Hamptons Resurgence

We have learned that Treewolf West has decided to run for Fred Thiele's seat with support from the Integrity Party.

Thiele is the New York State Assembly incumbent and has been criticized by mainstream Democrats as well as independents for exhibiting the kind of public pronouncements that have earned him the moniker "Flip-flop Fred."

Among the criticisms of Thiele have been his exaggeration of the efforts he made at saving the 106th Air Rescue Group stationed at Gabreski Airport in Westhampton, when party regulars credit Hank Beck for the hard work in getting that accomplished.

Of more concern to many is Thiele's apparent leanings in favor of the Death Penalty, which has become a newly divisive issue in Suffolk politics -- especially, in light of the number of mistakes uncovered by the Innocence Project. The Progressive wind blowing through Long Island is another reason for concern over this issue. The Marty Tankleff case supporters point out that there would be no issue at all to debate had there been a Death Penalty option available to the judge when this case was originally decided (by former Sheriff Tisch). The Braslow decision is still keeping political observers and the media on the edge of their seats. Contrary to the wish of many, this controversy and potential corruption case will only blow up if Tankleff is denied a new trial for the murder of his parents 17 years ago.

For some, Thiele's claim to have fostered numerous bills in the Assembly, seem to be followed up with -- well, nothing. While much legislation has been proposed, few of these initiatives have resulted in passage -- as compared to the lip-service it has afforded him.

There is the distinct sense that Fred Thiele has produced more smoke and mirrors than substance -- unless you call trying to kill the Shinnecocks right to self-determination, substance.

Treewolf is a union guy who is working the grass roots and is another of the local, honest, hard working New Politicians -- who is progressive and honest. Thiele has consistently opposed worker-friendly legislation. We have no comment on the honest and progressive part. He appears to be the worst combination of Hamptons elitist, who, along with the characters running Town Hall in Southampton, care absolutely nothing for the non-resident tax-paying property owners. While they plan to demand the right to vote in local elections, New Yorkers cannot even get a voice in local government. Many times we have stated that there needs to be a Hamptons Advocate appointment at Town Hall -- not some local Heaney favorite who knows nothing of our concerns.

We hope to catch up with Treewolf and give you more information on his campaign. As with other successful candidates, like Sheriff Vince DeMarco, the Integrity Party is less about politics than it is about rooting out corruption and taking a stand on issues.



Tim Laube, the Deputy Mayor of the Village of Westhampton Beach, is weighing his options carefully. Although he has been mulling over whether to run for Mayor (since Strebel is retiring due to his wife's illness), he has had to reconsider his choices since having been appointed as Clerk of the Legislature. It's been almost 30 years since the Democrats have gained control of this body and he has an exciting opportunity. It's quite a choice to have to make, but one which we hope he will soon decide to make -- to do both jobs. He promises that he will be making his decision in the next couple of weeks.

While we are on the subject, however, one of Laube's pet projects is to get sewers installed in the Village. Right now, behind many of the establishments along Main Street, including restaurants, the waste has to be pumped out on a regular basis to avoid dumping directly into the waters adjacent to the Village. When serious storms hit, the overflow and seepage is not a pretty picture -- one which could prove to be quite a Health crisis. Many stores are not legally operating but the Village has no choice but to look the other way for the sake of the local economy.