As a lifelong resident of the village, a many-time member of the 10-member nominating committee of the East, as well as a past officer and director of the Eastern Property Owners' Association, I wish to comment about the negative innuendoes concerning members of the 2003 nominating committee of the East, contained in trustee Joe Segerdahl's fliers campaigning for village trustee.

In addition, I comment on a recent letter to the editor in our local press stating that at the annual election of the 10-member committee last June, very few residents of the East attended and participated in the process. Many readers have told me they took this as an inference that a sparse turnout could produce electors who might have less than sufficient knowledge to select 10 qualified members from the roster of 20 selected candidates.

Further one of trustee Segerdahl's fliers discredited some members of the nominating committee who are also members of the chamber of commerce. There was specific reference to me because of my position as executive director. I quote from the flier: "The 10-member nominating committee of the East decided to nominate my opponent, who is an officer of the chamber of commerce. When you examine that committee, among its members were the present executive director of the chamber - a past president of the chamber and other present members of the chamber."

To presume that my or their vote would be cast for Mr. Eltringham just because he serves as a chamber officer is absolutely incorrect and ludicrous! To be sure, Mr. Eltringham is a friend of mine. But, putting the chamber and our friendship aside, we have worked together over the years on many community projects and activities. And also to be sure, my admiration for Roger Eltringham's numerous contributions to the community go far beyond friendship and business associations.

I and members of the 10-member nominating committee of the East are Garden City residents - first and foremost. Innuendoes suggesting otherwise are insulting and hurtful.

As to qualifications, it is a fact that six members of the 10-member nominating committee are either past presidents or officers of the EPOA. Nine have served or do serve as EPOA directors and one is a past mayor. Of the four members of the chamber, three had also served as officers of the EPOA and all four had previously served on the 10-member nominating committee. All committee members have passed through the ranks and have served or do serve our village well in various capacities. To have produced for circulation fliers casting aspersions upon the integrity of these fine residents is unconscionable.

As some may know, I have attended nearly every village board of trustees meeting for the past 30 years and feel pretty well informed about civic affairs and the workings of the village.

I sincerely believe in the nominating processes of our four property owners associations. It is these elected nominating committees that over the years, have sought to elect trustees of the village whose decisions and efforts would be dedicated to making Garden City the very best place in which to live and work - the mission also of the chamber of commerce.

By the way it should be noted that more than half the members of the chamber are also residents - most who either own businesses or work in Garden City with an obvious twofold interest.

It would be so great if we could restore civility and all work in harmony to accomplish our mutual mission and goals!

Althea Robinson