Letter: Transparency in Government?

To the editor,

For many, many years the Chatham Party rallied behind a battle cry of “transparency in government” and “open government for all.”

Interestingly, just three months into their term they attempted to decide who should be appointed to the Building Committee without benefit of our appointment process. They got caught on that one and recoiled. Last week, however, simulating an emergency situation (Really? Where?) they voted to name three alternates to the Board of Assessment Appeals (BAA are elected positions). Again with no regard for appointment process.

Similarly, the CP Four continue their vendetta against Jim Carey. Since their attempt to sue our own ZBA over Angelico’s parking lot was foiled in 2007, they have lain in wait for another opportunity. Apparently, Spellman’s Point was just the ticket. So they authorized a couple thousand dollars to investigate whether the rules were followed. (Much cheaper than the $60,000 they wasted trying to sue the ZBA – a bargain in fact!) 

Alas, their investigator determined the rules were followed – there could be some clarity in our regulations, but heads will not have to roll. In fact, he also determined that this was not a Council matter but rather, a land-use matter.  That is still not enough for Mr. Dostaler who would like this matter reported back to the Council via the Town Manager.

At what point are these four going stop micro-managing every aspect of this town, which they berated the last council for doing, and start to allow the Town Manager, Town Boards and Commissions to do their job?

Now we are faced with an opening on the Board of Finance. One can only wonder … how will this one be handled?

Respectfully,

Ted Hintz Jr.
East Hampton Town Council