November Musings: Keeping it local

Town Manager Jeffery O’Keefe offers holiday cheer and optimism for America’s – and East Hampton’s – future.

First and foremost I would like to wish each of you a safe and warm holiday season!

The elections are over and transitions are in the works. Being the optimist I am; I believe the economy is indeed going to get better at some point in the future. I can’t help but think that the recent “bailouts” as well as the future “bailouts” that are in the works will start to trickle down and get our economy back on track.

Of course we could take the pessimistic “doomsday” view if we like and insist that all things come to a screeching halt, but I don’t believe this is the way we should think or even act.

The best way for us to be involved in moving our economy forward is to do just that….when I see construction crews working on Main Street or Route 66, or a new bridge going up (albeit slowly), or new sidewalks or sewers going in, I am proud to think that we ourselves (East Hampton) is helping to keep this economy moving forward.

The Town is to be commended for being fiscally prudent throughout the years. And it will continue to be prudent! This fiscal responsibility has put the Town in a good position to continue moving things forward without creating any additional or undo tax burdens to our local citizenry. Even the proposed $51 million facilities implementation plan would be accomplished within these fiscally constrained times. It would contribute immensely toward helping put our economy back on track and putting people back to work. Additionally, it would give the Village Center the much needed boost and shot in the arm to begin the full revitalization of the Village Center. I am more excited about this aspect of the plan than anything else.

As we close out this year I must say I am still very excited to be a part of this Town. Yes, there are contraries, opposing views, and a day doesn’t pass where I don’t hear about or learn something new about how this small, inviting New England Town works. I can honestly say that the majority of people I come across everyday care a great deal about this Town and want to make it better. These are the people I look to for encouragement, assistance and help.

In the short time I have been here a lot has been accomplished by many. The Streetscape Steering committee is starting to see some tangible results from their work, the Lake Commission is being revitalized and much debate is going on about how we can make improvements in the upcoming year, roads are being repaved, A master improvement plan for Sears Park is in the works in anticipation of its 100th anniversary, the water infrastructure problems are being addressed and I am extremely pleased to report that the Village Water System is completed and the consent order should soon be lifted.

Lastly, our Parks and Recreation department has some exciting trips planned for the winter and I encourage you to take advantage of some of these wonderful opportunities. A trip to enjoy the Holiday lights and festivities of New York City is programmed for December 6th. A ski trip to Okemo Mountain is programmed for February 17th; several other programs are available as well. You can check them out on the Town’s website or call 860-267-6020 for further information. And finally I encourage all of you to participate in the wonderful holiday activities planned for the weekend of December 5th, 6th and 7th in the Village Center area. More information on these activities can be found in the recently released Bell Ringer Holiday Edition.

For more information see:http://easthampton.htnp.com/columns/dear_east_hampton/1839.html