We Mark Our Ballot: East Hampton Town

East Hampton Town

East Hampton Town residents will weigh in this week on who should lead the town through momentous change and continued challenges. The supervisor’s seat is up at the same time as two council seats. This comes as the town continues to debate and wrestle with critical issues including the future of its airport, sea level rise and climate change, the challenges faced by residents and business owners facing the high cost of living and a housing crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the need to continue to push forward on environmental initiatives if we are to preserve the way of life, even minimally, that has defined East Hampton for generations.

When it comes to the town supervisor seat, only a contrarian for contrarian’s sake would oppose the reelection of Peter Van Scoyoc. Along with most members of the Town Board, Van Scoyoc led the community through the pandemic and was often found on the front lines — at testing and vaccine sites late into the early morning hours. He proved a present leader and, with the Town Board, kept the ball rolling, having jump-started several progressive and important initiatives, despite the pandemic. There are times where his eagerness to advance the ball should come with more transparency, but the results are hard to argue with.

Van Scoyoc’s challengers — incumbent board member Jeffrey Bragman and Republican candidate Ken Walles — have shown nothing during the campaign to demonstrate the kind of leadership skills the town needs at the helm.

Similar to Van Scoyoc, anyone who has spent even a small amount of time in and around East Hampton Town Hall over the last several years knows that Kathee Burke-Gonzalez, the only incumbent seeking reelection to the Town Council, is one of the hardest-working and most dedicated members of that body. Her focus on social services will serve the board well over the next few years — mental health issues are at the top of the list of initiatives Burke-Gonzalez wants to focus on if reelected.

Burke-Gonzalez also represents an important demographic in Springs: a working family with young adult children. She knows all too well the reality facing families in East Hampton. She deserves another term, and the town would be well-served with her reelection.

Cate Rogers and John Whelan are both worthy candidates for the Town Council. Rogers has been a refreshing leader for the town’s Democratic Committee, and her work studying climate change cannot be discounted, particularly now. Whelan, meanwhile, brings the knowledge that comes with leading a body like the Zoning Board of Appeals, where the rubber hits the road when it comes to town policy.

Both are intelligent and well-suited for the work ahead, but our vote will go to John Whelan. Differing views are important on any government body, and the East Hampton Town Council is no different. Whelan appears willing to stand his ground, but also is someone who listens to reason and fact. That’s a healthy mix.