Manger Sworn In as New Mayor of Southampton Village; Zinnanti Appointed to Trustee Seat

Bill Manger Jr. was officially sworn in as the new mayor of Southampton Village at a special ceremony held on the front steps of Southampton Village Hall at noon on July 3.

The Reverend Patrick Edwards of St. John’s Episcopal Church administered the oath of office to Manger, after an invocation given by Father Mike Vetrano of Basilica Parish of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary started off the event.

Trustees Robin Brown and Roy Stevenson also were sworn in for their second terms. The Honorable Andrea Phoenix administered the oath of office to Brown, while Edwards administered the oath of office to Stevenson.

Manger addressed the crowd that had gathered for the ceremony, expressing gratitude and “a deep sense of responsibility” in taking over as mayor.

“The trust you’ve bestowed upon me is both humbling and encouraging,” he said. “I am honored to serve you and the village as we embark on a path forward for a place we care deeply about.”

Manger vowed that his administration would move forward with a “balanced approach,” one he said would “respect our cherished traditions while embracing progress.”

He said his administration would prioritize continued efforts to improve water quality in the village, implement the update to the village’s comprehensive master plan, create more workforce housing, and, most importantly, he said, ensure the safety and security of village residents.

Manger said finding a site for a wastewater treatment plant will be a top priority for his administration.

“It will not only help us to improve the water quality of Lake Agawam but will also allow for revitalization for areas of the business district such as Windmill Lane and Nugent [Street],” he said. “Together, we can strike a balance between conservation and progress, forging a community that thrives harmoniously with nature.”

When it comes to promoting safety and security in the village, Manger said he was happy to announce the appointment of Suzanne Hurteau as permanent police chief, and added that his administration would support all the entities in the village tasked with keeping people safe, from the newly formed Southampton Village Ocean Rescue Squad, to the ambulance, fire and police departments.

“Let us embark on this journey together,” he said in his final remarks. “A journey marked by civility, respect and deep love for our village. I’m grateful for your trust and I am committed to listening, collaborating and working tirelessly on your behalf.

“Together, we will preserve our traditions, improve our environment, foster a healthy business environment, and provide safety and security that will make the village a haven for us all.”

At the organizational meeting that followed the swearing-in ceremony, Manger appointed Leonard Zinnanti to fill his vacant seat on the Board of Trustees. Zinnanti will serve in the role for the one year remaining in the term.

Zinnanti first came to Southampton Village in 1977, when his father bought a home on Burnett Street. Zinnanti eventually became a full-time resident and still resides in that home.

Zinnanti spent nearly 30 years working in the Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget in New York City, and he currently works for Suffolk County on operational budget and management issues. For Southampton Village, he has served as the chairman of the Budget and Finance Committee, and has also served on the Sewer Task Force.

Manger also pointed out that Zinnanti was deeply involved in implementing the village’s “See, Click, Fix” app.

“It is a privilege for me to serve in this capacity,” Zinnanti said after taking his seat next to Deputy Mayor Gina Arresta. “And I will work my butt off for this village.”

At the meeting, Manger made several mayoral appointments. Trustee Gina Arresta will remain in her role as deputy mayor, while Village Administrator and Treasurer Charlene Kagel-Betts will retain those titles as well.

The law firm of Bee Ready, Fishbein Hatter & Donovan, LLP will remain in the role of village attorney. Manger named Mark Greenwald as the chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals, named Mark London as the chair of the Planning Board, and named Mark McIntire as the chair of the Board of Architectural Review and Historic Preservation.

He also assigned trustees as liaisons for various committees and departments. Manger named John Gregory and Susan Stevenson to the architectural review board, with terms expiring on June 30, 2026, and, on the Planning Board, named Amanda Grove-Holmen to fill Anthony Piazza’s vacancy, and Orson Cummings to fill Lisa Cowell’s vacancy. Grove-Holmen’s term will expire on June 30, 2024, and Cummings’s term will expire on June 20, 2025.

Luke Ferran will serve on the ZBA, with a term expiring on June 30, 2028, and Thomas Kempner also will serve on the ZBA, with a term expiring on June 30, 2025, to fill the vacancy left by Susan Stevenson.

The board also accepted a letter of resignation from Patrick Derenze, assistant to the mayor, effective July 3.