County Legislator
“I’ll be on the ballot.” That was the closing statement by Robert Carpenter, who is the Republican challenger for Suffolk County legislator, at the League of Women Voters of the Hamptons, Shelter Island and the North Fork debate on October 18 — and it’s a neat summation of his entire campaign. He is a placeholder, nothing more, and that was clear at the debate.
Fortunately, also on the ballot is Bridget Fleming, the incumbent Democrat, who is smart, energetic and an exceptional representative from District 2 on the Suffolk County Legislature. Her plans to seek the congressional seat in 2022 should not deter anyone from returning the lone qualified candidate in this race to another term.
A Tale of Two HistoriesThe fate of an abandoned mansion in Shinnecock Hills is mired in two versions of history — from two different cultures, and conflicting versions of preservation. The home, in the Atterbury Hills section of the hamlet — if one refers...
We Mark Our Ballout:Sag Harbor Village, North HavenIt’s an old adage that when voters — or newspaper editorial boards — are evaluating incumbents and challengers for elected positions, the real decision amounts to a simple question: Should the incumbents be fired? Certainly, there are times when an...
Break the LockstepThe verdict in the Hunter Biden gun possession case came less than two weeks after former President Donald Trump was convicted on all 34 charges in his New York hush money trial, where the jury determined he broke the law,...
We Mark Our Ballots for Southampton Village TrusteeCandidates in the upcoming Southampton Village election would be forgiven for having a touch of post-traumatic stress disorder: In recent years, the village races have been no-holds-barred melees, with money from outside groups funding broadside attacks, and a battle royal...
Sea ChangesA few months ago, The Express News Group tackled a project to discuss the past, present and future of the college campus in Shinnecock Hills, now Stony Brook Southampton. One big conclusion: The college there has had its struggles ever...
Pride and JoyA good event gains steam quickly from year to year. But few events have the trajectory of the Hamptons Pride Parade, which began strong with more than 1,000 participants and spectators in 2022 and has only gotten bigger in the...
A Vote of ConfidenceThere is something of a pact between residents and their school boards, and the annual budget vote — one of the few times when voters have a direct say in the day-to-day budgeting of their tax dollars — is where...
Stepping UpImagine the want ad: “Unpaid position. Unpredictable hours. Extensive training required. Your life may be endangered at a moment’s notice. Must be on call 24/7. Your physical condition will be tested.” Most people wouldn’t get past the first two words....
