I am writing in response to recent letters to the editor by M. John Pittoni and C. Chiu. This letter is meant to address the process of the 10-member Nominating Committee of Garden City East.

As chairman of the 10-member Nominating Committee of Garden City East, I was concerned by letters from two of our fellow residents regarding the 10-member Nominating Committee and its process and feel compelled to respond accordingly.

The first letter was from Mr. Pittoni, who claimed to know the vote count of the 10-member Nominating Committee. As indicated in his letter, he was twice a president of the Eastern Property Owners' Association and had served on Nominating Committees in the past. Mr. Pittoni was not a member of this year's 10-member Nominating Committee. One of the primary rules governing the 10-member Nominating Committee is confidentiality. The writer, given his background, should have known better. The details of the vote count were not released. The committee reports to the residents with the name and background of their selection.

The second letter was from C. Chiu who was concerned about a financial conflict of interest on the part of the candidate selected by the 10-member Nominating Committee. I want to assure our fellow residents of the East that the 10-member Nominating Committee did discuss the referenced conflict of interest between AlliancePlus, the candidate's employer, and the Albanese Organization. We determined with certainty that any potential conflict of interest financial ties were severed several years ago and were not an impediment to his selection.

Above all, I believe in the process that we have utilized in the East for many years. We are fortunate to have so many qualified residents from our section interested in representing us on the village boards and commissions. The practice of choosing a candidate can be difficult. Our committee interviewed four exceptional candidates for the position of village trustee. Each one had a demonstrated background of distinguished service to the residents of the village. Each brought different professional skills and life experience that would add value to the village board.

I encourage all residents of the East to continue to be involved in the process of our village and school government. Come to village, school and POA meetings. Having informed residents is what makes the process work so well. With the ongoing active involvement of our residents we will continue to be well represented for the betterment of our community.

James T. Brady

Chairman, EPOA's

Nominating Committee