Good Government Group
A new television show created for LTV, the local cable provider, by members of the nonpartisan East Hampton Group for Good Government had begun focusing on key issues through discussions and interviews with public officials, experts, and community leaders.
“GGG Insights,” on Channel 20, presents “in-depth question and answer sessions . . . connecting you with current issues,” according to its sponsor. It is broadcasting each week on Wednesdays at 9:30 p.m., Thursdays at 5:30 p.m., Fridays at 1 p.m., Saturdays at 7 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 p.m.
The Group for Good Government has over the last nine years presented forums on topics such as wastewater management, creating a town manager, and the community preservation fund. It has sponsored debates during town and school board elections; held meetings for its members with government officials, and conducted voter registration drives.
Now the group is hoping to gain a wider audience and foment discussion through its LTV show. The most recent two-part series of “GGG Insights” includes interviews with East Hampton Town Supervisor Larry Cantwell and his executive assistant, Alex Walter, centered on the structure of town government and how it should evolve, as well as on general challenges facing the town.
Prior episodes, which can be seen online on the Group for Good Government YouTube channel at ehgggvideo.com, or on the LTV website at ltveh.org., include a two-part program on services for senior citizens, with Diane Patrizio, the town’s director of human services, and Councilwoman Kathee Burke-Gonzalez, who is liaison to the Human Services Department, a four-part series on clean water, and another four-part series on the problems at East Hampton Airport.
The show “seeks to approach timely issues in a more in-depth manner,” Ira Bezoza, a group member who is one of the show’s creators, said in an email. The project “was a team effort,” he said in a press release.
Several members of the Group for Good Government’s executive committee took a producer’s course at LTV in anticipation of the show. Mike Tracey, Steven Schwartz, Arthur Malman and Mr. Bezoza then divided the show’s responsibilities. Mr. Malman became the moderator, Mr. Tracey the cameraman, Mr. Schwartz the director, and Mr. Bezoza the producer. Mr. Tracey’s son wrote the show’s theme song.
“We’ve had terrific guests. Some have been on LTV before and are real pros who make us look better than we are,” Mr. Bezoza said in the release. “For others, it is their first time, and they’re anxious until they relax and then enjoy the experience. On topics we think we know all about, it’s really surprising how much we ourselves learn from each guest.”
“Most people see our shows live, and we have more critiques than we expected — some humorous but most helpful — and we are incorporating their ideas into new shows,” he said. By “going Hollywood,” the group hopes to expand its reach and “give residents an opportunity to learn about important issues affecting them.” In turn, the group hopes residents will “start seeking solutions, evaluating candidates’ positions on important matters, and holding officials accountable for results.”
Future “GGG Insights” will include “The Y and the People It Serves,” addressing recent public debate about the mission and future of the Y.M.C.A. East Hampton RECenter, “Controlling Airport Noise Through Litigation and Negotiation,” “Interviews with Major 2017 Candidates in the Town Board and Supervisor Races,” and “Problems Facing the Schools,” among others. Topics have been suggested by viewers as well as G.G.G. members. The Group for Good Government also plans to sponsor a debate in the fall for East Hampton Town Board and supervisor candidates.