I have been a frequent critic of the Village Trustees for their failure: 1) to pass a Code of Ethics with teeth; 2) to crack down on illegal apartments and homebound business; and 3) their failure to cause the rewrite of procurement procedures required by General Municipal Law.
Nevertheless, at the meeting on Dec. 4, they held a business-like public hearing on the modification of Zoning Local Law 4-1997; permitted all who wished to be heard to speak; repelled delaying tactics and voted with only two negative votes to put Garden City on the track to revitalization. More needs to be done. However, the basis for rebirth has been put in place.
The contrast between the Village Board and the School Board is startling. The School Board: 1) has agendas; 2) it feels compelled to answer every criticism; 3) on occasion it even becomes irate when confronted by citizens who are making telling points and, worst of all, it never splits its vote because it believes this to be a sign of weakness. When five individuals continuously have the same opinion on everything, we must assume that they can't reason, they are uninformed, or they have agendas which may be contrary to the common good.
The concept of "everything for the children" obviously has limitations. The NYS Bond Issue for schools was voted down by a large margin, mostly because the assembly majority leader has no credibility.
If the School Board, which now has no credibility, continues down the path it was going, it will not avoid an alleged crisis, it will cause a real one.
I have never seen citizens so irate. The message was sent.
Heed it!
Joseph A. Calmari
How about a red, white, and blue beauty called the American flag?
I was saddened and disappointed to see so few displayed in our Village this past Veterans Day and also on the remembrance of Pearl Harbor. Showing our colors helps to remind us of the sacrifices that were made to preserve our freedom for future generations.
Our Village is noted for its lovely homes, fine schools, community programs, friendly neighbors, and great shopping; let's also be noticed for the patriotism we feel in our hearts for this great land that we live in.
So, if you happen to have Old Glory tucked away in your closet and just forgot to display it, mark your calendar to remind yourself of the next day of remembrance. However, if you don't have that red, white, and blue beauty it sure would make a meaningful Christmas gift to yourself or a loved one.
Merry Christmas from our house to yours.
Joan Pamas
