The use of negative campaign tactics was apparent once again during our local assembly race between David Sidikman and Dave Zatlin. In a campaign piece put out by the Glen Cove Democratic committee, which was likely masterminded by Mayor Tom Suozzi, the Democrats took Mr. Zatlin to task for twice running for public office and for closing his business in downtown Glen Cove.

The post card mailed to Glen Cove residents criticized Mr. Zatlin for seeking office after running unsuccessfully twice and being rejected by the voters. I find this rationale amusing, yet disturbing, in light of the fact that our mayor on many occasions has told Glen Cove citizens of his high regard for his Uncle Vincent. In fact, he has cited his uncle, the former mayor of our city, as a true role model for public life and a personal idol. Many in our community believe Vincent Suozzi was an excellent mayor who served Glen Cove with grace and distinction. Yet, under the standards set by the aforementioned campaign piece, he would not have been worthy of the position of mayor, a position that he served in for over nine years, because he was rejected by the voters more times than the two Mr. Zatlin was criticized for.

The second criticism, one much more personal to Mr. Zatlin, referenced that he closed his store in downtown Glen Cove. It said that he had run a thriving business into the ground. As a friend of David's I was appalled that such an unfounded remark was being used to influence voters.

I believe this past election reinforces my belief that the negative campaigning must stop and debates focusing on real issues should be the norm, and not personal attacks on candidates. Regrettably, the Glen Cove Democratic committee could not do that in this past election, despite the fact that Mr. Zatlin's numerous campaign pieces remained focused on his beliefs and vision for the future. An important aspect of his platform dealt with his plans to help our downtown. We all know how terribly important this issue is and how our downtown has not flourished in some time, as is evidenced by the fact that there are more empty stores in downtown Glen Cove than ever before. Just look at the store that the mayor has used for a campaign headquarters for the last five years. It is in the center of our downtown and is in a string of nine or 10 stores in a row that are now vacant. I suggest we could have used a campaign piece that focused on Mr. Sidikman's possible solution to our downtown's problems rather than the unfounded speculation on why Mr. Zatlin closed the store downtown. The campaign pieces should have been on how Mr. Sidikman was going to help us fill those stores rather than attacking Mr. Zatlin for closing his store. On a final note, the time for mudslinging must stop and intelligent debate must be the norm. I will pledge to conduct myself that way in our discussions and debates. Can you, Mr. Mayor?

John L. Maccarone