On Nov. 5, 2002, in every voting booth throughout Nassau County a referendum will ask all Nassau County residents to decide whether the residents of the Village of Atlantic Beach, after 40 years, will finally have their own zoning powers, as does every other village throughout the state.

Why a referendum? In 2001, the Nassau County Legislature, seeking to right this wrong, twice enacted legislation that would have effectively amended the county charter to pave the way for Atlantic Beach to obtain its own zoning authority. However, in both instances, the former county executive vetoed the measure.

Finally, in 2002, after the legislature had enacted the legislation for the third time, our new County Executive Tom Suozzi signed off on the bill. It now needs your support!

As unrealistic as it seems, the amendment of the county charter in this manner requires more than just the approval of the legislature and county executive, it also requires a majority vote in a county-wide referendum, and consequently, will appear on the ballot this Election Day, Nov. 5.

I ask all mayors and trustees of the 64 sister villages of Nassau County and every civic leader in the unincorporated areas of this great county of ours, to urge their residents to vote "yes" on this referendum. The village residents of Atlantic Beach deserve to control their own zoning issues and regulate the nature and character of their village for many, many residents.

It is irrefutable that village government answers directly to the residents of its community and is far more accountable for the character of the community that such zoning issues create or control. Zoning decisions made by those that are totally unaffected by them are often inconsistent with the will and interests of the people they most significantly impact. Consequently, the ability to control the character of a particular community, in this case the Village of Atlantic Beach, would be well placed in the control of local residents. Local control has always produced the finest results for our residents.

There is also the question of tax burden on all county residents. Local zoning boards are staffed by residents chosen from their respective communities who perform pro bono. Town zoning boards are staffed by well paid members, considered by most to be patronage jobs. Lessen their load, and you reduce the costs for every resident now paying the bill. That's what passage of this referendum will accomplish.

In conclusion, I once again urge every mayor, trustee and civic leader that can influence the electorate throughout Nassau County to do so, and recommend a "yes" vote on the referendum to give Atlantic Beach long overdue zoning authority.

Michael Peragine,

President, Nassau County

Village Officials Association