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By:  Progress for Westhampton Beach

It is a difficult day when you fail a test and the results make front page news in your hometown newspaper.  With empathy we say, “stand tall.”

Trevor Gonce did not pass the civil service examination for chief of police.  Trevor has served in our village department for nearly twenty years during this time the central concern has been being prepared for emergencies like: motor vehicle accidents; fire; and everyone’s most significant concern, severe weather events.  These have been the focus of his job, but are things not easily tested.  Hopefully, everyone can keep this in perspective, most especially Trevor.

Follow Progress For Westhampton Beach

By:  Progress for Westhampton Beach

Summer weather is here.  Today has been one of those days that puts the final thaw on the winter we shoveled away in February. Roger’s beach today was a testament that residents agreed and voted so with flip-flopped feet.

But there are other things going on too.  Conducting the business of our village is not what it once had been.  It requires much more hard work and sacrifice.

So, even on a day like today, you will find someone who is quite often the last in the lot — Mayor Moore.

With the experience of more than a quarter of a century practicing law in the State of New York, our mayor has undertaken her responsibilities wholeheartedly and is leading by example. The consistent courtesy she routinely extends to the most curmudgeonly (you know who you are) is not just politeness, but a recognition that each of us, in our own way, is interested in what is best for our village.

Now with the election over, and two new board members ready to serve, we should give Brian and Rob a nice welcome at the organizational meeting on Monday, July 6th.  They will need everyone’s support as they accept the responsibilities of village government.

Follow Progress For Westhampton Beach

By:  Progress for Westhampton Beach

but not always…

While most Supreme Court followers have been waiting for the other shoe to drop in the ongoing nat’l healthcare debacle, the Court on Thursday handed down a decision in a First Amendment case. Discussion of this case will undoubtedly be on the agenda for the new village board after Brian Tymann and Rob Rubio are sworn in on Monday, July 6th.

On June 18th the Supreme Court, with one majority opinion and three concurring opinions, held that a sign ordinance that restricted “temporary directional signs” was unconstitutional.   The Town of Gilbert, Arizona had run afoul of the 1st Amendment guarantee of freedom of speech.

With the Supreme Court being of four opinions in this 9-0 decision, our Village Attorneys will be busy.  (yes two village attorneys for the price of one will be coming in handy this year) Some of the affronting language in Gilbert’s Town Code can be found in our own village sign code, albeit without as much tedious verbiage.  Minor corrections to the village code may be in order.