Week in Review: Candidates Named in Southampton; One Local School Budget Fails

The following is a round-up of headlines posted during the week of May 20.

1. Throne-Holst, Bender, Zappone Lead Dems' Slate

The Southampton Town Democratic Committee endorsed incumbent Town Supervisor Anna Throne-Holst for a third term during a nominating convention Thursday, making official the third consecutive match-up between Throne-Holst and political rival Linda Kabot.

2. NOAA: Active Hurricane Season in 2013

NOAA's forecast for the six-month hurricane season, which starts June 1, calls for a 70 percent likelihood for 13 to 20 tropical storms this season, 7 to 11 hurricanes and 3 to 6 of those hurricanes reaching "major" status. 

3. Outer Beaches To Open Memorial Day Weekend

Those looking to pack out their four-wheel drive vehicle and head to one of Suffolk County's outer beaches will be able to do just that this weekend, despite earlier predictions that the outer beaches would be closed this season. 

In January, the Suffolk County Parks Department said many of the 17 miles of outer beach were badly damaged by Hurricane Sandy and it was unlikely that all the beaches would open. 

4. Village Wants to Demolish George Guildi's House

As former Suffolk County Legislator George Guildi sits in jail, Westhampton Beach Village officials are discussing demolishing his Griffing Avenue home that went up in flames while he was in Vermont in 2008. 

On Wednesday night, village attorney Richard Haefeli said the structure, located at 9 Griffing Avenue, is unsafe and the village needs to take action to demolish it — the problem, Guildi is in jail and the bank has not yet foreclosed on the house, but has renewed a notice of pendency, which means there is a pending action.

5. Westhampton Beach Considers Opening Beaches to the General Public

On Wednesday night, the village said it is considering allowing non-residents to pay a fee to day-trip to its beaches in an effort to generate additional revenue for the village.

6. Shock Kosher Goods Now Under Supervision of Synagogue

Shock Ice Cream, which has always served kosher goods is now under the supervision of the Hamptons Synagogue. 

Elyse Richman, owner of Shock, and the synagogue recently came to an agreement in which the synagogue will be inspecting all of the goods at Shock, including bakery items, like cupcakes that can be purchased as a single snack or ordered for parties.

7. Republicans Pick Kabot for Supervisor Race

For the third time, the Southampton Town Republican Committee has named Linda Kabot its nominee for town supervisor.

8. East Quogue Officials 'Disappointed' With Failed Budget

After it failed to garner support for a cap-busting $23 million school budget Tuesday night, East Quogue School District officials spent the majority of Wednesday addressing questions from concerned parents and working on a new budget plan.

9. Photos: Hampton Bays Community Pride Day

On Saturday, the Hampton Bays community showed their community spirit, participating in numerous activities and a 5k race at the annual Hampton Bays Community Pride Day, held at the Hampton Bays Middle School.

10. Hampton Bays School Budget Passes

The Hampton Bays School District's $47,054,545 budget that carries with it a 2.62 percent spending increase and a $42,508,170 tax levy passed in a 934 to 418 vote.  

11. School District Budgets Pass in Quogue and Remsenburg/Speonk

Quogue School District voters passed its $7.8 million budget on Tuesday, by an 82-to-10 votes, ushering in a new budget that includes a 1.95 percent increase in spending and 1.49 percent tax levy.  

Taxpayers in the Remsenburg/Speonk School District approved their school district’s  $12,866,909 budget, which carries a 4.20 spending increase and 2.36 percent tax levy increase, in a 240 to 120 vote. 

12. 71 Percent of Taxpayers Approve Westhampton Beach Budget

The Westhampton Beach School District's $53.5 million budget, which carries with it a $1.7 million increase in spending and $27.3 million tax levy passed with 493 voters in support and 200 in opposition. 

13. Hampton Bays Mascot Gets A Name

The votes are in and Hampton Bays students have spoken - the 6-year-old Hampton Bays mascot will now by known as Rocky.