Week in Review: 25-Year-Old Dies; Referendums on Bridgehampton Ballot

These were the most read stories this week on East Hampton Patch:

1. Pascal 'Sax' Leader Dies at 25

After years of battling addictions, Pascal Leader — known to everyone as Sax— passed away in his New York City apartment on Saturday afternoon.

2. Tuskegee Airman Lee A. Hayes, of East Hampton, Dies at 91

Lee A. Hayes, a Tuskegee Airman and bomber pilot during World War II and an East Hampton resident most of his life, died at home on Wednesday. He was 91.

Hayes was among the group of African-American pilots who broke through the military’s color barrier during World War II. In 2012, theSuffolk County Historical Societyhonored Hayes during a photo exhibit celebrating the contributions of Hayes and the Tuskegee airmen. 

3. Big Decisions Loom in Bridgehampton Fire District Election

Voters in the Bridgehampton Fire District will be making some key decisions on Dec. 10, including who should sit on the board of commissioners and a referendum that would transfer the treasurer from an elected position to an appointed post.

According to the district’s newly hired attorney Brad Pinsky, the referendum would shift the treasurer position from a three-year, elected term to a one-year appointed term.

4. Final Election Figures Show Burke-Gonzalez Tops Council, Taylor Takes Trustee Seat

While the Suffolk County Board of Elections has not posted the final election figures due to contested results in Brookhaven Town and in the county court race, the East Hampton Town figures have been finalized with absentee ballots late last month, settling the trustee races. 

5. Friends Gather Thursday To Wish East Hampton Native a Happy Birthday

Mark Schmitt is recovering from atraumatic brain injury he suffered two and a half years ago, and, in honor of his 26th birthday, his twin brother wants to show that everyone back in East Hampton still cares about him. 

Matthew Schmitt organized a fundraiser at the Stephen Talkhouse in Amagansett this Thursday, just one day before they turn 26. Matthew is going to make a video for his brother of people saying, "Happy Birthday!"