I wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone who voted for me in the recent Floral Park village election. Although things did not turn out as I had hoped, it was an amazing experience and I met so many wonderful residents. I look forward to working with everyone in the future.

It is important to take the time to address some of the issues that arose in the final days of the campaign regarding one local newspaper. First, I want to make it clear that I had nothing to do with the purchase of nearly 400 copies of The Gateway issued in the week before the election. I think this large purchase was a poor decision on the part of one or two individuals, and I would have told them that had they consulted me beforehand. However, I do not believe that that decision cost me the election. In a very close election, people will always look to place blame for the loss, but I don't believe it is attributable to any one particular thing in this case.

With respect to the larger issue of The Gateway's role in providing information to the public, it is unfortunate that the residents of Floral Park get their "news" from such an unfair newspaper. Many residents noticed this unfairness as I went door to door and they would ask me, "Alissa why isn't your picture in the paper?" The fact is that I submitted pictures and I submitted letters. The only letter written by me that was printed in the paper was one that I submitted before I became a candidate. Additionally, when two letters from my supporters actually made it into the paper they were buried on page 21. I had difficulty finding them, even though I knew they had been printed!

A newspaper should provide balanced coverage that allows the residents of Floral Park to make a rational decision based on facts, issues and substance, as the Dispatch did. The Gateway is nothing more than an extension of the Citizen's Party politics. I sincerely hope that in the next election there will be fair and balanced coverage of each one of the candidates and the issues raised in the campaign. Thank you again to all who supported me!