There is a better way


To the Editor:

Two years ago, FABGC emerged in the Village. They began with some laudable ideas – such as engaging more residents in village elections and encouraging voting. But now that we have had time to see this play out, we need to question what is really “better”. We now have a dysfunctional Board of Trustees, with factions working against each other and some barely speaking to one another. We have some Trustees who won’t engage residents who aren’t in their political party, refusing to attend any POA resident meetings, even after repeated invitations. Money is being spent for pet projects and we have a Traffic Commission with zero resident representation.  Rules are being made up as we go along to suit a political agenda. These are only a few examples of where this has all taken us.

We continue to respect the Community Agreement by having the Mayor’s position rotate to a Trustee from the East.  Over the last year the process to select candidates has transformed, reducing barriers to entry and eliminating nominating committees to allow easier access to the ballot and letting residents decide on Election Day.  We will be joined by Cosmo Veneziale as CAP Candidate for Trustee after his participation through the WPOA process.

We believe there is a better way for our Village to function. We all know the coming years will present challenges that will truly impact the future of our community. Whether it is the Hub development, Zoning determinations or development of the Cathedral property, we need a group of calm, collaborative and thoughtful residents running our Village. We cannot go through the coming years with dysfunction, factions and political agendas driving decisions. That is why we are running as part of Community Agreement slate. We will meet with (and listen to) every resident group at any time; we will ensure that infighting stops and collaboration returns; we will not allow a political “win at all costs” mentality to rule the Village. There is too much at stake.

We believe there is a better way – the Garden City way.

Judy Courtney, Community Agreement Candidate for Mayor
Michele Harrington,Community Agreement Candidate for Trustee

3 responses to “There is a better way”

  1. While traditions are important, the threats of a large Sands Casino, Governor Hochul’s existential threat to the suburbs and potential large-scale development in our backyard at the Cathdral, are threats that impact EVERY SECTION and square in Garden City. Rotating the Mayor is a quaint tradition, but more importantly, this is the time for tested and experienced leadership. Let us hope that all residents will prioritize good governance and vote for the person they believe will be the most effective Mayor.

  2. “The hilarious irony of attacking the BOT for dysfunction while adding the source of that dysfunction to your slate”.

  3. Richard Corrao says:

    As usual, really heavy on accusation, really really light on detail.

    So many threats to the Village from the State and from out-of-town developers. Not the time to shift gears to candidates who feel it’s “their turn” or re-elect in Mr. Veneziale someone who’s already lost the trust of his fellow trustees.

    We need unity, strong proven leadership, and a team that’s ALREADY working to protect Garden City from outside threats. Vote FABGC March 21.

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