The Future Of

Our Village

To the Editor:

Each of us is currently serving on the Village Board of Trustees. Although we are not running for election in the upcoming March 15th Village Election, we urged you to come and vote and support the Community Agreements Candidates.

We have all lived in the village for many years, from 10 years to our whole lives. We, like you, are taxpayers and are concerned with taxes and costs. We all have children who have either been raised in the Village or are now watching our children grow up here.

We support the Community Agreement and the process put forth, for close to a hundred years, in the selection of people to serve on our various boards and commissions. Not just the Village Board of Trustees, but also the Recreation and Cultural Affairs Board, the Library Board, the Architectural Design and Review Board, and other committees made up entirely of your fellow residents.

We all bring different skill sets to our duties as Trustees. Some of us are real estate finance experts, Wall Street professionals or corporate lawyers. The current candidates put forth under the Community Agreement – the 4 POA groups – have truly invaluable experience which we believe will serve you well. Among other qualifications, they have experience or expertise in union contract negotiations in the private and public sector outside of the Village, or have negotiated private sector health and employee related plan benefits, or have run municipal recreation programs for other villages.

All of the candidates have spent years involved with learning about your Village and fighting for you – be it opposing the use of the rail lines in our Village for the hauling of refuse to the Covanta plant; fighting against the expansion of the LIRR Hub rail line down the middle of the Village; or questioning the wisdom of the Lighthouse plan for Nassau Coliseum and the adverse economic effect on the Village.

We urge you to support Donald Brudie for Mayor and Andrew Cavanaugh, Dennis Donnelly, Laurence Quinn and John DeMaro as Trustees in the upcoming election for the future of Garden City.

Robert Rothschild

John Watras

Nicholas Episcopia

Brian C. Daughney

A Time For Change

To the Editor:

My family and I have been residents of garden City for 11 years now. In that time, we have enjoyed all the things that Garden City has to offer. Like many of my fellow residents, I spend the majority of my time working in Manhattan. Due to my hectic schedule, I find it impossible to keep up with the day to day management of the village. I guess my belief of Garden City has always been that it is a great place to live and will always be that way. It wasn’t until recently though that those positive thoughts have been turned into concerns.

I do not claim to be a politically savvy individual, but from what I am seeing and hearing in our town, the majority of us are not either. For years there has been little discussion about the financial health of Garden City. But recently, a few of our fellow residents have become more active in finding out how the town is being run. These fellow residents have begun to dig deeper and have started asking some unpopular questions that most of us should have asked but didn’t. Their attempts at disseminating this information to the rest of us residents, has been met with some very “interesting” responses.

For what seems like an eternity, the governing bodies of this town have been running the town in a way that they have felt was, I hope, in the best interest of us residents. Until recently though, no residents have stepped up and questioned their decisions and plans. What I see now is a deluge of information that is getting out to the residents. This information is unfortunately riding a wave of controversy. Residents like myself who normally don’t follow along, have started to take notice as a result of this controversy. We have started to see that maybe we are not heading in the right direction. I find it disheartening that the current administration has taken the criticism of these residents as a personal attack. Let us remember for a moment, we are a community made up of many individuals who the administration must protect and should explore all avenues to do what is best for us. This is not about them. It is about all of us!

From what I am hearing our town has a long fight ahead of it. This financial fight will take a new way of thinking as we are being presented with challenges that are not like any we have seen before. I for one am open to any suggestion that can make my investment in this town continue to grow. It is refreshing to see that residents like Ron, Ray and Tom are getting involved and trying to bring to light our very real issues. They are clearly pointing out problems or potential problems that we are or will be facing. They have also made suggestions to help deal with these problems. Some of which that seem to offend certain other residents. By making us residents aware, they have created controversy. This controversy is mostly based on the fact that most of us have been oblivious to the probability of our way of life changing. Instead of commending these residents on raising awareness, some have seen it fit to attack them. From my prospective, if there is a potential problem, we need to be made aware of it and changes need to be made.

Rather than personally attacking our respected residents for their concern, we should applaud them. The supposed “controversy” they have created is nothing more than the fear of the truth. What may have worked in the past does not seem like it will work going forward.

Ray Rudolph, Ron Tadross, and Tom Trypuc have exposed this town’s financial weaknesses. In doing so, eyebrows have been raised, and defenses have been built. They have not only brought these concerns to the forefront, they have also proposed solutions to them. These solutions need to be considered not condemned as being too simplistic. We need real solutions, regardless of their complexity or lack there of. These residents have made us aware by sharing their findings. We need to step up and make sure that thier ideas are heard by everyone. Without their efforts, the current administrations acknowledgment of our financial issues would not have been made as readily accessible to all us residents. And for me and many others, taking time off from work to attend a town meeting is not an option. Pushing the concerns out to the residents via email and the web is a huge step in the right direction for keeping the rest of us in the loop. This will undoubtedly create a sense of transparency and accountability in our local government’s policies as well as a feeling of trust.

It has been said that the most contagious thing the mind can come in contact with is an idea. For ideas grow quickly and will continue to spread. The idea that we may be in trouble and that our current course may be one that leads us to disaster has begun to spread. Ray, Ron, and Tom have given us residents a portal into the workings of the village’s management. It has begun to raise concerns in all of us. I have one question that all of us must answer; when will we accept that a time for change is needed?

Eric I. Degis

Not A Choice

To the Editor:

The Garden City Residents Party would have you believe that for the first time in Garden City history they are offering you a “choice.” This is not true and they know it.

If you have lived here for a number of years, you know it too. If you are a newcomer to our Village, here are the true facts.

Under the Community Agreement, in January, Ron Tadross, Ray Rudolph and Tom Trypuc could have found 15 residents within their sections of the Village, to nominate them for election to the office of Village Trustee. Had they taken the opportunity to do this, there would have been primary elections between them and the candidates proposed by the elected nominating committees in the East, Estates and Central sections of the Village, respectively.

The Community Agreement is a Village-wide nominating system that has been part of our Village tradition for decades. Over the years, there have been many “run-off” or primary elections throughout the Village. The winners’ names are placed on the ballot for the Village General Election.

Some of the winners of primary elections have not been put forth by the respective nominating committees. Even so, we have always moved on in a spirit of cooperation and willingness to work together as a community. We have not been torn apart by partisan politics. When the “run-off” elections are over, they are over and we go on as a community.

So why didn’t Ron, Ray and Tom present petitions to challenge their local nominating committees? All it would have taken was petitions with 15 signatures to allow thousands of residents - whether or not they belong to their local Property Owner’s Association - the opportunity to freely vote in the primary election. Instead, Ron, Ray and Tom insist on the brand of politics that has permanently torn apart many of our neighboring communities.

Please vote for Donald Brudie, Laurence Quinn, John DeMaro, Dennis Donnelly and Andrew Cavanaugh on March 15. They are truly interested in public service not politics.

Rachel Mead

Vote On March 15th

To the Editor:

On March 15th the residents of Garden City have an important responsibility to vote in our village elections. I fully support the Community Agreement Candidates; Donald Brudie for Mayor, Andrew Cavanaugh, John DeMaro, Dennis Donnelly, and Laurence Quinn for Trustees. I urge all registered voters in Garden City to support them as well.

This endorsement is not just a rubber stamp of approval but one that I have considered thoughtfully for the following reasons.

First of all, these individuals were selected by the POA Nominating Committees for the sections in the village where they reside. They went through “the process” and a collective decision was made to present the nominees. The nominees were then “cross endorsed” by the Property Owners Associations at the annual meetings in January. This is the process that we have been using for years. It’s not perfect but it provides a mechanism for residents to participate in our village government on a completely volunteer basis and it is open to all. It is the job of the Nominating Committees to put forth the most qualified candidates and I believe they fulfilled that responsibility for this upcoming election.

The second reason is that I feel strongly that the candidates possess the experience and professionalism to tackle the difficult issues facing Garden City – many issues shared by communities across Long Island and throughout the country. All of these individuals bring to the table their practical knowledge and experience serving as members of the BOT and/or other civic boards AND as career professionals. Equally important, I believe they understand that “status quo” in terms of how we manage our village, is no longer acceptable. Garden City needs a proactive approach to planning and problem solving for an array of complicated issues. There has to be a constant focus on cost containment while providing appropriate levels of service that Garden City residents expect. Likewise, we have to maintain the infrastructure that keeps the village in tact which requires long and short term capital expenditures. Obviously, a major issue is the contract negotiations with public employees. There is no “quick-fix” solution and it requires a combination of leadership and representation to achieve a fair and balanced agreement for the employees and for the taxpayers. Given all of these factors, I believe the Community Agreement Candidates are best qualified to assume these demanding responsibilities.

In addition, as prior President of the Central Property Owners’ Association for the past three years and as a director on the CPOA for over 12 years, I have been a regular attendee at various village meetings for years. I have interacted with most of these gentlemen on numerous occasions and on a long list of issues. Some more than others and we don’t all agree all of the time, BUT I think I am qualified to share my opinion on their dedication and integrity as the basis of my support.

The final reason why I support the Community Agreement Candidates is that I have serious concerns about the opposing party. It is nothing personal – in fact I appreciate their willingness to serve. However, I am troubled by their misuse of sound bites of information that are not completely factual and are subject to misinterpretation. In addition, given the complexities of the issues, I do not believe the members of the Residents Party have the experience to best serve the Village of Garden City.

So… residents do your own homework on the candidates. Attend your POA meeting before the election and ask questions. Get involved in the process and make it better - most importantly, remember to vote! Finally, you should know that absentee ballots are available to registered residents who are physically or otherwise unable to vote on March 15th. Applications for absentee ballots are available at Village Hall.

Pat DiMattia

Unfair Attack

To the Editor:

Let me understand this: Garden City’s Aaa bond rating from Moody’s—the highest possible—clearly guts claims by the challengers to the Community Agreement Candidates that the Village is staring into a financial black hole.

So first they attack Moody’s, which doesn’t work. Next comes “Anonymous,” who charges that the rating change from Aa1 to Aaa (the highest) occurred last April, not in May, and further asserts that the Aaa rating is based principally on Garden City’s “wealthy tax base and stable and satisfactory financial position,” both of which sound like good things to me. “Anonymous” further asserts that a municipality’s debt position accounts for only 10 percent of its rating, as if this somehow taints the rating, while simultaneously admitting as “true” that the Village “has a low debt burden.”

Wealthy tax base plus stable finances plus low debt burden equal Aaa rating, the highest possible, from Moody’s. How is this a problem?

And why would any tax-paying resident, challenger or anonymous, want to discredit Garden City’s exemplary rating?

I will cast my vote on March 15 for those five trustworthy candidates with proven track records who are not damaging our Village with manipulated data in an attempt to get elected: Dennis Donnelly, John DeMaro, Andrew Cavanaugh, Laurence Quinn and Donald Brudie, the Community Agreement Candidates.

Christine Mullaney

Support Community Agreement Candidates

To the Editor:

My husband Jack and I are lifelong residents of the Village and we fully support the Garden City Community Agreement and the Community Agreement Party candidates: Donald Brudie as Mayor, along with Trustee candidates Andrew Cavanaugh, John DeMaro, Dennis Donnelly and Laurence Quinn. Nominated by their respective property owners’ associations these gentlemen possess a long list of qualifying credentials and in-depth knowledge of the issues at hand.

In my past and current positions with the local press when I covered Village trustees meetings in 1973-74, and representing the Garden City Chamber of Commerce for the past 34 years, I have attended all Village Board of Trustees meetings since Mayor Ray Regan’s term in 1973-75.

Having served as a Director and Treasurer of the EPOA and on the 10-member Nominating Committee for several years, I am quite knowledgeable about the workings of the property owners’ associations and the processes from which the mayor and Village trustees are selected and elected.

I am well acquainted with mayoral candidate, Donald Brudie and Trustees Cavanaugh, DeMaro, Donnelly and Quinn - all who have risen to trustee positions through the “ranks” of their POAs. Previous profiles and letters have revealed their indisputable qualifications; however, I am most knowledgeable about the qualifications of sitting Trustee Dennis Donnelly and I write on his behalf.

Before being elected to the position as Village Trustee through the nominating and election processes, forty-two year resident, Dennis had served as director and president of the EPOA as well as chairman of the Joint Conference Committee. As Village Trustee, Dennis, along with Trustee Nick Episcopia, continually offer well researched and factual accounts of the issues at hand at all EPOA general meetings.

While much has been written about Dennis’ on-the-spot knowledge of facts concerning Village issues and finances, even more has been written about his fairness and ability to listen and offer solutions to residents’ concerns at and beyond trustees meetings. As chairman of the Village Traffic Commission, I have witnessed Dennis fairness while confronting and dealing with its many developing and often tricky agenda items.

Furthermore, I have worked with Trustee Dennis Donnelly. throughout the many terms he has also served as a member of the Chamber Board of Directors, and as a member of the Executive Committee. In 2008, Dennis was the recipient of the Chamber’s “Community Achievement Award.

Appointed by Mayor Rothschild to the position of Trustee Liaison Officer to the Garden City business community for the past two years, Dennis attends all Chamber board meetings, presenting for the officers and directors up-dated reports on current Village issues. In this position, I know that Dennis remains in constant touch with many businesses within the central business districts, conferring regularly with John Wilton, chairman of the Chamber’s Merchant, Professional and Retailers Group.

I have the highest personal regard for Dennis Donnelly, his abilities and obviously sincere efforts to work with his fellow trustees toward the good of the entire Village of Garden City. In addition to the support of my husband Jack and myself, I also write on behalf of the Garden City Chamber of Commerce in expressing full support of our Community Agreement Candidates. As quoted in the Chamber’s forthcoming Business Bulletin Magazine, these candidates represent the central, east and estates sections of the Village bringing community level experience and professional expertise in finance, banking, real estate and law to the difficult task of governance.”

Althea Robinson

Vote For Community Agreement Candidates

To The Editor:

The manner in which we live in our Village is tribute to the foresight of the wise founders of our Gentlemen’s Agreement of 1919. I am skeptical of the force of what is called The Garden City Residents Party, at a time when we witness intense animosity at the Federal and State government levels that politics generates. At the local level I am grateful to live in a community where, without outside influences, neighbor to neighbor accountability and good faith previal. The Gentlemen’s Agreement is a sharp contrast to a governing body established around politics, political parties, and monetary support. It appears that the essential source of discontent of The Garden City Residents Party group is fiscal. These people seem set to dissolve our long standing and time honored effective system of local government. Perhaps the group should look toward the layers of Federal and State mandates and restriction that often create challenges to the decisions and fiscal expenditures of local communities such as ours. Therein should be the true source of their displeasure. For those who are new to our village, the coordination of outstanding services and fiscal responsibility always have been demanded by our residents. Though one may not agree with every decision the Board of Trustees makes, our trustees should be respected. Do be reminded that they are volunteers; whose interest is in the maintaining and enhancing of the community in which they live. Though our Village governing process is not perfect, its outcomes are highly regarded at a national level. There is good reason for such admiration.

Jacqueline Eltringham

We Don’t

Need Politics

To the Editor:

It is with considerable concern and sadness that I observe the latest developments in “village politics”.

As a more than 40 year resident and as a recently retired officer and long time director of the EPOA , I have had the honor to participate in as well as to observe our unique form of village government, “The Community Agreement” operate very successfully over many years. We have a fair and time tested process for selecting our most local of leaders, all of whom are volunteers from our mayor on down here in GC. Nominating committees elected by each of the four POA’s identify, thoroughly interview and then recommend candidates for village wide office based solely on their ability and more importantly on their effectiveness in having served, not merely on their stating a desire to do so if elected in the future.

One only needs to follow recent years events on the national and state political scene to realize that even our great nations coveted two party system, when those who govern put their own interests or special interests ahead of the interests of their constituents to realize that what we have right here in GC is truly special, truly unique and truly beneficial to all residents. Lets not succumb to the temptation of thinking that change, perhaps only for changes sake will be beneficial as we need only look to Washington over the past two years to dispel this understandable, albeit misguided notion.

Does our beautiful village really want, or even need a two party system, with all of the trappings that this could so easily entail. Do we really need to introduce concepts of the modern day electoral process into the way we select our most local grassroots leadership; negative campaigning, mudslinging, the influence of special interests due to a need to conduct significant fundraising or to have considerable personal resources and be willing to spend them in order to even run, then serve. Do we really need two disparate groups constantly sparring and jockeying to get the upper hand, to derail one another’s efforts, to gridlock the process itself if they don’t get their own way in every instance….I don’t think so!

Please think this through carefully as we’re at an important moment in village history, and when you do I believe you will arrive at the only logical conclusion, to continue supporting our longstanding “Community Agreement”, a process that has contributed so much to making our village the place that we love, proudly call our home and have chosen to raise our families in.

Harrison (Harry) Oellrich

Propaganda

Has No Place

To the Editor:

On March 15, the residents of the Village of Garden City will have an opportunity to vote for five village trustees. Over the past several weeks, there have been numerous letters, articles and other communications regarding this election.

March 15 may very well go down in Garden City’s history as a day to remember. The date does have some significance. I recall reading Shakespeare’s play “Julius Caesar” a number of years ago and there is one line which continues to resinate in my mind: “Beware the Ides of March.”

The soothsayers’ warning to Julius Caesar has forever imbued that date with a sense of foreboding. March 15 “Ides” we will have a choice. Do we support the Community Agreement candidates (Brudie, Cavanaugh, DeMaro, Donnelly and Quinn) or fall into the “Spin Trap” created by the Garden City Residents Organization and its candidates?

Let’s step into the “No Spin Zone” and pay attention to our village’s board of trustees, the Public Information Committee and the Citizens Budget Review & Advisory Committee(CBRAC). Each group has presented the FACTS to correct the misinformation regarding our village’s financial condition presented by the Garden City Residents candidates. Rather than correct their information, they continue to “spin.” This is simply propaganda and has no place in our village!

“Beware the Ides of March” On March 15, vote for the Community Agreement candidates: Andrew Cavanaugh, John DeMaro, Dennis Donnelly and Laurence Quinn for trustees and Donald Brudie for mayor.

Gregory Senken

(Editor’s Note: Gregory Senken is a member of the Estates POA Nominating Committee as well as a director.)

Vote For Community Agreement Candidates

To The Editor:

I was honored to serve the Village of Garden City as a Trustee. Under the Community Agreement, I “climbed the ladder” to attain that position. My involvement with the Village began as a member of the Nominating Committee of the Eastern Property Owners’ Association. Subsequently, I was elected a Director, then served in various officer positions and became the President of the EPOA. These years were invaluable in preparing me for a position on the Board of Trustees.

Our family moved to Garden City in 1960 and have been proud to be residents of such a “special place.” We know that the Community Agreement is unique in providing its residents with a non-political form of government. As has been said often, “the position seeks the man; the man does not seek the position.” Over the years, the Trustees have served the Village unselfishly giving of their time and expertise to better the lives of the residents. It is my hope that we will continue this tradition.

Please vote on March 15th for the Community Agreement Candidates!

Maureen Clancy

Newer Not Better

To the Editor:

Some people are crying for change, change, change… Change to what? Iran changed from a Monarchy to a Republic: are the people’s voices being heard? What happened to the promised freedoms, and economic equality, etc. The old cheese was replaced by the new cheese. Which one smells worse?…

Just because it is old it is not necessarily bad and conversely the new is not necessarily good. A good “Brie” has been aged painstakingly and carefully with special attention given to the environment such as cleanliness, right temperature, humidity, etc. When ready, it becomes a delectable gourmet accompaniment to a good wine, which also has received careful attention with the right choice of grapes, prepared and aged in the appropriate environment of the right temperature, humidity and free from dust and other alien harmful particles.

So far the change that some of our fellow residents are suggesting has started by pitching neighbor against neighbor. Competition in fund raising. Who pays for this? Is this their idea of saving taxpayer money? Slinging mud at any who disagrees with them, repeating accusations of “mismanagement” and “carelessness” on the part of our Village officials. Absolutely ignoring the responses to their accusations and the clarifications of their misrepresentations, such as the infamous: $19,000 a day loan!!! I am glad that we are a Village of highly educated and intelligent residents who are refusing to take this statement at face value and are questioning: “where did you get this figure from?”

Do we really need this change?

I fully support our well prepared, experienced, knowledgeable Community Agreement candidates and urge you residents of this beautiful Village to elect: Donald Brudie, Andrew Cavanaugh, John Demaro, Dennis Donnelly,  Laurence Quinn, on March 15th.

Mathilde Bellmer

“A Dose of Reality Needed”

To the Editor:

There are currently three individuals running against the Community Agreement Candidates who make fanciful claims, that if elected, they can reduce taxes, increase services, expand our infrastructure, force change in civil service workplace rules and reduce our public employee pension, overtime and health costs. These claims may sound wonderful, but a heavy dose of reality seems to be in order.

One only needs to read the major headlines these days to understand that no small village can, on its own, change the public employee compensation system and the adverse impact this system has on taxes and services.

All across the country, municipalities are struggling to balance their budgets against enormous odds. Many are seeking legislative reform at the state level to make the changes they feel are necessary to reduce deficits, and balance current and future budgets.

Our current Board of Trustees have often cited New York State laws and rules as a heavy burden on our Village and recognize that change must come directly from Albany.

Yet, here in Garden City we have three individuals running for Trustee positions, who are telling us that they can easily make the necessary changes to save us money. Theirs is the voice of the naïve and uninitiated. The current Board of Trustees, as well as the Community Agreement Candidates understand the realities of the playing field that Albany forces Garden City to work under. They realistically understand that, while keeping costs under control is important, the greater imperative is that our commercial tax base must be significantly increased. It is this commitment to growing our Village’s tax revenue base by attracting successful new businesses, which should be the defining issue of the current election.

The only group that has the experience and commitment to accomplish this goal is our current Board of Trustees and the Community Agreement Candidates. On March 15th, please cast your vote for DONALD BRUDIE for MAYOR; ANDREW CAVANAUGH for TRUSTEE; JOHN DeMARO for TRUSTEE; DENNIS DONNELLY for TRUSTEE; and, LAURENCE QUINN for TRUSTEE

William Slattery

Estates Property Director

Shoe Drive

To The Editor:

Flip flops, sneakers, high heels .... we Americans have many shoe, Some shoes may no longer be needed and are sitting in the back of the closet. Why not gather those forgotten shoes and donate them to people in need. Did you know that more than 300 million children and millions of adults around the worldwide do not have shoes? Their feet are susceptible to injury and infection.

Please join us as we collect shoes to support the non-profit charity, Soles4Souls. Soles4Soles was started in 2004 to send footwear to the victims of the tsunami in Southeast Asia. Since then shoes have been sent to the victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Thousands of pairs have been sent this past year to Haiti to help the people in the aftermath of the earthquake. To date, over 12 million shoes have been given away worldwide. And in this year of 2011, Soles4Soles has set the ambitious goal of collecting and distributing 11 million shoes in this one year alone.

We will be collecting used and new shoes of all typed and in all conditions. Children and adult shoes are all welcome. The shoes can be dropped off at collection boxed that are located at Kings Super Market on Franklin Avenue, Key Food Marketplace on 7th Street, and Stop and Shop in West Hempstead. Shoes can also be dropped off into the box located on the front porch of the residence at 8 Nassau Boulevard, Garden City. Shoes can be dropped off now until the end of April.

Greatly appreciated would be a donation of $1 a pair to help with shipping costs. (The dollar can be surreptitiously tucked into the toe area for easy transport!)

Your shoe donation also helps the planet as unwanted shoes will not end up in landfills but will find new homes on new feet. Think green!

Thank you for your support. If you have any questions or you need shoes picked up, please call 873-7133 and we will happily assist you. Thank you again for your donations By donating your shoes you can help the world - one pair at a time.

Catherine Dickinson

GCHS Class 2012

Franklin Dickinson

GCHS Class 2012

Patrick Niebler

GCHS Class 2012

Learn How

To Save Lives

To the Editor:

EMS treats nearly 300,000 victims of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest each year. Unfortunately, less than eight percent of people who suffer cardiac arrest outside the hospital survive to make it home from the hospital. We can change this if more people simply learned CPR. A victim’s chance of survival doubles or triples if someone in the vicinity knows and administers CPR.

Surprisingly, students don’t learn this lifesaving skill in school. CPR training in schools makes perfect sense if we want to prepare students for health emergencies. They can learn how to recognize cases of sudden cardiac arrest and save lives.

I was thrilled to learn that Senator Kemp Hannon is a sponsor of a bill that would change this. Since the American Heart Association’s 2010 revised CPR guidelines make it even easier for more people to perform CPR, it’s time for students to learn CPR before they graduate — a change that would put thousands of qualified lifesavers on our streets every year.

I hope the legislature gets this right and passes this bill this year!

Martha Stark

The Myth of

POA Control

To the Editor:

This year three residents have formed a separate political party and are challenging the Community Agreement Candidates. Two of these same people organized a write-in campaign last year and were soundly defeated. One of their main allegations is that Village Trustee positions are controlled by the POAs as part of an “old boys’ club.” This is simply not true -here’s why:

• Each section of the Village has it’s own Property Owners’ Association, and there are no prerequisite requirements for joining your local Property Owners’ Association. Membership is open to everyone.

• Each of the four sections of the Village has a nominating committees made up of resident electors - which simply means registered voters - who put forth the names of prospective candidates for election to the Village Board of Trustees.

• Anyone who wishes to challenge the persons selected by their local nominating committee may submit a challenge petition with only 15 signatures in order to trigger a “run-off” election within their own section of the Village. All residents residing within that specific section of the Village who are registered voters are eligible and encouraged to vote in the “run-off” election. The winner becomes the Community Agreement Candidate for the purpose of the General Election in March.

• What could be easier? In fact, over the last 12 years there have been numerous challenges. The POAs remain neutral in these “run-off” elections because under the Community Agreement, the Property Owners’ Associations pay the expenses of holding the election in order to provide all of the residents in their section the opportunity to vote - whether or not the voter is a dues paid member of the POA.

• The challengers incur no expense to run unless they want to spend money on a campaign.

Our system has served us well over the years, keeping partisan, money-driven politics out of our Village.

Please consider this when you vote on March 15 and pull the lever for the Community Agreement Candidates: Donald Brudie, Andrew Cavanaugh, John DeMaro, Dennis Donnelly and Laurence Quinn.

Rex Wood