Letter: No Town Meetings on Sundays

To the editor,

As elected officials of the town, we have made a commitment to the town that requires us to devote a great deal of time to our duties for no compensation. We understand that there are going to be times that we need to give up time with our families and friends, leave work early, or at times even take time off to fulfill our commitment to the town and its citizens. We do however deserve a time of rest. 

This past Sunday morning, Ms. Weintraub held a special town council meeting to interview candidates for the High School Building Committee. Sunday morning is an uncommon meeting time and as a courtesy she should have contacted all council members in advance to discuss this scheduled time, one more example of the lack of communication from the chair. 

Many members of our community have commitments on Sunday morning. St. Patrick Church has two masses Sunday morning, the East Hampton Congregational Church meets at 10 a.m., Bethlehem Lutheran Church meets at 10:15 a.m., Christ Episcopal Church meets at 10 a.m., Hope Church meets at 9:30 a.m. and the list goes on. So why does Ms. Weintraub feel the need to have members of the council and candidates to boards choose between their faith and families and the Town? I choose faith and family! This is just one more example of how her battle cry of “transparency in Government” and “open government for all” is an absolute farce.

I do apologize to the candidates for not being able to be there to be part of the interview process, and hope you understand. 

I am asking for residents who agree with me to reach out to the majority on the TC to let them know, though apparently legal, it is inappropriate for them to continue to hold town meetings on Sunday mornings. 

Ted Hintz Jr.
East Hampton Town Council

Note: Letters to the Editor may be emailed to michael.bartolotta@patch.com.