Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Chatham Party about?
The Chatham Party is permanent, established minor political party in the town of East Hampton. We are here to stay. More than anything else, the Chatham Party is about good government. We believe that we should be able to hold our elected leaders accountable to make informed, thoughtful decisions that are in the best interests of the community as a whole. Good government is about giving citizens a voice and an opportunity to participate in the process.

There is a saying that “All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.” The Chatham Party was ridiculed when it first came into being. We were violently opposed in the 2007 election. Today, many of the concepts and initiatives introduced by the Chatham Party have been embraced by the community. Put simply, the Chatham Party is about objectivity and truth.

Aren’t you just anti-development?
Over the years, development has been allowed to happen in East Hampton that has hurt our community. Our regulations are not what they should be and the ones we have are not being enforced. The Chatham Party believes we can and should do better. We support sustainable, economic development that has positive benefits for our community, adds to our tax base, provides needed services and creates jobs for residents. We want development done right.

How do you become a member?
Here is how membership works in the Chatham Party. It is open to all registered voters in East Hampton regardless of party affiliation. People registered as Democrats, Republicans, Green Party, Libertarian, Chatham Party or Unaffiliated are all welcome. The current membership of the Chatham Party is truly a reflection of our community with all political views represented. We are not like the major Republican and Democrat parties. We only exist in East Hampton – we are not in other towns or at the State or Federal levels. Because of this, you don’t need to be “registered” as Chatham Party to be a member.

All that is required is for you to support the purpose of the Chatham Party and complete and submit a membership application form. Would you like me to send one to you?

What is the Chatham Party purpose?
The Chatham Party, established and recognized as a minor political party in accordance with rules and regulations set forth by the Connecticut Secretary of State, is an independent voice for residents and voters in East Hampton. Its purpose is to encourage and support the best and highest standards for ethical, intelligent, fair and sustainable local government by:

embracing a moderate and independent view that rejects the ideological constructs of the two party system at the local level;
encouraging citizen involvement and active participation in local government;
supporting full and open communication of government affairs and actions;
keeping current on local issues that impact residents and citizens;
educating voters on issues pertaining to the functioning of local government;
identifying, recruiting and endorsing qualified candidates for local elected and appointed offices;
planning and conducting positive, issues-focused campaigns on behalf of candidates;
encouraging voter participation;
soliciting financial and in-kind contributions for the purposes of building the party, advocating for issues and funding election campaigns.

What does membership mean?
Being a member allows you to be involved in the community and have a voice in our town government. The Republican and Democrat parties in East Hampton are private clubs and you have little hope of being invited into their ranks. The Chatham Party is different. Everyone is welcome and membership is open to all who support our shared purpose to encourage and support the best and highest standards for ethical, intelligent, fair and sustainable local government.

To be a member in good standing, you would need to attend and participate in meetings of the Chatham Party. There are eight regular meetings held throughout the year and special meetings are called as needed. Meetings generally are held on Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 9pm.

Our major obligation is not to mistake slogans for solutions.
- Edward R. Murrow (1908-1965)

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