I am a supporter of the ferry. In fact, at last Saturday's Garvies Point rally in support of the ferry, I was one of the key organizers.

We live in a small community and because of that, I believe, we generally try to get along with one another in a mannerly and mature fashion.

When I arrived at the rally site, I saw one of the leaders of the opposition to the ferry waiting for her group. As a fellow resident of the area and longtime acquaintance I walked over to her to say hello and shake her hand. This certainly was no surprise or a meeting of total strangers. She refused to shake my hand because I was on the opposite side. How childish I thought, or maybe it was just bad manners.

The morning continued and in general the rally on both sides of the fence was non-confrontational and civilized. Both sides were interviewed by Channel 12 and gave their points of view. When Channel 12 interviewed the people in favor of the ferry, the opposition was overly loud and tried to drown out those speaking. It is a shame that they couldn't give us the same courtesy we gave them during their TV interview.

Afterward, while talking to a Newsday photographer, I was rudely interrupted by her as she guided the photographer away from me. I never had a chance to finish what I was discussing with her.

I guess I have come to expect more from a respected person like her. She has been a candidate for mayor and councilperson in the City of Glen Cove. I won't give up my good manners and I hope I have reminded her of her good manners.

And, by the way, the ferry is an important step in the start of getting rid of the toxic waste and unsightliness that the Village of Sea Cliff overlooks. They should thank the City of Glen Cove and support the city in its efforts to revitalize the waterfront.

Stuart Held,

Citizens in Support of the Ferry