Letters

I’d like to respond to Andrea Klausner’s latest missive [“Not Productive,” Letters, February 6] defending the indefensible John Leonard.

My attacks on Democratic candidates are neither hyperbolic, hateful, libelous or unrelenting. The statements I have made about John Leonard are true and accurate.

I’ve voted Democratic locally for years, championing candidates and using any influence in my own circles to garner votes and support for men and women of integrity with a passion to serve our community. John Leonard possesses none of these character traits, and I will not blindly support bad apples.

I believe in accountability, transparency and honesty. You should too. As a matter of fact, the other eight candidates on your slate are fantastic, and I have not a negative word to say of any of those community members brave enough to run for office.

You go on to scold me for inciting uncivil discourse, and impugning his character through insinuation and smears. I’ve done neither. I have very civilly explained in detail, with evidence, that this man is a hothead with the inability to moderate his own temperament. I’ve met men like John Leonard throughout my life, and none of them have had the nerve to run for public office. They had the self-awareness to know, or a screening committee quickly realized, that their instability doesn’t belong anywhere in elected office.

I have no unbridled rage, my dear. I have a strong desire to see the best candidates in office. The local Democrats gave us Republicans Julie Lofstad and Craig Catalanotto. They gave us carpetbagger Robin Long, who fled Hampton Bays within weeks of losing her election. That’s dedication to community if ever I’ve seen it. They gave us convicted felon Brad Bender, who resigned from office in disgrace.

I am using my strong emotions to blame the problem. The problem is our local party sometimes gets it wrong, and the public has to know.

I’m reminded of the old adage: Give someone enough rope to hang themselves. In John Leonard’s recent letter [“Fueling Animosity,” Letters, February 6], he condemned the top of his own ticket for their position on the current lawsuit with the Shinnecock Nation. At a recently recorded Civic Association meeting in Hampton Bays, he stood up in front of Supervisor Maria Moore, blaming her for not doing enough to avoid litigation.

This is his running mate, the top of his ticket — and he’s just getting started. He’ll take our entire slate down with him. You’ll see.

Jose Reyes

Hampton Bays

Klausner’s letter did not appear in print last week but was published at 27east.com — Ed.