'If It Ain't Broke . . .'

A handful of Montauk residents have objected strenuously to the East Hampton Town Trustees' push to manage shellfish beds, wetlands, and beaches in the easternmost hamlet. Unlike the rest of East Hampton, Montauk never was owned by the Trustees, although the panel acted as its governing body until about 150 years ago.

The rest of Montauk, as well as other town residents, will get the chance to speak their piece on the issue next Thursday night. Back-to-back hearings at 7:30 in the Montauk Firehouse will air versions of a law that would either designate the Trustees as stewards of Lake Montauk or succinctly state they have no jurisdiction.

The first proposal has the support of the Republican majority on the Town Board, the Town Republican Committee leadership, some baymen, and a majority of the Trustees. They all seem to believe the Trustees are best qualified for the job and that it would be more efficient to have one group manage all the shellfish beds in town.

However, the idea has raised some questions its supporters have so far sidestepped - "Why?" being only the most obvious. The Town Natural Resources Department and Shellfish Hatchery personnel seem to do a fine job of advising the Town Board on Lake Montauk's resources. In addition, the move is perceived by the opposition as part of the Trustees' ongoing grab for power. They note that there have not been any insurmountable disagreements between the Town Board and Trustees over townwide shellfish policy.

As a community, Montauk has long insisted on its distinction from the rest of East Hampton and on going its own way. For that reason alone, it may turn out that what is right for Three Mile Harbor may not be best for Lake Montauk.

Before the Town Board reaches a decision, all five of its members should listen carefully to what Montaukers have to say and take their concerns into account. If it turns out the residents of Montauk feel the same as the handful who spoke out in March, the Town Board should respect their wishes.