Letters

If 2024 was the “Year of Taylor Swift,” marked by her record-breaking tours and global fandom, Southampton Village played its own version of “All Too Well” — a tale of poor decisions, runaway spending and lawlessness. While Swift’s lyrics inspired empowerment, village leadership left taxpayers singing the blues.

Take the $2.1 million spending increase, a sum that sets the stage for a “blank space” in our budget’s future stability. Despite bloated costs, Mayor Bill Manger found over $10,000 to decorate his office, while key infrastructure and environmental needs went unaddressed. And let’s not forget the $50,000 raise to an insider, proving that, in this administration, “You Belong With Me” doesn’t apply to responsible government.

Anthony Carter’s resignation after triple-dipping $335,000 in compensation was a “Shake It Off” moment for the administration, but not in a good way. His exit, combined with rampant turnover in key positions, underscored the dysfunction that has become the hallmark of this government.

Meanwhile, Southampton’s environmental stewardship took a dive with the toxic discharge from Lake Agawam into the ocean, labeled by experts as a “clear and present danger.” This was no “Love Story” — just negligence that jeopardizes public health and safety.

Adding to the chaos was the complete failure to roll out Pond Lane Park, a long-touted project that The Southampton Press aptly described as “dying on the vine.” Instead of engaging the community, the project languished, leaving residents to wonder if “All You Had To Do Was Stay” applies to Pond Lane.

Perhaps the most shocking low point of 2024 was the Civil Service Association’s protest outside Village Hall, after cost-cutting measures included removing coffee, plates and utensils. The hardworking men and women who keep this village running deserve better than this insulting treatment. While Taylor Swift treated her tour crew to $55 million in bonuses, Bill Manger and his lackeys seem stuck in a “Cruel Summer,” showing their disdain for those who truly keep the village afloat.

And then there’s Trustee Robin Brown’s glaring ethics violations, compounded by her unprofessional public criticism of the independent board. Just like Swifties say, “Karma is real.”

Swift’s “Era’s Tour” was an unparalleled success. Contrast that with Southampton Village’s refusal to eliminate lifetime benefits for part-time officials and giving the themselves nonconforming and noncompetitive raises. This administration’s handling of FOIL requests? A dismal failure that belongs in the “vault.”

Even as Taylor rewrote her past, Southampton Village seemed to double down on its worst hits, replaying mistakes and ignoring calls for accountability. But much like Swift’s fans, this community refuses to be ignored. Residents continue to demand better: better transparency, better fiscal management and better leadership.

David Rung

Southampton Village