Out of the Shadows

In recent months, a completely anonymous group began a high-profile smear campaign targeting the East Hampton Town Board. In a series of ads in this and other local publications, and online, “Stop the East Hampton Town Board” — that’s all we know of their identity — targets the elected officials with a series of broadsides, accusing them of poor leadership and divisiveness. There’s deep irony, of course, in calling for more transparency while hiding behind a limited liability corporation name that is completely opaque.

When they get specific, there are some clear topics in play: The town’s dalliance with closing the East Hampton Airport appears to be their main concern. But there are other complaints about spending, litigation, emergency services and cellular service. Much of it is presented through the prism of impact on the local small-business community.

There are legitimate gripes in there, and these are all going to be key topics as East Hampton Town heads into the 2023 political season. But if “Stop the East Hampton Town Board” sincerely wants change, now is the time to get involved in a constructive way. Lobbing grenades from bunkers might be satisfying, but honest change requires a follow-through in the political arena. And that means coming out in the open.

One of the group’s biggest messages is a need for new leadership at East Hampton Town Hall. Well, in January, Peter Van Scoyoc, the town supervisor, announced his plans not to seek reelection to a fourth term in the town’s top post, ending a 23-year career in local government. Shortly afterward, Sylvia Overby, who spent all 12 years on the Town Board with Van Scoyoc and also has more than two decades of experience in town government, likewise said she won’t be on the ballot for reelection this year.

This anonymous group has its wish: A change in leadership is coming. But so far, only Kathee Burke-Gonzalez has stepped forward as a candidate for town supervisor, while Town Councilman David Lys has said he’ll seek reelection. It’s early, but the campaign has officially begun.

It’s a little surprising, the deafening silence. Here is a group of East Hampton citizens — at least that’s what the group wants everyone to think — with strong opinions and money to spend. This series of positions makes up a perfectly good political agenda. The moment has arrived. Now is the time to put up or shut up. Literally.

In politics, the easiest position is on the outside, criticizing. But the power to make changes comes from finding out the will of the electorate — not just your own pet peeves — and putting a coalition together that puts you in a seat where you can actually do some good. Once in that seat, a lot of folks discover it comes with expectations, and the black-and-white political issues start to take on a shade of gray. It ain’t as easy as it looks to sit on the dais.

“Stop the East Hampton Town Board” has entered the fray, and it should step out of the shadows and put together an actual case for governance. “Enough is enough,” the group has said — perfectly put. Let’s hear where you think the town needs to go next. No more anonymous ads: The time has come to make your case publicly, if you have one to make.