Floral Park Mayor Phil Guarneri and the Republicans have told us ad nauseum for more than a year that they oppose the third track, but they actually love it! Just listen to them; it is all that they can talk about. Just watch them; it is their favorite staged photo opportunity. In fact, without the third track the Republicans would have nothing to talk about, especially Maureen O'Connell. Interestingly, they have been riding that third track for a year and a half, and it is not even built yet. The funny thing is, it might not ever get built, at least not in the manner they have scared us into believing. Recently we have learned from Newsday and the Village of Floral Park website that the LIRR will not take any properties in Floral Park, yet former Mayor Hayden sent everyone a letter last week (paid for by Maureen O'Connell's campaign) still claiming that the third track project "threatens to take our homes." Who is telling the truth?

There are many good reasons to oppose the third track, don't get me wrong, but the Republicans who have been in control of state, regional and many local governments for the previous 12 years (or longer) did not just first learn of the third track one and a half years ago. Their use of this "issue" has been one of pure political expediency. Pandering for votes. Scaring you into needing them. That is a page out of the Bush administration's playbook. The people of Floral Park and New York's 7th Senatorial District deserve much better than that. That is why I am voting for Craig Johnson, an honest and committed public servant who opposes the third track, but does not exploit the issue for political gain.

Brett Klopp