Letters to the editor: Greenport building department
GREENPORT
Greenport building department
While criticism of the current mess in the Greenport building department is warranted (“Stuessi Under Pressure,” Oct. 3), The Suffolk Times report was too narrow. Both village officials who took Mayor Kevin Stuessi to task also noted accomplishments of his 18-month tenure: large state grants to rebuild the ice rink and repair damaged bulkheads, a badly needed pause in commercial development downtown, a noise code and entertainment permit and the new farmers market in Mitchell Park. Also, your reporter certainly knew that the building department was chaotic long before Mayor Stuessi arrived. Although the situation has worsened recently, for most of my eight years on the Zoning Board of Appeals, people doing business with it have had to put up with delays, faulty or incomplete records and mistakes in documentation.
Diana Gordon
GREENPORT
A coup against the mayor?
The Suffolk Times cover article of Oct. 3 reads like a coordinated plot against Mayor Kevin Stuessi. In 2023, Greenport Village voted for a change, but just voting for a new mayor without addressing the old mindset is not enough.
Greenport’s executives, including code enforcement, seem to focus on many small things while big challenges seem to be stuck. Boards spend endless discussions on the size of signs on Main Street, appeals deal with missing inches of setback, permits (including rentals) are not issued at all. Citations are issued if someone sells art on the sidewalk, but the Arcade building is still an unaddressed health and safety hazard. The uncertainty about Greenport’s future and the lack of a long-term vision are dealt with through a moratorium or with an arbitrary ban on short-term rentals (because someonebelieves, without any proof, that this will solve housing challenges).
Greenport lives and grows with tourism, nestled between maritime history and a wine region that can compete with Sonoma Valley. The North Fork is about to become the “better Hamptons,” with more culture and less wannabe celebrities.
But Greenport’s leadership considers it a success when “no more hotels” are allowed on Front Street, when a new restaurant’s liquor license is denied and the mayor encourages residents to spy on neighbors to report anonymously suspected (or paranoid) code violations.
Staffing problems in the building department and an overreaching code have already an impact on the local economy and drive homeowners into “illegal” actions. Small business openings get delayed and private homeowners struggle with financing or maintaining their houses’ historic character because taking weekend renters is prohibited. Architectural work or renovations have to be done without permits or canceled indefinitely.
The Board of Trustees, as the primary legislative and supervisory body over the executive branch, has clearly expressed their dissatisfaction with the way the mayor leads the village as its CEO. As for any CEO, this applies to managing daily operations, handling staff shortages, appropriate delegations and setting long-term goals.
In big politics (aka Washington, D.C.) and in business such an article would have been understood as a scream for someone’s resignation. But such issues are rarely solved by exchanging only one name. For Greenport it means, if opportunities show up, the mindset has to grow too.
Manfred Stapff
CUTCHOGUE
The party of Lincoln
Former Republican representative Liz Cheney’s recent appearance at the Democratic rally for Vice President Kamala Harris had the added significance of being held in the birthplace of the Republican Party, Ripon, Wisc.
A dive into history reveals the following: In 1952, Alvan E. Bovay called upon his follow citizens for a new political party to stand against slavery. The idea of a new party took off in 1854, when the Kansas-Nebraska Act permitted the westward expansion of human enslavement. This act repealed the Missouri Compromise of 1820 that had outlawed slavery in the northern portion of the Louisiana Purchase. The people of Ripon became the early participants in the movement of people across the North to stand not only against slavery, but also against the small group of elite enslavers from the South who had taken over the U.S. government and who espoused a rejection of the self-evident truth in the Declaration of Independence that all men were created equal.
Republican Abraham Lincoln articulated a worldview in 1859 that took a stand against oligarchs, and for a government that advances the interests of ordinary people and protects the rights of everyone to be treated equally before the law and to have a say in their government. Lincoln believed these principles accurately represented the aspirations of the nation’s founders, and he called these principles “conservative.’
In her speech in Ripon, Ms. Cheney said that putting patriotism ahead of partisanship is not an aspiration; it is our duty. She said this while standing under banners proclaiming “Country Over Party.” If young Lincoln were starting out his political career today, which presidential candidate would he endorse? Are there any Lincoln Republicans still out there? Our nation needs you. Please stand up and be counted!
Barbara Farr
SOUTHOLD
Hate and civility
I have to wonder what kind of people spread hate that is known to be false. The current Republican candidate for vice president has spread a “rumor” that has no reality. He has said on several occasions that Haitians in Springfield, Ohio, steal cats and eat them. This is a community that he represents in the Senate, but he believes that spreading this lie is to his political advantage. Following up on this lie, other people called in bomb threats to schools and public buildings in Springfield. Luckily, there were no bombs. Other Haitian communities have also been attacked and people who are here legally have been told to go back where they “came from.”
This is just one example of the conspiracies that have become daily fare this election season. The national Republican Party and social media spread hate and lies on this and many other issues. In this election, we the people must reject this. We must restore civility and recognize that there are bonds that bind all of us together.
Steve Curry
GREENPORT
San Simeon stands strong
Big news flashes under the headline “Big changes, few answers at San Simeon by the Sound” (Oct. 3) Greenport are worth reading and thought-provoking.
San Simeon will now be operated by Advanced Health Inc., which is the part of a larger entity called TL Management. They own more than 100 skilled nursing care facilities in the U.S. and surely will bring a vast experience in the field of nursing and health care.
San Simeon has functioned as not-for-profit organization since its inception in the 1970s with 120 beds. This center was hit by deadly pandemic waves when the very fabric of world was shaken, but this grand institution stands strongly and sailed through COVID-19’s rough tide with all their helping hands.
As a manager of Colonial Drugs and Surgicals in Greenport I can understand and visualize the challenging task ahead in maneuvering and navigating San Simeon and I wish Subrina Charles, as a new administrator, all the best in her noble mission, “Service to Humanity” Hats off to all those who matter in keeping this nursing home keep going in high and low tides.
Hina Muddassir
GREENPORT
On the undocumented
To a lost soul: Tell me, what do you think would happen to our economy and way of life if all the undocumented people left tomorrow. Do you think our kids want their jobs? I agree that they should be registered somehow. Trump didn’t exactly fix it last time, did he? All this nonsense about criminals is such bulls**t. Do you know any of these families? They are mostly hard-working God-fearing people, here for a better life, much like our ancestors. Like it or not, without them we are much worse off. Register them, give them a path to citizenship and quit the bulls**t about the Democrats’ conspiracy to gather votes from them. It’s just ridiculous to think that — and stupid to say it.
Paul Henry
SOUTHOLD
Fire Prevention Week
On Oct. 8, 1871, the Great Chicago Fire started. The city burned for more than two days, destroying over 17,000 buildings, killing over 300 people and leaving another 100,000 homeless.
In 1922, in remembrance of the most historic fire in American history, President Wilson proclaimed Oct. 9 as the first Fire Prevention Day. Since 1925, the week that includes Oct. 9 is known as Fire Prevention Week, the longest-running public health and safety observance on record.
The greatest life-saving device ever invented is the smoke detector. The risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms. Roughly three out of five deaths happen in homes without them or with non-working smoke alarms. If the smoke detectors in your home more than 10 years old, your home and safety could be at risk.
In my professional life, my employees and I visit hundreds of homes every year. We continue to see homes where smoke detectors are missing, their batteries are disconnected or they’re just way too old to work. This simple life-saving appliance is neglected all too often.
I urge your readers to do the right thing. Update old smoke detectors. Add them to every bedroom and level of your home and within 15 feet of closed bedroom doors. It’s a simple DIY project — or ask a professional electrician or alarm company to provide this service.
Lastly, thank your local fire department and make a contribution to the brave men and women who volunteer to keep us safe.
Paul Romanelli
SOUTHOLD
How political Is the judiciary?
This November, countywide, there are candidates for eight judgeships on the State Supreme Court, the highest trial court in New York State. Note that the same name appears as the candidate of all parties. This is because the candidates are chosen not by the voting public or by elected officials, but by unelected political party leaders who control every step of the process referred to as “cross-endorsement.” The theory is that judicial candidates must remain above the partisan fray of politics and campaigning and that judicial decisions must be apolitical.
However, in contemplating this selection method, one must look at a number of factors, some of which are recently becoming much more relevant. As an attorney for 50 years, I have appeared before countless judges and observed how their legal outlook and day-to-day decision making ranges from highly conservative to liberal, based on their politics. Secondly, of the eight candidates listed, all are white, only one is a woman, aged 33, and the men are all between 57 and 70. They certainly do not reflect the populace of Suffolk County.
Of great importance however, is the shadow of the U.S. Supreme Court, the most visible court in the country, on all discussions of the politics and ethics of the judiciary. That Court has definitely shown the influence of politics on their rulings in the last few years. We have seen the appointees go through a rigorous process of questioning by members of the Senate before the confirmation vote and some have clearly misrepresented their approach to decision making. At the same time, research by Gallup News polls since 1972 show that trust in the judicial branch of government reached an all-time low in September 2021, which was nearly equaled in 2023. Before that, trust in the judicial branch averaged over 20% higher.
Public trust and confidence in our Suffolk County judiciary is not immune to being questioned. The current process of selecting of judges to appear on a ballot must be changed so that voters are informed of how judicial candidates stand on the issues and have more input in the selection of those candidates.
Philip Wasilausky
MATTITUCK
Locals
I find it heartening that there are still experiences that fill me with hometown pride. These small hamlets are, for many of us, where we and our children have begun to nurture the seeds of hometown pride. As blessed as we are to have such a strong community, [and people who] support each other’s endeavors — including, but not limited to, sports, fundraisers. Scouts, Rotary, Lions etc. — I was greeted by a truly spectacular site while driving through Mattituck the other morning, (And I, for one, feel there is no greater praise than unsolicited kudos).
The front lawn of Mattituck High School looked perfect. The mums that lined the concrete walkway and flagpole, the perfectly trimmed and cut front lawn with its bushes, beds and, of course, the tractor were the perfect foreground for the stately structure where so many of our children germinate the seeds of their own hometown pride. I thought it only appropriate to give credit where credit is due, and personally thank the hard-working team that comprises the grounds crew of the school for the outstanding work they continue to do.
Amos Meringer
CUTCHOGUE
Who can fix it?
Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell blames the influx of migrants for higher unemployment. Average jobs created per month under present administration is less than 200,000. The average “recorded” migrant influx per month is over 210,000. The Fed reduction by 50 basis points tells us the economy is not as well as the administration tells us it is or will be. Employment of the foreign-born is up 1.3 million while native born employment is down by 1.2 million (8/23-8/24). Bidenomics, supported by Kamala Harris, is just not working!
It is not a sustainable policy to allow migrants to game our immigration system by claiming asylum, by illegally crossing the border or entering at a port of entry. Many of our cities and small towns have demonstrated they cannot handle the present influx. Add to this temporary protective status — the wording and intent of which which the administration has expanded — and FEMA’s weak response to Hurricane Helene, claiming they are out of money. As of June 21, didn’t DHS Secretary Mayorkas state that FEMA has more then enough resources to handle the hurricane season? Well, yes he did!
Who can fix this mess? Because everything I see instituted by this administration has failed. The majority of the country believes we are going in the wrong direction. We need a fix, not more of the same.
Bob Bittner
SOUTHOLD
Thank you
We are deeply grateful for the warmth and kindness you’ve shown us during this challenging time following the loss of David Hewitt, our beloved father, husband and grandfather. In this supportive community, your help has made all the difference. We also want to extend out heartfelt thanks to the Southold Police Department, Southold Fire Department, Stony Brook Hospital, East End Hospice, DeFriest- Grattan Funeral Home and Southold Fish Market for the exceptional care and compassion they provided. Your support has truly touched our hearts.
Thank you for the comforting words, shared memories and thoughtful gestures that have wrapped us in love. We are fortunate to have such caring neighbors and friends.
With heartfelt appreciation
Mary Hewitt, Heather & Terry (Hewitt) Bitka, Justin Hewitt and children
GREENPORT
My friend Hoagie
Harold (Hoagie) Haupt lived next door to us for over 20 years. Starting on day one, he was always there for me whenever I needed a hand. I consider Hoagie to have been a good friend, and I hope he felt the same way about me. I will miss him!
Gordon Moore
CUTCHOGUE
Abortion debate
As we head into this highly charged election season, abortion care is a major issue.
If the care of women was utmost, every Planned Parenthood facility would have the latest ultrasound equipment so that a potential mother could make an informed decision.
And no one would think of objecting to pro-life centers that do nothing but offer women free ultrasounds.
Thus, it appears that giving women the best informed care is not the real issue.
So what is the problem?
Richard Brewster
CALVERTON
Let’s heed the advice of prominent Republicans
Liz Cheney and Dick Cheney say that Donald Trump is unfit for any office, much less the presidency, and Nick LaLota still says Trump’s his guy!
Trump’s press secretary, Stephanie Grisham, says that Trump’s disgraceful behavior on Jan. 6 disqualifies him from upholding the oath of office, and Nick LaLota still says Trump’s his guy!
200 officials who served in both Bush administrations signed a letter saying Trump should never be let back in the White House that they revere, and Nick LaLota still says Trump’s his guy!
Seventeen officials who served under Ronald Reagan said: “We know that President Reagan isn’t here, but we also know that he would join us in supporting the Harris-Walz ticket” and Nick LaLota still says Trump’s his guy!
Trump’s former national security advisor (“In no arena of American affairs has the Trump aberration been more destructive than in national security”), his secretary of defense (“I do regard him as a threat to democracy”), his secretary of homeland security (Trump is “a person who has nothing but contempt for our democratic institutions, our Constitution and the rule of law”) and even former Vice President Mike Pence say that they can’t endorse Trump, and Nick LaLota, incredibly, still says he knows better and that Trump’s his guy!
It’s time for voters in the 1st District to heed the advice of all of these Republicans — and so many more who have had the courage to stand up for country over party. It’s time to defeat Donald Trump — and Nick LaLota, who brags about being the first L.I. congressman to endorse him.
Jerry Silverstein
WADING RIVER
Sarah Anker puts people over politics!
Sarah Anker supports protecting the rights of people and groups that may be in peril from right-leaning politicians.
Sarah is endeavoring to cement these ERA rights into our N.Y. State Constitution. The groups that would be covered from discrimination are LGBTQ, immigrants, disabled, voters, women [and their] productive rights and everyone who truly believes in equality. She will continue to fight to ensure that government stays out of private health care decisions.
Sarah Anker has been fighting for equality for all for many years. I feel she will continue on this path, especially when she becomes our N.Y. State Senator.
Sarah Anker has my vote!
Maureen Hollett
JAMESPORT
Budget seems a bit ‘frilly’
How can Supervisor. Hubbard say, on one hand, it’s a “basic, no-frills budget” and then, on the other, reward himself with a hefty 8.7% pay increase? I’ll remind Mr. Hubbard that senior citizens in this town trying to live on social security were given a 2.5% increase in 2024. On top of this, in the “basic no-frills budget,” our Town Board has seen fit to reward itself with a hefty 7.5% pay increase. Gee, wouldn’t it be nice if everyone could vote themselves a pay increase?
The tax cap was passed to try to eliminate huge budget increases and to force towns and schools to be more fiscally responsible and to try to stem the flow of New Yorkers fleeing a high tax-and-spend state. This is a very bad, fiscally irresponsible budget that doesn’t just pierce the tax cap but shatters it. With this — and the ridiculous, widely opposed “agri tourism” proposal the town tried to force through — let’s remember come Election Day and get some fiscally responsible officials in there who will actually respond to the citizens of our town.
Scott Gillespie
CASTLETON, NY
Why we can’t abandon landfills without a plan
In response to Yvonne Taylor’s Aug. 30 op-ed from August 31 (“Closing Brookhaven is a chance to end landfills”), the fate of the Seneca Meadows landfill has sparked passionate debates among local residents, environmental advocates and town officials. With recent Town Board decisions delaying action on the landfill’s permit, we are once again reminded of the complexities surrounding waste management. While frustrations over odors and environmental concerns are valid, the conversation must not lose sight of a critical reality: Shutting down a landfill without a practical solution in place will create far more environmental hazards than it resolves.
Landfills are not merely a dumping ground for unwanted materials; they are integral to protecting human health and the environment. Modern landfills, like Seneca Meadows, are designed with systems that actively safeguard our communities. Liners prevent contaminants from seeping into the soil and groundwater, leachate collection systems treat any liquid waste and gas collection systems reduce harmful emissions. These technologies may not be perfect, but they represent the best solution we currently have for managing what cannot be recycled or composted.
In an ideal world, recycling and composting would account for all of our waste. Unfortunately, we don’t live in that world. After sorting recyclables and diverting organic waste, we are still left with significant amounts of material that must be safely managed. That’s why landfills exist; they provide an environmentally controlled space to handle what’s left, protecting us from the dangers of unmanaged waste.
It’s tempting to envision a world without landfills as a utopian paradise, free from pollution and environmental strain. But without them, our reality would be far more dystopian. Imagine piles of waste with no place to go, clogging our waterways, polluting our oceans and littering our landscapes. Harmful substances would leach into our soil, find their way into our food and drinking water, and wreak havoc on plants and animals. The environmental hazards would be unmanageable, leading to poorly managed waste that would pose a far greater threat to public health than any landfill ever could.
Shutting down Seneca Meadows or any landfill without addressing where the waste will go next does not eliminate the problem — it amplifies it. The Town of Seneca Falls must balance community concerns with the practical realities of waste management. We should be striving for a comprehensive approach that includes robust recycling and composting programs, but also recognizes the continued necessity of landfills in ensuring that our leftover waste is dealt with responsibly.
Rather than abandoning landfills outright, we need to invest in improving their design, minimizing their environmental impact and exploring innovative waste solutions. But until we reach the point where we can truly recycle or compost everything, landfills remain our best defense against a world drowning in its own waste.
Lewis Dubuque
NOTE TO READERS
Per our letters policy, next week’s paper, dated Oct. 17, 2024, is the last issue for which we will consider election-related submissions for publication until after the Nov. 5 election. This includes any matters concerning the upcoming local, state and national elections. Issues of local import that do not involve candidates currently up for election will be considered per usual.
