Approximately 75 citizens and public officials attended a meeting convened by Southampton Town Supervisor Anna Throne-Holst and Congressman Tim Bishop (NY 1st CD) Friday morning on the steps of Southampton Town Hall. Speaking were Mr. Bishop, Unitarian Pastor Allison Cornish, Assemblyman Fred Thiele, local school officials and civil rights activist Dr. Bob Zellner. Mr. Zellner
was credited by the Supervisor with conceiving this event. His talk was cut short when a Fire District Commissioner succumbed to the 25F cold and passed out.
Members of all of Southampton's diverse communities were present although on the eve of the Martin Luther King holiday weekend no people of color were invited to speak.
The following sent by Southampton Town Supervisor Anna Throne-Holst describes the event:
"In light of the tragic event that took place in Arizona over the weekend and the discussion that has ensued regarding the current “tone” of public discourse throughout the country, communities nation-wide are responding with commitments to be more respectful and civil in expressing their opinions and in their treatment of others.
In support of this important movement to shine a light on our own actions and make a conscience effort to wield our treasured freedoms with more tolerance and grace, you are invited to participate in a “Coming Together for Civility” event Friday, January 14 at 9:00 a.m. on the steps of Southampton Town Hall.
The goal of the event is two fold:
(1) To express our sympathies together as one community regarding the tragic events that took place over the past weekend in Arizona and;
(2) To make a public commitment to civility within our own community regardless of personal beliefs or party affiliation.
A wide spectrum of community leaders will attend including elected officials, fire and police chiefs, EMS leaders, VFW leaders, local ministers, school representatives and more. The event will also be open to the public, so please share this invitation with your memberships, friends and neighbors.
......"
Sincerely,
Anna Throne-Holst
Supervisor
Town of Southampton
116 Hampton Rd
Southampton, NY 11968
Ph: (631) 283-6055
