timwferguson

An Old, Internal WSJ Divide Has Gone National

My former Wall Street Journal colleague Paul Gigot (he’s now the commentary boss there) was aptly and well honored by the American Enterprise Institute earlier this month and delivered remarks (see below) about how many on the political right aren’t up to the challenge of defending the U.S., and world freedom. This mirrored personal exchangesContinue reading “An Old, Internal WSJ Divide Has Gone National”

Was Hamptons Democrats’ Sweep a Clean One?

Election of Maria Moore as supervisor of Southampton town on Long Island was said by her backers to be a “green” triumph, but the Democrat got a big financial boost from a golf course mogul who masked his support.

Long Island’s East Is Far from Red

Despite Ed Romaine’s victory in Suffolk County, New York, Democrats achieved significant wins in Long Island’s elections. They dominated in East Hampton, presumably clinched a victory in Southampton, and tied in Southold. These gains, especially in Southampton, reflect a shift from its historic GOP stronghold status, highlighting the increasing strength of the Democrats, amidst changing demographics and policy preferences.

Colorado v. Airbnb: A New Front

Political figures are increasing regulations and taxes on less popular business sectors, such as cable-TV franchises and short-term housing rentals that have disrupted the hospitality industry, like Airbnb and Vrbo. New York has restricted availability and a Colorado governor proposed quadrupling property tax on frequent renters, causing significant controversy.

One Hamptonite’s Solar Is Another’s Battery Fire

Clean-energy proponents endorse electrification plans reliant on battery-storage, despite controversies in residential communities over potential fire risks and ensuing repair costs. Protests in Hampton Bays halted a planned lithium-battery site. This underscores that achieving “net zero” carbon-energy targets is neither cheap nor straightforward.

Ambitious Riverhead Is Back to Square One

Riverhead, a town on New York’s Long Island where development is possible amidst many restrictions, faces challenges to grow meaningfully and redefine its identity. A proposal for a technology park in Calverton, called Epcal, met with strong community disapproval, leading officials to abandon the plan. The town now needs an alternative that aligns with affluent tastes and the local aversion to change.

Come 2024, the Kitchen Table Issues Reemerge

When wide attention refocuses on the economy, the political importance of GDP, inflation, income stress and grievous inequality will return to the fore. It won’t be any clearer which way all the data are cutting. There’s no question that “Bidenomics” made many people better off, at least until price increases worked through the system. TheContinue reading “Come 2024, the Kitchen Table Issues Reemerge”

NY Breakup Plan: Shades of ‘Peconic’

In states dominated by one party, especially when that dominance emanates from a giant metropolitan area, you get periodic efforts to break up the state so as to allow the dissident regions to have their own way. Often this is about ideology, although it can also reflect urban vs. rural concerns. California sees this. AndContinue reading “NY Breakup Plan: Shades of ‘Peconic’”

‘Moonbeam’ as an American Master

My adult life coincided with Jerry Brown’s political career, so I was interested in the PBS American Masters documentary that aired last night. Some reactions: 1) A politician is an unusual inclusion in Masters, as opposed to the American Experience show. I wonder what explains this.* 2) This documentary, at 90 minutes, has less dragContinue reading “‘Moonbeam’ as an American Master”

16 Lucky Homeowners Coming to East Hampton

The trickle of new “affordable” or workforce housing on the South Fork of Long Island continues–16 units (with a name!) being built in East Hampton, as this article from the local Star explains. This project predates the imposition of a new transfer tax on million-dollar–meaning nearly all–home purchases. That levy will raise maybe $50 millionContinue reading “16 Lucky Homeowners Coming to East Hampton”