plan” for years, the Village still does its budgets on a snapshot, year-to-year basis. Nowhere do we have a careful consideration of the major investments that are likely to be required down the road, even for the year after next.

So we are driving down the road, but looking out the side window. We were able to get away with this when the economy was booming, but it is risky when times are tough and the tax revenues and debt capacity may not be there when we need it.

So the Village’s next administration will inherit all these problems. To prevent the tax burden from rising, either it will have to embrace sharp spending cuts, or — as I have proposed – aggressively seek aid from state and federal sources.

The good news is that such revenue sources do exist if we move quickly. The day after I am elected, Congressman Tim Bishop and I will be meeting to find ways out of our impending troubles.

Respectfully,

James S. Henry

Candidate for Mayor of the Village of Sag Harbor

No Endorsement

To the Editor,

We, as the Board of Save Sag Harbor, would like to remind our friends and members that we are not taking any political position as an organization in the upcoming Village elections.

While two of our former board members are current candidates for Sag Harbor Village Mayor and Village Board, Save Sag Harbor does not endorse any particular candidate, nor have we directed any statements made by them in the press or in advertisements.

We believe that the current, outgoing administration of the Village under the leadership of Greg Ferraris has in the main been an excellent model of leadership and community involvement. As we have said so often at Village Board meetings and in other public venues, we respect and thank Mayor Ferraris and the Board of Trustees for their fine work in helping the Village to move ahead while respecting its past, for listening to our and other members of the community’s viewpoints, and most recently for accomplishing the passage of the revision of the Zoning Code.

Yours sincerely,

Mia Grosjean, President,

and the Save Sag Harbor Board: April Gornik, Susan Mead, Lester Ware, and Jayne Young

Will Represent the Community

 Dear Editor,

I have had the privilege of working with Jim Henry for almost two years. Through those years we ran a high-spirited campaign for Southampton Supervisor (which we lost by 52 votes), volunteered hundreds of hours to elect Barack Obama to be the first African-American President and now spend our days listening and speaking with Jim’s fellow residents in Sag Harbor in his bid for Sag Harbor Village Mayor.

Many of you have read or listened to Jim’s ideas for Sag Harbor Village. These are great “outside-the-box” ideas that I believe could create an even better Sag Harbor. But I don’t live here and that’s not why I’m writing.

I’m writing because I want to tell you what Jim is really like.

As someone who has occasionally filed Jim’s notes, I can attest to the fact that he is the most amazing researcher I have ever seen. If there is a question to be answered, Jim diligently looks for not only the answer, but other contributing factors and how that affects the original issue. This is a great attribute to have in a leader, especially during a time when Sag Harbor is facing many issues that could alter village life. Jim has promised to be a full-time mayor and I have no doubt that he would be. He throws himself into every task he takes on with determined passion and Sag Harbor Village can only benefit from this attribute.

He is passionate about peoples’ rights. He has stood up for anti-war protestors, spoken publicly of his support of recognition for the Shinnecock Tribe (my husband’s tribe), became a vocal voice in the aftermath of the vicious hate murder of Marcelo Lucero in Patchogue, and stood-up to election fraud where many peoples’ votes were not being counted. As an activist myself, I have called upon Jim many times for his advice and to volunteer time. He always responds the same way… “when and where.” His dedication is astounding and his reliability allows me some peace in otherwise hectic situations.

He is intelligent. Not in that “I’m better than you” way, but in the “let’s sit down and I’ll try to help you understand” way. International economics is not something that I majored in, but I understand a lot more about the world around me because Jim took the time to explain a lot of things to me. Things that seemed boring, dull and impossibly hard to understand are now much clearer due to Jim sharing his knowledge with me. Jim is always eager to share a new piece of information he has learned with me. Why some people have commented that he is “too intelligent” to be mayor just simply baffles me. Is being smart a bad attribute for the mayor of Sag Harbor to have? Have previous mayors been of low intelligence? I don’t think so and I think that’s the silliest reason to not vote for someone.

But the most important thing people should know is just how much your opinion means to Jim. Sag Harbor Village is not five people sitting on the village board. Sag Harbor is all of you. And Jim would see to it as mayor that your voice was heard and weighed in the decisions he makes as mayor. The most important aspect of this job would be listening to Sag Harbor residents’ issues and concerns. Jim has always made himself available to anyone who needed him. He has said many times to me that he wishes that communities would become more involved in their local governments. You can rest assure that your voice would be part of the future of Sag Harbor.

I know Jim Henry will be a great Sag Harbor mayor. My only hope is that I can convince the people of Sag Harbor Village the same. But I know that to Jim, the most important thing is that you get out and vote on June 16^th (no matter who you vote for). Your participation in our government is his highest hope. So come vote on June 16^th at the firehouse on Brick Kiln Road, 12:00-9:00. I respectfully ask you to vote for my friend, Jim Henry on election day.

Lisa Votino-Tarrant

Shinnecock Reservation

Need a Great Sag Harbor

Dear Editor:

Jim Henry is a friend of mine. I believe he will be a good mayor of Sag Harbor because he is energetic, enthusiastic, dedicated to public service and brilliant. He is also very passionate, as everyone who knows him knows. 

To some, the Jim Henry package is simply too high-powered for the fabulous un-Hampton we all know and love. The present crisis, however, in economy and politics, both nationally and locally (since all politics is, after all, local) makes it necessary to have such a person at the helm.

As a former resident I am asking for you to please vote for Jim because a great Sag Harbor is vital to the health of all of us– Hampton or un-Hampton.

Sincerely,

Bob Zellner

Southampton

Community-Based School

Dear Bryan,

I would like to thank all the volunteers and voters that supported my bid for re-election to the BOE. Not since the community decided 15 years ago to support a 21 million dollar addition to our school have we seen such a clear message to stay the course of a community-based school that strives for excellence.  The BOE and community face a challenging future providing a quality education the community can support.  It is up to every member of our school community; students, parents, teachers, administrators, taxpayers and BOE members to work toward greater efficiencies, increased rigor, and open communication to achieve the highest level of success we can provide.  If we can’t dedicate ourselves to this our future will be less bright, less fulfilling and rather than leaders we will become followers.

I will close with a quote from Thomas Jefferson, the 1st education president,

“If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.”

Thank you,

Walter Wilcoxen

Sag Harbor

Sharing and Caring

Dear Bryan,

Michelle and I just wanted to say a big “Thank You” to all the wonderful people who contributed to the tremendous success of the first Jordan’s Initiative Care Package Drive which resulted in 84 packages of goodies and essentials being shipped off to troops in Afghanistan. For two weeks people generously deposited items into boxes set up in local banks and schools and on Saturday, May 16th with the help of Sue Mayer and her local Boy Scouts and many other helping hands we packaged, taped, stickered, addressed, and shipped these vital items to a group of well deserving Marines. 

The recipients of the packages hold a special place in our hearts. They are a unit from the 2nd Batallion, 8th Marines….the unit that lost Cpl Jonathan Yale alongside my son Jordan in Iraq in April 2008. We applaud the outpouring of community spirit and love that allowed us to show our Marines that Sag Harbor truly cares. Thank you to Bridgehampton National Bank, Apple Bank, Stella Maris School, Sag Harbor Schools, Sag Harbor Fire Department, and the Sag Harbor Volunteer Ambulance for participating. Thank you also to The Sag Harbor American Legion and The VFW for their generous donations of shipping costs and to the Sag Harbor Post Office for their hard work. This is the reason Jordan loved his village so much and the reason that makes it truly such a special place to live.

Christian Haerter

Michelle Severance

Jordan’s Initiative

An American Approach to Healthcare

 

Dear Editor:

I would like to take the opportunity to respond to concerns raised about our nation’s health care crisis in a letter to the editor last week, as well as by thousands of Long Islanders with whom I have spoken. They are angry and frustrated at our dysfunctional health care system and rightly so.

Skyrocketing health care costs are hurting our families, dragging down small businesses and threatening our nation’s economic future. With insurance premiums now growing faster than wages, we must reduce high administrative costs and other inefficiencies that lead to higher costs with no added health benefits. 

We have all heard these problems catalogued before, and this is usually where politicians offer vague promises of reform and the promise of action another day. Not this time.

In just the first four months of this Congress working together with President Obama, we have taken real action to control costs and cover all Americans. 

As a member of the Budget Committee, I worked on the new federal budget which supports President Obama’s goals for health reform: making health coverage affordable and available to all, improving safety and quality, and providing Americans with a choice of health plans and physicians, including the choice of keeping their current health plan. In addition, funding from the Recovery Act has already been directed toward consolidating medical records and upgrading information technology. These are proven tools to improve care and reduce costs.

Because the health care industry sees how serious this Congress is, all the major players in the industry have joined with the President to announce a plan to save $2 trillion over the next decade.

We now have a window of opportunity and I believe that by working together—Republicans, Democrats and Independents—we can set aside the stale debates of the past and build a uniquely American approach to health care that will improve quality and contain costs. I will continue to seek the ideas and feedback of all Long Islanders as we move forward.

Congressman Tim Bishop

 

Message Delivered

 

Dear Editor,

Congratulations to Gregg Schiavoni and Walter Wilcoxen on their winning the Sag Harbor school board election, a wish I had expressed to the Express reporter last week, but which never made it into the story.

I would like to thank those who supported me in this election. Although I did not get elected, I feel victorious for many reasons. First, I met hundreds of residents from a broad cross-section of the population. I had the pleasure of meeting many who live on fixed incomes, many who are affected by the economic downturn, many who toil all day in running a business and even those who have children in school. I was vociferous in spreading my dual pronged message of reinvigorating the curricula while producing greater efficiencies. I gave a voice to those who are concerned with the rising costs of educating Sag Harbor’s youngsters, many of whom could not attend meetings. Making decisions with tomorrow in mind is what I believe. Others viewed some of my ideas as radical, but none are as radical as a teacher who believes that the quality of education can improve while also saving money. My career as an educator was successful, in part, because I never lost hope that things can improve.

Elena Loreto

Sag Harbor

 

Cleaning Up

 

To the editor,

Many thanks to everyone who helped out with the planting and cleanup at the Tuckahoe Hill Preserve on Sebonac Road. The work is part of a larger project to create a memorial for Kurt Billing at this preserve – one that Kurt was instrumental in creating – a 150-acre gem of woodlands dotted with vernal pools and boasting one of the most spectacular views on Long Island.

Anita Wright and the Group for the East End – an environmental advocacy organization whose board Kurt served on for many years – organized the planting and provided most of the plant material as well as staff members Jenn Hartnagel, Jenn Skilbred, and Kate Schertel to help out. Anita also enlisted students from nearby Stonybrook/Southampton College’s wildlife and environmental club to pitch in. Vicki Bustamante of Warren’s nursery donated additional plant material, John White provided Hollytone and help transplanting some red cedars, Scott Chaskey of Quail Hill Farm/Peconic Land Trust donated a truckload of compost, Dai Dayton supplied some cedar posts to protect the planting area, and George Lira brought his landscaping crew to help. Other friends of Kurt who helped out were Dave Steiber, Kevin McAllister, Jennifer Keller and Dan Oliva. Dan offered the use of one of his nearby water faucets to get the transplanted material through the summer season – that will be a huge help.

The cleanup effort was spearheaded by the Southampton Trails Preservation Society – another organization whose board Kurt served on for many years. Tony and Joan Garro, Ken Bieger, Grace Lloyd, Dave Stieber, Elizabeth Yastrzemski, Gregory Yahayan, and Jim Rewinski hauled five truckloads of debris out of the trailhead area of the preserve. Ray Smith & Associates provided manpower and a machine to begin cleaning up the summit of Tuckahoe Hill. More cleanup work remains on the summit; if you would like to help please contact me at 631-267-5228.

Special thanks to Southampton Town staff Laura Smith, Ron Carter and Mary Wilson, and Southampton Village Mayor Mark Epley and Village Superintendent of Public Works Gary Goleski. Without their help and support this project would not  be possible.

Sincerely,

Mike Bottini

 

Successful Plan

 

Dear Bryan,

I’m so glad that the current plan is to keep the John Jermain Library on Main Street! This is where a community library belongs, in the heart of the community.

If we allow ourselves to begin shaving away land from our public park, someday there won’t be a park. Across the country you can see what happens to small towns where basic services are moved away from their downtowns — they die.

It may be a bit of a bumpy ride to renew our historic library, but we owe it to our children to make the best choices that we can.

Stacy Dermont

Sag Harbor

 

Supports Library Decision

 

Dear Editor:

I would like to congratulate the Sag Harbor Library Board, its director Catherine Creedon and its architects for their proposal for the repair and expansion of the John Jermain Library.

I am convinced that for everyone in Sag Harbor, of all ages, the proposed expanded library, with its combination of beautifully restored existing fabric and new spaces, will be a wonderful addition to the village.

I urge everyone to vote in favor of the upcoming referendum.

Sincerely,

Nicholas Quennell

Sag Harbor

 

Best Mother’s Day

 

Dear Sag Harbor:

I just had the best mothers day in many years. I’m writing this letter on an airplane heading home to California after having spent Mother’s Day with my mom for the first time in a very long time. And it wasn’t spent in beautiful Sag Harbor. It was spent in Schenectady.

Here’s my story – I have been HIV positive for over 25 years. Since testing positive my ‘work’ has been spreading a message of prevention, awareness and compassion to young people in universities nationwide. I was invited last week by my nephew to speak at his college – Union College. What an honor! And as always mom (with my brother) was there smiling in the background.  

Thanks Mom

Peace,

Gregg Cassin

California

Protect Health Interests

 

To The Editor:

Karl Grossman’s column in last week’s Express tells of HR 676, the US National Health Care Act – the Expanded and Improved Medicare for All Act. He asks if this “health care dream” will, “as it should”, become reality. This can only happen if we insist that our elected representatives do their jobs and accurately represent us. Last summer, the NY State Assembly passed a Resolution unanimously supporting HR 676 and sent it to all US Congresspersons in NY. Congressman Tim Bishop recently told me he was unaware of the Assembly’s Resolution, yet he totally dismissed it. He said that, if it was passed unanimously, it wasn’t read carefully enough to reveal the “language” by which the bill would provide health coverage for all “residents” of the US. Is he that much smarter than our State Assembly?

Congressman Bishop is playing politics with our health and not representing our best interests – or our stated (in polls) wishes. Since 2003, when HR 676 was first introduced, Mr. Bishop has offered different excuses to the not-so-few of us (representatives of League of Women Voters, NAACP, OLA, Suffolk Independent Living Organization, Southampton Town Anti-Bias Task Force, doctors, nurses, dieticians, and others – all his constituents) who have personally visited him asking him to co-sponsor the bill. First, he said we couldn’t afford this reform; then he said he thought a private-public partnership would work. Now he says he believes a single payer system is the way to go, but he won’t sign HR 676, the only single payer bill, because it covers all “residents”. This game of politics threatens the health and well-being of us all.

The Congressman admits to “co-mingling” the issue of health care with the issue of immigration. He knows this is wrong because they are two separate issues. My daughter sometimes takes the bus home from her summer job in Sag Harbor, sitting among day laborers, regularly employed workers, and anyone else using the County’s public transportation. If the “resident” sitting next to her didn’t seek treatment for his cough because not all “residents” have health coverage and he couldn’t afford it, then my daughter is at risk for exposure to TB or another infectious disease which she could then bring home to our family, our circle of friends and co-workers, even the public schools. This is purely a public health issue.

There are other reasons Tim Bishop is wrong. Residents who are immigrants – legal or otherwise - are not the problem with our health care system; they use LESS health care than native-born citizens. And, health care providers cannot act as immigration officers. Fifty million citizens are currently uninsured; for every 1% increase in unemployment, 1 million more lose their insurance. At any given time, 80 million people under 65 (one in three Americans) are uninsured; every year, 22,000 people DIE because of that. Many of us face financial ruin if we get sick or injured. A colleague put it like this, “When all is said and done, it’s so important not to give care to ‘illegal’ immigrants that it’s worth depriving 50 million citizens of health care.”

Recent polls show solid majorities support Medicare for All (62% general public, 59% physicians), but we’re a majority silenced by the health insurance industry while it robs us blind. That’s the real problem, not health care for all “residents”. Let’s not remain silent. Let’s say, “We’re angry and we’re not going to take it any more!” Tell Congressman Bishop to protect our best interests – our health – and co-sponsor HR 676. That’s what we elected him for.

Elaine Fox, M.D., MPH

Southampton

 

Remember and Wear a Poppy

 

Dear Editor:

The measure of a man may be his willingness to serve his country. The measure of a country may be its willingness to honor those who served to protect the free world. Each year the American Legion Auxiliary reminds Americans of their debt to the veterans by offering memorial poppies made by disabled veterans as part of their therapy. Disabled and hospitalized veterans make the official American Legion Auxiliary poppy throughout the year in hospitals and special convalescent workshops maintained by Auxiliary volunteers. Working with their hands provides physical and psychological therapy as well as a small income for these veterans. Each poppy is painstakingly made and never sold but given in exchange for a contribution. Funds contributed for the Memorial Poppy are used exclusively for programs related to veterans and their families.

Since 1919, the poppy, a small symbol of great sacrifice, has been worn over the hearts of Americans who make a personal statement, “America We Remember.”

We remember and honor the sacrifices of men and women who died in defense of our nation. We remember our commitment to assist all veterans and their families.

The Chelberg & Battle American Legion Auxiliary of Sag Harbor will be distributing poppies along the parade route on Memorial Day and at the Legion Hall on Bay Street. 

Please support our veterans, and let us never forget our obligation to those who have given so much and served so gallantly to protect this great land of ours and those of us who live here. It’s a small way to show our respect. Remember and wear a poppy, for “Freedom isn’t Free.” 

God bless our troops.

Respectfully,

Deborah Guerin, President

American Legion Auxiliary

Chelberg and Battle Unit #388

 

Volunteers Set Pace

 

Dear Editor:

Last Sunday’s meeting of 20 volunteer organizations at the Whaler’s Church, organized by Save Sag Harbor, was an inspiring reminder of our community’s extraordinary level of grass-roots activism, commitment, and capacity for innovation.

On a host of key issues, from “greening the Village,” feeding the poor, and helping cancer victims, to strengthening local businesses, protecting the Bay, and finding safer paths for walking and biking, Sag Harbor volunteers are setting the pace for the entire East End.

This kind of voluntarism is actually a very old tradition here, long observed, for example, by our many volunteer fire department members and ambulance corps members, as well as by century-old volunteer organizations like the John Jermain Library Fund and the Ladies Village Improvement Society.

As we move beyond the issue of code revision, grapple with the financial crisis and a host of other issues, it is great to know that we have all these private sector resources to call on. I hope this is just the first in a series of such meetings, and that the outcome is a new shared vision of Sag Harbor’s future.

Sincerely,

James S. Henry, Esq.

Mayoral candidate

Sag Harbor

 

Lessons in the Cleanup

 

Dear Bryan,

I want to extend a huge thanks to all those who came out in the drizzle on Saturday and Sunday to clean up Town Line Road. An amazing group of volunteers mucked about for hours, picking up truckloads of trash (so much that large loads will have to be hauled away this week). Spokespeople and 725 Green both had volunteers out there, and BikeHampton and Summer Color gardens graciously lent us trucks.

For those who have never ventured up there, let me tell you, this is not just litter. The area has been turned into a dumping ground and a shooting range. We hauled sofas, beds, dressers, television sets, circuit boards, full garbage bags, clothing, mountains of cans, bottles and trash, along with hundreds of shotgun shells. This is an eyesore, of course, but more importantly, it means that enormous amounts of lead, mercury, cadmium and other toxins are getting into our water, soil and air. These materials cause cancer, nerve damage, fetal deformities, liver damage… need I go on? Clearly, this isn’t acceptable. Now that the area is cleaned up, I hope that East Hampton and Southampton will help keep the area clean and take steps to stop the dumping.

One other comment: We had a number of young people out there on Sunday, and it was interesting to see their reactions. They said it was sobering for them to see that amount of trash and to learn just how dangerous it is. At the end of the day, when they were dirty, tired and wet, several said they were glad to have done it, glad to have made a difference. Our schools need to be sure that our children are learning the lasting effects of their actions on the environment, pro and con.

Many thanks,

Gigi Morris

Sag Harbor

What They Want

 

Dear Bryan,

On behalf of the Noyac Civic Council I want to comment on the April 23, 2009 article in The Express regarding “What Do They Really Want?”

The “They” constitutes the thirty-or-so long-time members of the Noyac Civic Council who attended at least one of the Board of Education meetings over the last few months. And the many members who keep themselves informed about the goings-on at the BoE meetings.  And those who are second homeowners, do not vote here, but do pay taxes. For most of those groups I can state that they had looked to the BoE leadership to start the teachers’ contract negotiations by seeking some substantive concessions; rather than, from the get-go, put a 23-plus percent offer of salaries and benefits on the table. Many arguments had been brought forth for a more frugal and forward-looking starting figure. Ideas had been advanced repeatedly to at least be considered in the negotiation process. Such as salary freezes on a temporary and time-limited basis. It was felt that the grim economic times might give the BoE timely leverage to seek a small sacrifice from the union leadership. Nothing major, like the generous concessions at William Floyd, but a token of forgoing a small amount in the area of salaries and benefits. It was thought that, if pressured, the teachers’ leadership would acquiesce and have its members draw on their ability to do more with the same or less. The BoE thought differently, and did not pressure the union leadership on those issues. It just did not happen! So that is the part of the budget we are so frustrated about. So now you know what “they” really wanted.

The NCC does not have any dark scheme – “agenda” as termed in the article – to undo progress of the last ten years. Senseless slashing of school programs, no that is not what we are about. But evaluate all programs, core and electives, on a continuous basis and transparent to the public, to assure that the programs with real predictable pay-back (math, science and information technology come to mind) do play a major role in getting the children ready to compete in the 21^st century (an expression much used these days for just about any teachings.)  And we care about those who are not shining scholastic stars, and might not make it to an Ivy League or other college, and are more likely to stay in the community, and are also very much part of the socio-economic make-up of the community. Well, such is part of the thinking of the “They” group. Drooling about “remarkable progress” – often with questionable metrics – does not trump searching for continuous improvement of the teaching processes for the children, all the children. So now you also know what “they” really hope for.

Let us all join in the quest for the best education for all at the most affordable cost.

Respectfully,

Chuck Neuman

President of the Noyac Civic Council

 

He(art) Attack

 

Dear Bryan,

Thank you for your excellent editorial and article on the tempest over the election day student art show. It is sad that the students’ art is being sequestered in this way.  

The push for the ban on the art show ties back to the Noyac Civic Council and its two prominent members running for the Sag Harbor Board of Education: Elena Loreto and Ed Drohan. The NCC (where both Loreto and Drohan are on the Education Committee) has been lobbying against the traditional art show all year. Loreto has called the ban a “great idea.” Drohan has supported the ban at many Board of Education meetings.

At the PTA candidates’ forum on April 23, Loreto declared that “we are top heavy in the arts and in music,” and suggested that we start outsourcing these programs to other schools — “beyond the sacred halls of Pierson.” Drohan as well declared that we have too much art and music when computers and “writing code” are what count. I think that their views are detrimental to our students’ exposure to the arts: one of the pillars of western civilization.

Loreto and Drohan have publicly said “no” to the arts, “no” to the budget, “no” to the teacher contract, “no” to our administrators, “no” to the students and the programs provided for them, “no” to public pre-K. I appreciate their honesty about their positions. But I don’t agree that their vision is in the best interest of our students.

I hope that on election day, May 19, the moderate voters of Sag Harbor will come out to oppose the radical vision of Loreto and Drohan. We are not a town of profligate spenders looking to waste tax dollars. We are a community of reasonable adults who want an exemplary education for the children in our care.

Sincerely,

Laura Avedon

North Haven

 

Show the Talent

 

Dear Bryan,

Thank you for your excellent editorial “Art as Propaganda,” addressing the Separation of Art and State.

It is a dark day when citizens of any community can ask that its youth hide their talents and accomplishments rather than hold it in the spotlight that it deserves.

I cannot imagine what is to be gained in complaining about being exposed to an art show or any work of merit be it art, music, theater, sports or poetry. This also speaks to a greater issue of censorship and the current dire situation of art in our nation’s public schools in general.

We are so fortunate to have talented and intelligent children in this community. All the more reason to vote for the budget to keep the school vibrant in these challenging times. Any alternative would be more costly in the long run … on many levels.

Thank you,

Francine Fleischer

Sag Harbor

 

Complaints From the Insecure

 

Dear Sag Harbor Express,

I agree with the Express’s op-ed on the “separation of art and state” editorial in last week’s paper. I wish the negative reaction to the students’ work was based at least on the real power of art to move, inform and evoke, but I suspect it has much more to do with insecurity on the part of those wanting to accuse it of influence-peddling.

Best,

April Gornik

North Haven

 

Strength of Our Schools

 

Greetings Bryan,

Thank you for your strong and decisive editorial in support of the student art display in Pierson’s halls. I was surprised to hear that a few members of the community had complained about the presence of the art during school budget votes. The state’s decision dismissing the complaint should have been the end of the matter.

I hope that those members of the school board who think that a “compromise” is to erect walls to block view of the students’ art work will see the unfortunate lesson this sends our children. It should be the opposite. Not only should the art be on display, but so too should other works such as science projects and sports trophies. All of us voting on the school budget should know exactly what we are voting for or against. I understand the feeling every time we all receive our tax bill – but supporting our schools and our children is a civic duty. Even if you do not have children, it is other people’s children who will be supporting you and this community in the years to come, and that includes paying for your social security.

Erecting walls is something that I thought went out of fashion with the end of the Cold War. I hope this community will be strong enough to show our children that we take pride in their work and look forward to seeing it at every opportunity. I also hope that voters will take the time to inform themselves about the efforts of our teachers and school administrators. In tough economic times, it is the strength of our schools that will ensure our community’s survival. And that includes the artistic expression of our students when we all go to vote.

Sincerely,

Susan Lamontagne

Sag Harbor

 

Practice is Over

 

Dear Bryan,

In regards the current issue over whether an exhibition of student artwork can unfairly influence the upcoming school budget vote, it’s difficult to determine who are the more comically moronic players in this local theater of the absurd.

On the one hand, there are the know-nothing rantings of school board candidates Ed Drohan and Elena Loreto who seek to demonize student art as a means of spreading their own virulent form of irrational fear and demagoguery. Karl Rove would undoubtedly be impressed but it is a pitiful and socially divisive tactic that has no place in a community like Sag Harbor. 

On the other hand, there is also the timid and cowardly response of Sag Harbor School Superintendent John Gratto and the school board itself, whose intellectual flaccidity in the face of this contrived controversy illustrates a breathtaking lapse in judgment and the kind of leadership best described as ‘spineless’.

One should not, however, see this as an isolated incident nor one without precedent throughout our history in communities around the United States. As Mark Twain once observed, and as Ms. Loreto and Messrs. Drohan and Gratto seem intent on validating, “In the beginning God created idiots. That was for practice. Then He created school boards.”

Sincerely,

Eric Ernst

Sag Harbor

 

Slippery Slope

 

Dear Bryan,

As an artist, community member, parent of two Pierson graduates, and as someone who has worked with the art students at Pierson, I have to say that the annual art exhibition of student work is a major bright spot in the year. The show celebrates the accomplishments of the students, and it allows the community to see the many young talents in Sag Harbor. It’s a true joy, and one that should be shared with the community during the balloting.

Making the decision to reschedule or hide the exhibition because some members of the community believe it may influence voting is the first step on a slippery slope. How long will it be before the school board allows outspoken members of the community access to the Pierson library to remove books it deems inappropriate? Perhaps these same people will be given a voice on hiring and firing of faculty members, the dress code, who should make up the starting line-up on the baseball team, or even the set list at the spring concert (”No Vivaldi! I think he’s too floral!”). This possibility is absolutely frightening. Certainly there must be some interface between the school board and the community, but on this issue the curtain has been raised on the theater of the absurd.

Scott Sandell

Sag Harbor

 

Mind Control

 

Dear Bryan,

Ahh, that explains it! Several times in years past I have left my home resolute to vote No on the school budget, only to have returned home confused and disoriented after voting an impassioned Yes!

I had stomped through the Pierson gymnasium, past the student art works, to the voting booths. Maybe it was Damien McQuorkle’s horse hair and impasto recreation of Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, or Jennifer Sprite’s perky pastel updating of Edvard Munch’s Scream. But somehow the art had changed my vote! Thankfully a brave cadre of concerned citizens, lead by Robert Nicholson, have unmasked what these student artists are really up to: mind control.

More thanks still to the school board who know they represent the vocal few. Faced with a small cabal of wing-nuts they capitulated vigorously and decided to erect a wall between the art and the voting. This “Don’t-Look, Don’t Tell” policy will sideline the students and mitigate their nefarious plot.

To paraphrase Rush Limbaugh, I hope this budget fails! If the students are embraced and supported where will their subliminal scheming end? With success comes confidence, and we can’t give them that. In time, they might have the temerity to think they can run this town!

Besides, a weak budget means a weak school, and that can only help humble our cocky real estate values!

Sincerely,

Lawrence LaRose

North Haven

 

Wearing Art

 

Dear Bryan,

Guess what? I have made my decision to support the school budget and also about what two candidates I won’t be voting for this year.  And I did this without the suspected “electioneering influence” provided at the annual Pierson Art Show! Opponents of the school budget are opponents of the art show. How could this delightful event be aligned with lack of personal choice?  I’ll be showing my support for art programs in our schools by wearing my kid’s artwork to the budget vote on May 19.  If you agree, please join me.

Sincerely,

Donna Denon

Noyac

 

Stopping to Smell the Art

 

To the Editor,

It was with great sadness that I read “Separation of Art and State” in your publication. As an emigrant who was born and raised ina totalitarian state I came to this country to get away from such censorship of art and I cannot condone it. You see, where I came from you could not exhibit art unless it was for propaganda purposes in the first place, so such questions were never raised.

It boggles my mind that this issue has been raised in this country that holds itself up as the beacon of freedom. In this society where almost all of the visual stimulation today is for propaganda purposes in the form of advertising or promotion that chance to look at art for art’s sake should be a relief. I would think that even the most hardened hearts would be uplifted by art and they would get pleasure in taking a moment and smelling the roses since looking at art is the visual equivalent.

What this incident has taught me again is that politics blinds people no matter what their allegiance and that you don’t have to live in a totalitarian state to have censorship. The irony of the situation is that the people who are for this are also the ones who buy into the “America the Great” and “The Beacon of Freedom” ideology.

Laszlo Kiss

Sag Harbor

 

Irrefutable Evidence

 

Dear Bryan,

I am writing in response to your excellent editorial “Art as Propaganda” that appeared in last week’s Express.

In my nearly twenty years of involvement with our school district I have rarely witnessed such a wrong headed, disappointing misjudgment as the Board’s decision to attempt to segregate the annual Pierson Student art exhibition from the public during May 19^th vote. Symbolically, it reflects nothing less than an effort on the part of the Board to appease a strident vocal minority at the expense of the community and our students.

Like the sports banners and uniforms that adorn the walls of the gym and the trophies that fill the cases in the gym entrance, the art exhibition was always meant to be a celebration of excellence and the dedication and achievement of our community’s young people. It was purposely organized to coincide with the vote not for a political purpose, but instead to ensure a maximum audience. Whether a performance on stage, the written word in poetry or literature or the visual arts, art only comes alive when it is shared, only when witnessed by an audience. Before the exhibition was scheduled to coincide with the budget vote we would be lucky if more than a handful of people witnessed it. Now hundreds in our community view the exhibition every year.

We can all agree that the district should hold elections in compliance with the election laws and make the polling place as accessible as possible. The location of poll watchers and signage should follow the letter of the law. However, it is also clear that the Board’s decision to construct a wall /partition in an effort to obstruct the view of and access to student artwork is not a legal one but a political one.

As disappointing as the Board’s decision to segregate the art is, we should not forget why some in the community find the art exhibition so objectionable. They have a political agenda: to defeat the school budget, cut program and staff and elect to the School Board their chosen candidates Elena Loreto and Ed Drohan. They believe that the exhibition threatens their political ambitions. 

For more than two years this group has relentlessly attacked the quality of our school, cherry picking statistics, misrepresenting the performance of our students, questioning everything from special ed., student travel, to the art the program itself. All of this has been done to legitimize and rationalize their desire to lower their taxes at the expense of our children’s education. 

Several have even suggested eliminating all electives not specifically mandated by state or increasing class size to the point where we would be required to eliminate our award winning science research program which has produced such terrific results in the Intel science competition.

Herein lies their fear of the art exhibition. The exhibition will reflect the work of hundreds of Pierson students of all ages and a cross section of the student population. It is the irrefutable, tangible, evidence of what our kids do, what they have achieved, how they’ve developed and the quality of our program. It needs no cipher, no explanation. Everyone can judge its quality for himself or herself without the explanation of the Noyac Civic Council, School Board or our school’s administration. Herein lies the true power of the art. It is not some cheap piece of propaganda. It is a genuine manifestation of the passion, aspirations and humanity of our students. That is what scares them most.

Peter Solow

Noyac

 

The author is an art teacher at Pierson High School. – ed.

 

The Long Walk

 

Dear Bryan,

I totally agree with your excellent editorial (“Art as Propaganda,” April 30) I was amazed when I read that a local person actually believes that the Pierson students’ artwork would influence voters! Never, in all the years I’ve voted there, have I ever even thought of such an idiotic idea, nor has anyone else that I’ve asked.

Most people know how they are going to vote before they walk into the school and I doubt seriously that anything — least of all, art — will change their minds.

As for, “I had to make my way through the entire length of the gym which was displaying students work of art;” has this person got his mind on voting or is he so obsessed with “the long walk among art work” that he has to write to the state about it and complain in a letter to The Express.

I find it sad that some people have nothing more productive to do with their time, and sad that instead of thinking it is a nice idea to display art, the students have spent time accomplishing, this person thinks, negatively, that it is used as a means to change votes.

I hope the school board does not allow any person(s) to change what has been the practice for years. I think very, very few voters are suspicious enough to think art displays are there to influence their vote!

Leatrice B. Christensen

Sag Harbor

 

Offer Students Opportunities

 

To the Editor:

As candidates for Bridgehampton School Board, we would like to thank reporter Marianna Levine and The Express for their coverage of the race for the Board of Education at the Bridgehampton School and address some issues raised in the article “Bridgehampton School Race Heats Up.”

Small size may be beneficial for a class, but it is detrimental to a grade, especially at the high school level and at Bridgehampton, the reality is, we are looking at high school grades (not classes) of less than 15 students each (in fact, eight seniors graduated in 2007, six in 2006 and four in 2004; the current 10th grade has only seven students). 

In order to fully realize their potential, high school students need exposure to a larger and more diverse world than the minute one they have grown up with since Pre-K. They need a wide range of academic programs. They need a selection of in-district sports and extracurricular activities. They need opportunities for socialization beyond the other half-dozen or so students in their grade level. They need to be ready for college and productive lives thereafter.

So why are these opportunities being denied to Bridgehampton High School students?

Our neighboring districts have all of these things and more. They have up to 20 advanced placement classes where Bridgehampton has only one. They have higher test scores, better college attendance rates, better college graduation rates, more sports and extracurricular activities and a much wider and more diverse student body. These are the very things that high school students need to prepare them for an infinitely larger, more diverse and more complex world. We should be busy creating these opportunities for our students.

Tuitioning students out of tiny school systems at the high school level is not a novel concept: our neighboring school districts (Amagansett, Springs, Sagaponack, Wainscott, Quogue) have already concluded that it is the best decision they can make academically and socially for the students in their areas.  Why is Bridgehampton, once again, trailing behind?

Bridgehampton School is the centerpiece and future of our community. Our goal is to increase educational performance and opportunities for all of our students.

Sincerely,

Nathan Ludlow, Laurie Gordon, Joe Conti

Candidates for Bridgehampton School Board

 

Continue the Good Work

 

Dear Bryan,

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the voters of Bridgehampton Union Free School District for electing me to serve three terms (nine years) on their school board. I feel I have served the district well and thank you for your support over that time.

Now that my son Will is graduating, I would like to take this opportunity to thank and commend the administration, teaching staff and support staff with keeping him on task. I am very proud of him as well as the people who got him to this point.

I feel it very important to ask you same voters to support this school as you have been. This school has raised test scores continuously, cultured a warm family environment for our kids, added many programs with surrounding districts, AP classes, etc. and still has none of the problems that the larger surrounding districts incur. I ask your support for the three seats open on the election. Please vote for three candidates from 1, 2, 3 or 4 on the ballot, at our annual vote on May 19, 2009. Any of these candidates will continue the work necessary to provide a good education as well as being mindful of the taxpayer. We do not need a “close the high school” mentality on the board.

The board has spent over $25,000 in attorney fees this year over a suit the Commissioner of Education dismissed, and a case the plaintiffs, Mr. Conti and Mr. Berhalter publicly stated they would drop if Mr. Conti was not re-elected last year. Not men of their word and Mr. Conti is not worthy of your vote.

I must confess, I will not miss the twice, sometimes three or four monthly meetings, the trips to Albany, Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse to learn more about being a good board member, but I will miss the friendly faces, hugs and warm feelings I received whenever I was in the school. Our kids are a testament to the famil network we have at Bridgehampton School.

I will not give up on this school. I cannot, and will not, watch the newcomers and carpetbaggers try to close our school. My entire family went to Bridgehampton and I hope yours will as well. Please vote on May 19^th for the budget and vote for three candidates out of number 1 through 4. All are great candidates, will make good board members and will continue to keep our schools as one of the best small schools in New York State!

I know this can be true.

Very truly yours,

Susan Hiscock

Bridgehampton

 

Praising the Board

 

Dear Bryan,

Two years ago when Elena Loreto campaigned vigorously for Wes Frye for school board, she told anyone who would listen that the taxpayer was being overcharged and that our children were receiving a mediocre education. As one would expect, she fired up a lot of folks who then grew outraged. She utilized her great energy and determination to promote this fiction and enlisted the support of our elderly and retired. Many others, often with little or no experience with our schools, also found her negative message compelling. The perception that our schools were performing poorly took hold. The campaign was a success!

Now, she and Ed Drohan, both members of the Noyac Civic Council Education Committee, are running for the school board and are hoping to broaden their support with some positive spin. In Ms. Loreto’s April 30th letter “No Time To Squander” she writes: “There is no doubt that the academic standards have been raised in the district over the past several years.” This is hardly full-throated praise, but better than the old ‘poke the eye’ approach.

Imagine if Ms. Loreto had acknowledged this progress and the many great successes in our school district two years ago, when they were well under way, instead of dividing our community, as she chose to do, in order to further her cause.

I think her campaign was irresponsible then and it unfavorably informs her candidacy today.

We need to pull together to protect and improve our schools with fairness, wisdom and honesty. The B.O.E. deserves our support and yes, praise! I encourage you and your readers to vote to re-elect Walter Wilcoxen, to elect Greg Schiavoni (he is the true “community” candidate), and to vote YES to approve the budget.

Respectfully,

John Battle

Sag Harbor

 

Question Candidate’s Agenda

 

Dear Editor,

I’m writing in response to Ed Drohan’s letter regarding school issues. I must say that there are a couple items on his agenda that sound reasonable on paper, but are either unrealistic, too difficult to implement, or just do nothing to benefit the school district. When I read Ed’s agenda, it is clear to me that his main focus is the second homeowners, and not the education of our children. Is this a person we want on our school board? I think not.

For example, his first agenda item: “Foster a positive mindset in the school district and bring the entire community into the education process.” This sounds all well and good, but how does this get implemented? The people that want to be involved are involved. How do you foster a positive mindset if your sole purpose for running for school board is to cut programs, reduce staff, and vote down school budgets?  

“Take advantage of the wealth of experience within our 20% senior population.” I completely agree with this, and I believe that we all can benefit from the wisdom of our senior residents, but we can’t force people to get involved.

“Advance the school district to recognize the 50% population of second home owner tax payer base to participate in summer programs and student activities and be an ambassador of the town’s good will to this valuable asset who over time may transition into permanent residents of our community.” What does all this mean? Are we to start special programs so our children can mingle with the second homeowners? What is that going to cost? I think we already have a program where the second homeowners, tourists and locals all participate, and they call it the BEACH.

The financial success of the community is strongly linked to the business of the community. We are a vacation, recreational community dependent on a strong summer seasonal business for our success. If the school district played a stronger role in recognizing and communicating with this valuable taxpayer base, the district could be indirectly adding needed support to our local business efforts.” This is a bunch of nonsense! The people that vacation here do it because of the beautiful summer weather, the bays and ocean, the historic beauty, etc. It has nothing to do with the education of our children or our school board. Are you suggesting that we poll the second homeowners to find out how we may better serve them? Perhaps our waiters and bus boys could work a little faster?

Ed claims that the Noyac Civic Council is a community organization, and not a special interest political group. It might have started out as a community organization, but when it comes to school budget issues, it is definitely a special interest group, and that should stop if they sincerely want to foster a positive mindset with the entire community. Ed also stated that the Noyac Civic Council does not endorse any candidate. Are we really expected to believe that? Ed Drohan and Elena Loretto are the Educational Committee for the Noyac Civic Council! Is this just a coincidence? Why does the Civic Council even have an education committee if it not a special interest group?

I advise the Noyac Civic Council to disband its education committee, and remove from its agenda all discussions regarding the school from future meetings. This will calm the hostility, and help remove the wedge that has driven it apart from the rest of the community. If Ed Drohan, Elena Loretto and the other Noyac Civic Council members that feel so strongly about the school budget issues still want to hold meetings, they should form a new organization and call it what it really is: The Noyac Association of Retired Second Homeowners Against Funding the Education of Sag Harbor’s Children.

I notice that Ed is concerned with the twenty percent seniors and the fifty percent second homeowners. What about the other thirty percent? Hmmm, I guess he forgot about them. It’s pretty obvious that the students of Sag Harbor don’t really concern Ed Drohan very much…

I think the choice is clear for the school board this year. All of the parents and people in Sag Harbor school district that want to continue to deliver quality education, and do it in safe and clean facilities, must elect Gregg Schiavoni, and re-elect Walter Wilcoxen. 

Sincerely,

Patrick Witty

Noyac    

 

Clean Up Success

 

Dear Bryan,

I want to take this opportunity to thank the group of local people who spent their Saturday and Sunday afternoon stomping around in the rain, pulling garbage from the Townline road and Division street area as part of the Great East End Clean Up weekend. Participating were members of the 725Green group, Spokespeople cycling advocacy group, Sag Harbor neighbors and their children and a few random people swiped from the area to assist.

BikeHampton and Andrew Walsh of Summer Color gardens generously donated their pick-up trucks to haul approximately 2 tons of garbage from the dirt road, woods and trail-sides, and 16 locals donated their time, energy and efforts to make this area a healthier, cleaner place to walk the dog, to run or mountain bike or to pass time in the great outdoors. This particular area has been neglected by both East Hampton and Southampton towns, and now that it is more under control, we feel that it is incumbent upon them to recognize the need for more upkeep in the area.

I am attaching before-and-after photographs to give an idea of the effort involved in reclaiming this area, and hope that the town governments would reach out to the very capable and willing citizens who can assist in the upkeep.

What is truly needed to protect this area, and other areas like it, is minimal signage, barrier building, prosecution and some enforcement, but mostly, a consistent, vocal commitment from our government and community leaders, to a culture that does not tolerate dumping on our very doorstep. Having the local officials, local schools, local people involved in such projects, will instill in all, the need to become stewards of our surroundings.  With leadership that is committed to a cleaner environs, the teamwork that was demonstrated this weekend will be the norm, not just a weekend occasion.

Thanks again to all involved, I am proud to have made this town my home.

Sinead FitzGibbon

Sag Harbor

 

Responsible Budget

 

Dear Bryan:

We would like to commend Dr. Gratto and the Sag Harbor School Board for putting together a budget for the 2009-2010 school year that is both financially responsible and continues to insure that our children will receive a well rounded education.

I know that we are struggling to make ends meet, but I would hope that when the members of the Sag Harbor community come to the voting machines on May 19, 2009, that they keep in mind why we are there. We may find it hard to give the OK for our taxes to increase slightly, but when we do we are insuring that the children of the Sag Harbor School District will continue to receive an excellent education.

Thank you,

Rick and Colleen Grigonis

Sag Harbor

 

No Time to Squander

 

Dear Editor:

I would like to support every school budget if I had the confidence that some evaluative criteria were used in deciding which programs were effective and which should be revamped. However, to my knowledge, only the music program was evaluated this year. I already submitted a FOIL request asking for the evaluations of programs K-12 in the Sag Harbor School District this year. Until I receive this information, I cannot say that this is the best budget that we can offer the children and the taxpayers. Maybe others can put their blind faith into this budget, but I cannot. If we never evaluate programs, how do we know if we are spending money on the right programs? By not assessing all programs and sticking to the same ones year after year, we are denying hundreds of other programs that could be more effective for preparing our students for jobs in the 21st Century. Isn’t it time that we put children first?

Of the proposed $29.6 million budget, 71% is for salaries and benefits. Approximately $700,000 was cut from discretionary funding. There is nothing left to cut. As a member of the Budget Advisory Committee, I asked that more be done for staff development to jump start the technology initiative. I am familiar teaching faculty to integrate technology into their curricula since I did this when I taught at Clarkstown South High School. If programs were evaluated, maybe funding from ineffective programs could have been shifted to spearhead this technology initiative this year before the teachers take home the laptops this summer.

I cannot support the $29.5 million budget for another additional reason. I have difficulty justifying the increase in salaries over the next three years that the board of education offered. The board offered the teachers’ union a 23% increase compounded over three years while the teachers’ union asked for 27% compounded over three years. The contract will probably be settled somewhere in between both figures. This increase, which was already figured into the proposed budget, is unfair to the taxpayers. During this unprecedented recession, I feel that the union’s demands are not in line with the economy. If the union offers up concessions, I would have to reevaluate my position. We have seen local governments and other school districts accepting freezes or cutting salaries for the common good.

I am in favor of Proposition # 2 and #3: Proposition #2 asks for the purchase of the bus and van, which will realize a saving of about $126,000 annually. Proposition #3 asks for the allocation of $71,000 in funds left over from the gym floor and roof repairs to be applied to the repair of the HVAC system in Pierson’s auditorium. This is a sound proposition as well.

There is no doubt that the academic standards have been raised in the district over the past several years. When I was a substitute in the Sag Harbor District, I noticed some fine programs. The elementary school provides an excellent foundation for learning. With my experience in education, I want to ensure that the students in the Sag Harbor District learn the skills that they will need for the 21st century. The current board is comprised of persons of various backgrounds. By applying my career experiences in evaluating curricula and programs, I believe that I will provide an added dimension to the board. I would like to ensure that if other A.P. courses or practical, hands-on courses are needed, I will endorse them. In addition, we need to establish a minimum enrollment policy for non-A.P. courses.

This is not the time to squander money on outdated or ineffective programs that will not prepare those going to college or those who will enter the workforce upon graduating high school. Bear in mind that we cannot afford to waste the student’s time nor the taxpayer’s money.

Elena Loreto

Candidate for Sag Harbor School Board

 

For the Record

 

Dear Editor:

Unfortunately I was unable to attend the PTA meeting on April 23^rd due to a prior work commitment. I do however, feel it important to state my views on the questions that were asked during the meeting. I tried to limit my thoughts to the two minutes the other candidates were given during the session. I hope this letter will give everyone in the community an idea of my thoughts and beliefs with regard to the Sag Harbor School District and the issues surrounding it.

Do you support taxpayer-financed Pre-K?

I believe you have to look at the long-term impact a pre-K would have and not just the first year “start-up” costs. The long-term savings would be of great value to the community and the program would only help our children in the educational process. The pre-K should be available to everyone.

Do you support the proposed 2209 – 2010 budget and propositions 2 and 3?

I do support the budget and the two propositions. The bus/van purchase will save the community money and over a longer time than the discussed six years. The auditorium is in need of repair so the money would be well spent.

If the budget were voted down, would you recommend the budget go up to the voters again, and if so, what changes would you make?

There is roughly a $250,000 difference between the proposed budget and contingency budget so it doesn’t seem rational to vote it down. On the off chance that there were enough NO votes on the budget, I still wouldn’t make any changes. The budget process this year was very thorough and it is fair to the taxpayer.

What are your feelings about the 5% raise in the budget for administrators?

With the role the administrators play in the district, I don’t think a 5% raise is asking too much. I guess we could speculate if the country wasn’t in the economic crisis it is in, would the raise be 8 or 10%?

Will you agree to not campaign at the elementary school at drop off and pick up?

I agree not to campaign at drop off and pick up. I may be at the school for morning program or one of my children’s events, but I will not campaign.

Why are you running for the school board?

I was raised in Sag Harbor, graduated from Pierson and I am now raising my children here. I feel very fortunate to be able to give back to the community that has given my family and me so much. The Sag Harbor School District has come a long way and I would like to keep things moving forward and continue to offer our children the highest quality education as possible. If I can have a say in helping with that process, I would gladly accept that responsibility.

If elected, what are your top three priorities?

The first priority would be to keep improving the educational opportunities available for our children. We have to keep in mind that the children of this community are our future and having them well equipped when they leave Sag Harbor will be beneficial to everyone.

Secondly, I would like to see the student body play a bigger roll in interaction with the Board of Education. Could the Board challenge the students with issues so we know their thoughts on what is working and what isn’t in the school?

Thirdly, it is important to keep parents and Sag Harbor as a whole involved in the process at all times. We must keep the taxpayers informed of every dollar and what it is being spent on. The Board must be accountable to the taxpayers.

Do you agree with Dr. Gratto when he emphasizes “economies of scale” contribute to our education costs?

I do agree with this. But we have to look at things to improve upon this notion that will help our bottom line. I’m in favor of accepting out of district students for a tuition that would help bring in revenue to offset this.

What courses and programs does Pierson have that help prepare students for jobs on the East End?

The school does not have a lot of courses for the type work that is commonly seen out here. We may need to look at what the future holds for employment (in Sag Harbor) out here and see how our curriculum compares to that. Offering programs on operating a small business or restaurant management would be a great place to start.

Of all the programs and extracurricular clubs offered in the district, which do you consider to be invaluable?

I am a big supporter of the AP program at Pierson. We offer 14 AP courses which is right at the top for the number of programs offered by any school in our area. This is something I didn’t have when I attended Pierson, but went to college with kids who already had 9 –12 college credits. Also, if you look at the trend, there is about a 10% increase in enrollment each year, which says a lot about the program.

Gregg Schiavoni

North Haven

 

Sag Harbor Could be the Big Winner

 

Dear Editor:

My name is Jack Reidy and, living in Sag Harbor for more than 50 years, I have known Gregg Schiavoni since he was a young boy. As luck would have it, about six years ago, Gregg, his wife Kristen and two sons bought a house near mine and we became next door neighbors.

Over the past six years Gregg and I have shared favors, borrowed equipment and have talked on numerous occasions about a variety of subjects at my kitchen table. It is through these conversations I have gotten to know Gregg, his love for his family and his dedication to the community he grew up in and where he now lives.

He cares about Sag Harbor as a town and doesn’t favor one class over another. On any day of the week he can be seen outside playing with Cooper and Tucker (his two sons) or helping Kirsten with a project they are working on together.

It is with great pride that I support Gregg in his run for the board of education. He knows what is important to the people of Sag Harbor and would be a representative to us all if he were elected. Gregg’s number one priority is his family and their well being which includes the education of his children. Not only would the board of education be lucky to get Gregg, but I believe Sag Harbor would be the big winner.

Sincerely,

Jack Reidy

North Haven

 

Teachers Need to Exercise Restraint

Dear Sir,

As most everyone knows, the country is undergoing a time of economic stress. Millions of people have lost their jobs; millions more have accepted lower salaries and benefits. Evidently the teachers in Sag Harbor have not heard the news as they are demanding not one but two raises, plus unending medical benefits that will burden the taxpayers forever. The remark to an older person that the teachers were paying that person’s social security income is true, of course, but it is also true that that person is paying the teacher’s salary.

We all realize that the teachers perform a valuable service, but they are not the only people who do. Somewhere along the way, teachers have become our sacred cow. Anything they want, they should receive. Have they stopped to think that the average salary of a teacher in Sag Harbor is over six times that of the average Social Security paid to a retiree?

Consider, too, that most people who are lucky enough to have a job these days earn far less and work about 220 days a year as opposed to 180 days. Shouldn’t this be a year to exercise some restraint?

Superintendent of Schools John Gratto is doing his best to exercise economies. The demands of the Sag Harbor School District are great, particularly in the area of transportation costs which are proportionately greater than in most school districts in New York because of the number of private schools in the area. It is my understanding that thousands could be saved in transportation costs if Stella Maris adapted their school hours to those of Sag Harbor’s public schools. Now, wouldn’t that be nice?

Let me end by saying that I am not criticizing the work that our teachers do, I’m only asking that they try to understand the economy a bit better and see why some of the citizenry are somewhat appalled by their demands.

Respectfully,

Lauraine Freethy

Sag Harbor

What Do They Really Want?

Dear Bryan,

I wanted to comment on your article in this week’s Express regarding the school budget discussion at Tuesdays Noyac Civic Council meeting.

Before I comment, it’s important to share with you my general perspective on the evolution of our current school board and the budget process our community has gone through over the last few years. In the public input segments of past board of education meetings, Noyac Civic Council members, to their credit, constantly asked the BOE about small class sizes, updated teachers’ contracts, percent of special needs students and other escalating district costs. As taxpayers in our community, they were angry with the continually increasing school budgets and the seeming lack of communication from the district as to the justification for the increases.

The replies from both the BOE and the superintendent along with printed materials available to the public at the time were frustrating to most in attendance. Parents, teachers and other community members really wanted to know where the money was going and if the district was being efficient with our resources. Most parents were happy with the school environment and student achievement, but wanted to know if we were effectively managing our budget. When the report from the independent auditors came in and there were over two million dollars of unaccounted-for funds floating around the budget, we all cried out for fiscal responsibility and accountability.  

Fast forward to the present and you have an entirely new group of BOE members that campaigned and won on the principles of academic excellence, transparency and fiscal responsibility. In this balanced and reasonable group we have an accountant, a corporate executive, an architect, a teacher, an attorney, a small business owner and a health administrator. Thanks to their efforts we have a new superintendent, more open communication with the community, a transparent budget process and our students are continuing to test at the highest levels in the county. Efficiencies have been identified; significant sums of money have been saved and/or more accurately accounted for without negatively impacting the current program available to students. We can now clearly see where our tax dollars are going and that they are being well spent. I’m sure additional efficiencies will be realized in program delivery in the months/years to come!

So why are we still hearing complaints? It seems from your article that once again the members of the Noyac Civic Council are considering a vote against the school budget. In addition two individuals from the council, Ed Drohan and Elena Loreto are running for the school board in an effort to further this agenda. This seems crazy to me when next to Bridgehampton, the Sag Harbor School District boasts the lowest taxes in the area and our students are achieving at the highest levels.

Our current BOE and administration have delivered exactly what the community has asked for…a quality education for our children at a responsible price. So what does the Noyac Civic Council really want? Do they want to undo the last ten years of remarkable progress, slash school programs and hope to trade a quality education for a marginally lower tax bill? All of us who understand the great progress that the district has made both in advancing sound and successful educational practices as well as cutting out unnecessary expenditures should be celebrating and supporting our BOE.

Regards,

Steve Clarke, Parent

Sag Harbor

Examining School Issues

Dear Editor,

My name is Ed Drohan. I have been a summer resident of Sag Harbor since 1978 and mived peranntly into our residence here in Decembe of 2006. My three children were raised here in Noyac during the summers of their childhood and my family has always loved this community. Two of my children make their home in the Hamptons. My oldest son lives in Sag Harbor with his wife and our two-year-old grandson, who will attend local schools sometime in the future. We have become transplanted summer residents after 28 years of enjoyment and beautiful memories here in the community.

In the last two years I have been active in the Noyac Civic Council and I serve on their educational committee. I have attended almost all board of education meetings over the last year and six months ago was appointed to the Budget Advisory Committee (BAC). The Noyac Civic Council is a community organization, not a special interest political group. The council does not endorse candidates, and I would not accept their endorsement if offered. I feel it would be compromising to all concerned. I am running on a completely independent basis. An examination of my qualifications and agenda will bring clarity to my position with the voters.

I am a graduate of Gorton High School in Yonkers, N.Y., and I have a Bachelor of Science degree from Manhattan College. I have a business background and have spent over forty years in the data processing industry. I have been a salesman, district manager, sales and marketing vice president, general manager, consultant, business owner and general partner at various stages of my career. Currently I work as a partner for an information technology corporation that does subcontracting and project assignments for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and staff augmentation placements for end users.

I spent seven years as a consulting vendor manager for a large international bank and during that assignment organized and then chaired a group known as the New York Technology Round Table, composed of mostly financial service firms to compare best practices through shared data and benchmarking efforts. Some of the efforts of the BAC are dedicated to benchmarking with other educational systems in order to compare best practices and achieve cost and quality educational efficiency. To that end I feel uniquely qualified to serve on the school board.

The following highlights my agenda as a prospective member of the Sag Harbor BOE:

Foster a positive mindset in the school district and bring the entire community into the education process.

Take advantage of the wealth of experience within our 20 percent senior population.

Advance the school district to recognize the 50 percent population of second home owner taxpayer base to participate in summer programs and student activities and be an ambassador of the town’s good will to this valuable asset who over time may transition into permanent residents of our community.

Initiate benchmarks that compare and analyze the taxpayer base with the demographics of other school districts. This could be the beginning of real fiduciary responsibility. The financial success of our community is strongly linked to the business of the community. We are a vacation, recreational community, dependent on a strong summer seasonal business for our success. If the school district played a stronger role in recognizing and communicating with this valuable taxpayer base, the district could be indirectly adding needed support to our local business efforts.

Encourage the school board to work harder through various committee and mindsets to deliver serious benchmarks to the educational system that will guide future strategy. Cost comparing information in exchange with other districts can be invaluable to all participants.

Overhaul and transition the curriculum, preparing our students to be lifelong learners. This is, after all, the centerpiece of our mission statement. In the 2001-2008 seven-year time frame, the district budget grew from $13 million to over $26 million, while the enrollment was relatively flat. In 2008/2009, per pupil expense exceeds $30,000. The elective curriculum now exceeds 40 programs. We must realize we are in the midst of an information revolution, with bilingual skills a necessity in the future work force. More focus must be placed on computer science, language arts, Spanish and an upgrade and expansion of BOCES training programs.

Bring about a slow and reasonable transition driven by a human resource effort in strategic planning, that would encourage the advanced training of teachers in multiple subject skills with improved incentive for teachers with course versatility. I would hope to increase student load and class size slowly with quality performance checks and balances along the way. This increased efficiency could justify the growth of the previously stated programs necessary to the district.

Promote transparency. I, along with the rest of the public, would like to know the true role of the teachers’ union, TASH, in the Sag Harbor School District. I believe in the union practice of defending their teachers against injustice and support the union in their activity to negotiate equitably for their members in contract efforts. However, I feel there is a line that should not be crossed and that the administration should be able to manage the business of the school district unencumbered by any special interest barriers. I would hope that when these negotiations are over, there would be a forum sponsored by the school board, in conjunction with TASH, open to the public. The community needs an answer to this new and expensive contract in these trying economic times.

I encourage the Sag Harbor community to vote for me based on the principles I represent and issues I intend to address.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Ed Drohan

Easter Mayhem

Dear Editor,

I attended the annual Easter Egg Hunt at Mashashimuet Park. I am kind of curious as to whether I was the only person who observed pure mayhem during the 1 – 3-year-old hunt?

It is pretty amazing to me that on Easter Sunday, no less, such an unorganized “free for all” would be encouraged. I did not stay around for the older children’s hunt. The toddlers group was really all I could handle.

It is only a matter of time before some child us seriously injured. I would like to propose the following suggestions:

1. An egg hunt for the toddlers that lasts five to eight minutes instead of one minute.

2. A “no adult” area where the eggs would be placed.

3. The Easter Bunny “actually participating and interacting” with the children.

4. The bunny could give an egg to any little one who may be too afraid.

5. Let me be the first to volunteer to plan, organize, set up, clean up — whatever. I will be more than happy to help out. But to step into that “ring of terror” next Easter — no way.

It is my simple opinion, if your child isn’t ready to participate… older family members don’t get to pinch hit. The worst that could happen is your child will be outdoors with other children, and the Easter Bunny will give them an egg.

And toddlers — if you don’t think your parents can behave appropriately, leave them home! A kiddie cab will come and get you.

Kathleen Duff-Adlum

Sag Harbor

Thanks for Help

Dear Editor,

The family of Stanley Benfield wishes to thank the Sag Harbor Ambulance Corps for their excellent and care given at the time recently.

Yours truly,

Alice Benfield

Sag Harbor

Dear Bryan,
I was not surprised to read in the April 2 Express (“Final Bulova Suit is Tossed”) that Mayor Ferraris is among the many Sag Harbor residents who regret that the renovation of the former watchcase factory does not appear to be possible in this economy.
I was deeply troubled, however, to hear him actively discouraging his neighbors from supporting an established community non-profit such as the Group for The East End, suggesting its efforts to ensure a thorough review cost us the project, and cost the village unnecessary legal fees. Like the mayor, I dearly hope the factory will be intelligently renovated before it is lost. I am also grateful, as I imagine he is too, that the community had a searching if overdue debate on the need for subsidized housing for year-round residents.
As a longstanding member of this community who cannot imagine owning a home here, I know the issue all too well. I will not debate here whether it would have been good for Sag Harbor to have a luxury development downtown, or whether such a venture could have been financed at this time, with speedier approval. I will just say that I appreciate the participation of the several non-profits that help to keep the public informed of these lengthy review processes, serving as their eyes and ears, and often as their voices. With many local residents only in residence seasonally, and powerful interests in play, non-profit advocacy organizations play vital roles—as the community has asked them to. Do we need to make their fundraising harder in these difficult times?
Do we really want to live without such oversight? Even as Sag Harbor has been up in arms about a proposed development along the waterfront, another has been built. Would anyone argue that the review is just as thorough when the public is not watching closely? I wonder.
Stephen Longmire
North Haven

Successful Fashion Show

To the Editor:
On Sunday, March 29th, Stella Maris Regional Catholic School held its 5th Annual Fashion Show Luncheon. For the second year in a row, the event was held at Most Holy Trinity Parish Hall. Also for the second year in a row, the event was a great success, raising over $9,000 for the art program at Stella Maris.
Each year, the Fashion Show Committee chooses to honor an outstanding supporter of the school. Honorees in the past have included the late Monsignor Donald Desmond and Sister Angela Hearne. This year, we chose to honor our own Mrs. Jane FitzGerald Peters, our principal.
Thanks in large part to Mrs. Peters vision, dedication, and perseverance, Stella Maris Regional Catholic School is a thriving educational environment. Our enrollment continues to increase each year. Not only are we getting bigger, we are getting better! Standardized testing routinely places our students in the top 6% of the nation. Each and every classroom, from kindergarten through 8th grade, is equipped with state-of-the-art technology.
All of this learning takes place in a school that reinforces the Catholic beliefs and values that we teach at home. What a gift.
Thanks to all who attended our 5th Annual Fashion Show Luncheon. It was a great afternoon of fundraising and fashion.
Sincerely,
Jennifer S. Fowkes
Stella Maris Regional Catholic School

Flags

How many flags will we give away?
How many sons and daughters
Will be led to teir slaughter?
We honor the fallen and dead
When we should honor the living instead.
It seems to me, if you want to be free,
There are other ways to serve your country.
Remember, after everything is said and done
You don’t have to carry a loaded gun.

Richard Sawyer
Sag Harbor

Cost of Competition

 

Dear Bryan,

 Kudos to the Sag Harbor Express for endorsing the Sag Harbor Board of Education’s budget as unanimously adopted at their meeting on March 23. Many thanks to Walter Wilcoxen and the rest of our volunteer board for crafting a reasonable plan. We should all take great civic pride in their effort and in our school system.

To those naysayers regarding the budget, I think it is time we took a hard look at the inextricable link between education and social security. Like education, social security is paid in real time. At the present moment, it takes approximately 3.3 workers paying social security taxes (like myself) to support one retiree (like my mother) collecting benefits.

In just ten years, however, that equation will shift dramatically. By 2020, it will require two workers paying social security taxes to support one retiree collecting benefits. This is a huge increase in obligation that is going to fall on the children who today attend our Sag Harbor schools — but ten short years from now will be in the workforce. The best chance they will have to meet this economic challenge is by being given a competitive education now. All of the adults in our community — no matter their ages — have a moral obligation to make sure that they get that fair, free and competitive education.

Do the math. The better your education, the more money you are likely to earn in the workforce. The more you earn in the workforce, the more you pay in social security taxes to support present day seniors. It’s a virtuous feed back loop. In fact, the average college graduate can earn up to 100 percent more over his or her lifetime than the average high school graduate. So we need to prepare our kids to go to competitive universities. This way they can get better jobs and pay more in social security.

Present seniors also need to be reminded that the social security system as it now stands is scheduled to go bankrupt in 2041. This means that today’s school children face the real possibility — if something is not done to correct the problem — of never collecting social security in their senior years. That’s right. Kids today will pay and pay and may never see a dime in old age. This creates even more of a moral obligation to provide that competitive education now. They may very well be relying on their own personal savings to fund their own retirements.

And if you really believe that American education is already competitive, mull over this fact. The average Asian school child attends classes 240 days per year. The average American school child attends classes only 180 days per year. During the course of K-12 education, the average Asian child gets the equivalent of approximately four extra years of public education. And these are the folks that our Sag Harbor children will be competing with for jobs in the global marketplace.

Sincerely yours,

Laura Avedon

Sag Harbor

 

Farewell Marge

 

Dear Editor,

Skylines come and go, traffic lights become rotaries, watch factories become ruins while waiting to become fancy digs, law office windows give way to sadly sassy glassy exteriors, hardware stores burn to rise again better than ever, movie theater neon vanishes only to return brighter and more neon than ever, gas balls fragment and disappear.

But Marge has gone and can never be rotaried, or renovated, or middle islandized, or rebuilt or re-neoned or reassembled. Of all the vanishing landscapes that make Sag Harbor the best village ever … the lack of Marge at the post office changes Sag Harbor’s landscape forever and I, for one, will miss her while waiting in line at the post office. Rosie, Jane and Linda will certainly carry on as beautifully as always; but who will have the unflappable charm Marge gave us everyday. We all wish you the best Marge … our very, very best.

Charlie Grubb

Bridgehampton,

Formerly 22 year resident of Sag Harbor

 

Remembering a Voice and Man

 

Dear Bryan,

I was sad to hear of Paul Sidney’s passing. He was truly a unique individual. Paul always radiated his enthusiasm and commitment to both his work and our village.

Over the years, my business dealings with him were always fun and uncomplicated. He went out of his way to make sure he did the best possible job for each and every client. Nothing seemed to have pleased him more than knowing that WLNG was giving his customers great results, but doing his famous remotes probably ran a close second.  For all his talking, I never heard him utter a bad word  about anyone. I don’t think I’ll ever pass the bench in front of thepharmacy and not think of Paul. I think he must have had great satisfaction in knowing that “Paul Sidney’s Party Line” will be traveling through space forever.

I feel fortunate to be have known the man. Good-bye my friend.

Bob Fisher

Fishers Home Furnishings

Sag Harbor

 

 

Dance Thanks

 

Dear Bryan:

On behalf of the Sag Harbor LVIS, we would like to thank everyone who sponsored and attended our dance party fundraiser on March 21. We would particularly like to thank our host, Ziggy’s Restaurant, and the sponsors of our door prizes, JCP Landscaping, Sag Harbor Fireplace Showroom, Sag Harbor Florist, The Martial Arts Studio in Southampton, East Hampton Indoor Tennis, Janice Arbia for Mary Kay, AKF Hair Salon in Southampton, Bay Street Theatre, The Golden Pear and Jack and Lauren Bishop for America’s Test Kitchen. Thank you also to Schiavoni’s and Cavaniola’s for their donations of food.

The generous support of the community allows the Sag Harbor LVIS to continue to provide the summer flower baskets, holiday season decorations and other beautification projects for the Village.

Thanks again to everyone for their support.

Sincerely,

Sag Harbor LVIS

Dance Committee

 

Successful Drood

 

To The Editor:

This past weekend Pierson High School theatre students presented the sometimes difficult but always funny production of The Mystery Of Edwin Drood. We had a marvelous time discovering, inventing, creating, laughing, singing and dancing for lively and appreciative audiences. We’re so grateful for the support and encouragement we receive from the parents, friends and general public. We would like to take this opportunity to thank those behind the scenes for their seemingly tireless effort for what was really hours, days and weeks of work. There are quite a few to list, but we’d like to show you the village behind the smiling faces and dancing feet.                                                      

To parents Sheila Kudlak, Keelin Mckenna and Sabina Streeter who helped both prepare our set, then dismantle it; to Barbara Oldak for that costumer’s eye and swift hand — our shows are not complete without your special touch; to Liz Dobbs, who handled our concession foods beautifully and with such capable hands; to Dorothy Hand and especially Walter Stachecki whose artist flair made the sets come to life even in the wee hours of the night.

To Anne Galanty, Jahana Meah, John Ali, Nancy Hunekin, the entire custodial staff and administration for never-ending support. To Amanda Jones, rehearsal accompanist and musical magician.                                

To Mr. Austin Remson, Pierson’s audio/visual coordinator, who is always in the light booth making sure we can be seen and heard, not only technically there for us, but teaching students the ropes and doing much of this on his own time.

To Mr. Eric Reynolds, pit conductor and newest member of Pierson’s musical family, for jumping in with both feet into hours of preparation for two shows back to back, again teaching students during the process.                                                                               

To Mr. Doug Alnwick, set construction/technical director, who never says no, even when the proposed set pieces reached beyond the realm of creativity and into impossible-he made it possible.              

To Oscar Gonzelez, whose keen sense of movement and sheer dance talent can be seen in every step. To Suzanne Nicoletti, for shaping every note, tweaking every melodic line of a lively and difficult score until it became the lilting story-telling songs that rang through our ‘crumbling auditorium’ (and to daughter Diana for sharing Mom).

And finally to the organizational hand that not only glues us all together while trying to keep us within our budget, but prints the program, sews many a costume, makes props, paints sets, transports furniture, neglects her family while being the matriarch of our theatre clan, and also my friend and confidant, Melissa Luppi, Producer.

Many, many thanks for all your efforts on this fabulous show and here’s to many, many more to come.

The Cast and Crew of The Mystery of Edwin Drood and

Paula Brannon, Director