07/31/2026
What Happened to the Roads?
To the Editor: Rivereast News Bulletin
For months, taxpayers have spoken loudly and clearly. At public meetings, in letters, on social media, and through two failed budget referendums, one message has been consistent: fix our roads.
So what happened?
Instead of making road reconstruction a priority, the Board of Finance and Town Council majority chose to protect other spending. Even after voters rejected the budget twice, they still refused to listen.
Our roads continue to deteriorate. Potholes grow, pavement crumbles, drainage problems worsen, and every year the cost of repairs increases.
Delaying maintenance doesn’t save money, it guarantees taxpayers will pay more later.
Safe, reliable roads are not a luxury. They are one of the most basic responsibilities of local government. They affect emergency response times, school buses, local businesses, property.values, and every resident who drives our streets.
Many of us supported a long-term road reconstruction plan because it addressed the problem instead of continuing the costly cycle of temporary patches. Investing now is far less expensive than waiting until roads require complete reconstruction.
Taxpayers have spoken. Twice they rejected budgets that failed to reflect their priorities. Yet the Board of Finance and Town Council majority continue to ignore that message.
The question remains: Why won’t they listen?
If our elected officials refuse to make safe, passable roads a priority, taxpayers should remember that when the next election arrives.
Until our elected officials start listening to the taxpayers instead of each other, let’s continue voting ‘no.’ It’s the only message that seems to
get their attention.
East Hampton deserves better. We deserve roads that are safe, reliable, and reflect the priorities of the people who pay the bills.
Kenneth Lee – East Hampton
