Things are pretty hot on the East End. That is not a reference to cool parties and posh nightclubs. Rather, 2009 has been a dismal year for politicians in the Hamptons. Already embattled and losing support within the GOP, Southampton Town Supervisor Linda Kabot did herself no favors when she was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated on Sept. 7 in Westhampton Village. The mudslinging has been fierce and Kabot has tried to expedite the case, to no avail. She will run while facing the charges. Not a good position to be in. Even if she wins, the war will continue.
A few miles down Route 27 there is another disaster. In the Town of East Hampton, where some of the wealthiest people in America and Europe have summer homes, the coffers are cleared out. In June, former Town Budget Director Ted Hults was arrested and resigned in disgrace after it was discovered that monies earmarked for things like land preservation and acquisition were diverted to the general fund. But it did not stop there. On Oct. 5, Supervisor William McGintee resigned his post and charges related to the scandal may be forthcoming.
Now, voters have to choose between longtime veteran Democrat Benjamin Zwirn and Republican William Wilkinson. Spielberg and Stern are gonna have a hell of a time at the polls.
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Letters to the Press: For the Week of Oct. 21 – Oct. 27
