Sale Of WPPB To New York PBS Stations Is Completed; Local Programming To Continue - 27 East

Sale Of WPPB To New York PBS Stations Is Completed; Local Programming To Continue

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Dr. Wally Smith

Dr. Wally Smith

The WPPB studios in Southampton. DANA SHAW

The WPPB studios in Southampton. DANA SHAW

Station manager Wally Smith at the 88.3FM studios in Southampton Village in 2010.  PRESS FILE

Station manager Wally Smith at the 88.3FM studios in Southampton Village in 2010. PRESS FILE

authorStaff Writer on Jan 31, 2020
The familiar voices heard on Southampton-based public radio station WPPB are expected to continue to be broadcast to listeners on the East End, according to the operators of television stations... more

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Embodies Values

I have never written a Letter to the Editor before, but I felt called to respond to Frances Genovese’s negative statement about John Leonard [“Saddle Up,” Letters, January 30]. I want to point out that she opens her letter with: “I do not know John Leonard.” I am writing this because I do know John. And, as a resident of this community, I want to elect a Town Council member who embodies the values and spirit of the place we call home. I can say with confidence that John Leonard is that person. While John’s professional background as a successful ... 3 Feb 2025 by Staff Writer

Flood of Memories

A number of years ago, I attended a grandparents’ event at Our Lady of the Hamptons School in Southampton. I had my back to an empty seat at the table, but when a break came I shifted in my seat, only to realize that the empty seat was now occupied. I apologized and we began chatting. Quickly, our conversation zoomed in on Brooklyn, particularly the neighborhoods of Park Slope and Brooklyn Heights. We were both familiar with them, although I think he was more of a Brooklyn Heights man and I had spent a number of years in Park Slope ... by Staff Writer

That Kind of Person

The older I get, the more I think about young people, and hope that the leaders we elect in Southampton Town enter office mindful of their concerns. John Leonard is that kind of leader. When John put forth his name to be considered for election to the Southampton Town Board, I thought of a Southampton Press article that covered the Hampton Bays Alliance (John is a co-founder) and its endeavor to educate the public about revitalization plans in Hampton Bays [“Developer Pitches Vision for Downtown Hampton Bays,” August 22, 2024]. I was struck by the comments made by Stefani Joslin. ... by Staff Writer

Loyal and Dedicated

John Leonard is an admirable man with many qualities that would benefit the Town of Southampton. He is loyal, dedicated and hardworking to his goals, both for the town and as an attorney. I personally have seen John take these characteristics into his role with the East End Regional Intervention Court. As part of the EERIC, John advocates for defendants who are brought into the program with either illicit substance- or alcohol-related problems. He is the voice for those participating in the program to help get them on the path of sobriety and a better life. EERIC consists of four ... by Staff Writer

The Right Choice

How lucky are the residents of Southampton Township that John Leonard has thrown his hat in the ring to run for Town Board. I met John when he came before the Southampton Town Democratic Committee’s screening committee, of which I am a member, along with many wonderful candidates seeking to be the endorsed Democrat to run in the March 18 special election. This special election is necessitated because Councilman Tommy John Schiavoni was elected to the New York State Assembly last fall. We wish him well and know he will do an outstanding job representing us in Albany, just as ... by Staff Writer

A Workaround

For months, local papers have been peppered with the reversal in fortunes of the highly regarded shellfish hatchery at Conscience Point, with the organization’s eviction being prompted by a formality that the hatchery has received a minor sum of money from a sub-lease of launching facilities to another local shellfish enterprise. The entire budget of the hatchery is $44,000 per year, and those of us who are familiar with nonprofits find it difficult to believe that this problem does not have a workaround, which would allow the hatchery to continue growing and distributing millions of free clam and oyster seeds ... by Staff Writer

Too Many Questions

Please realize that the winner of the March election for a vacant Town Council position has an excellent chance of being in office for about a decade. The focus on John Leonard’s qualifications for this election highlights a much bigger issue that has only been touched on: His choice reveals the awful manner in which he was chosen by the Democratic Party. It seems the party treats voters as lemmings, and it seems to imagine itself as Tammany Hall East. Its successes may have bred arrogance and something worse. For example, the attacks of George Lynch, communication chair (of all ... by Staff Writer

A Tax Gift

Southampton Village Mayor Bill Manger wants to give his wealthy donors a massive tax break — at your expense. His latest scheme? A proposed change to Chapter 99 of the village code, which would provide a tax exemption for “historic properties.” That may sound harmless, but let’s break down what it actually does. If passed, this law would allow wealthy homeowners, primarily those in the estate section, on Lake Agawam and on streets like Meadow Lane, to avoid paying their fair share of property taxes when they renovate their homes. Normally, when someone invests in their home, the village increases ... by Staff Writer

Fueling Animosity

I was dismayed to learn that the Town of Southampton advanced its lawsuit against the Shinnecock Nation’s tribal leaders last week by seeking a preliminary injunction stopping construction of a gas plaza on the Westwoods property. To me, the filing of the motion was ill-advised, serving only to fuel animosity and distrust between the nation and the town. Procedurally, the lawsuit was at a standstill before this latest filing. The nation owed an answer to the town’s complaint, but the due date of its answer easily could have been extended by agreement to give the parties time to discuss the ... by Staff Writer

Scholarships Avaialbe for Students Pursuing Health Care Education

The East Hampton Healthcare Foundation has expanded its student scholarship program and will now award two scholarships in 2025. The health care education scholarships will award $2,500 per year of study to two graduating high school seniors in the Town of East Hampton who will be pursuing a health care education at a two-year technical school or four-year college. Special consideration will be given to applicants in the BOCES nursing program who are intending to work in health care in East Hampton Town after graduation. Interested applicants should visit their school guidance counselor for more information and an application. by Staff Writer