I was terribly upset this past week when I read the Republicans' full-page ad for Reginald Spinello, "On the Waterfront." Before reading the ad, I had high hopes for the upcoming election season as our city is truly at a crossroads. We face soaring tax pressures, declining property values and a budget crisis that will not go away until Glen Cove significantly grows its tax base. Unfortunately, it seems that the Republicans would rather play politics than actually address the issues in an honest way.

When Mr. Spinello announced that he was to run for mayor a few weeks ago, he stated Glen Cove is at a critical time in our history. Deficits are growing at an alarming rate while taxes soar, and our homes continue to decline in value. You know what? He was right. Our city has been closed for business for almost two years, contributing dramatically to unprecedented tax increases with no end in sight.

Now Mr. Spinello states that if [he is] elected mayor, the waterfront development would not be built as proposed, in other words, delaying things yet another two years which will ensure continued double digit tax increases and declining home values? Mr Spinello, as a successful business man, you have a city facing an economic abyss and a shrinking tax base. A development such as what is proposed for the waterfront should be welcomed by residents and city government alike. Wouldn't the more responsible thing to say be, I will learn about this project and how it was approved? I think you must understand that before you are elected mayor. To say things that have no basis or merit in fact or put the city at risk for a lawsuit doesn't seem to be a desirable direction.

Mr. Spinello, are you suggesting that the City not honor its contractual obligations, putting the City and its taxpayers at greater jeopardy? A protracted and costly litigation that the city is not likely to win? Seems more like an exercise in futility from my vantage point. Certainly not a wise leadership decision in my book! This move would ensure the downward economic spiral the city is faced with. Is that worth scoring a few political points?

What this city needs is a mayor and a council that will honor our contractual obligations, not put us further in debt, and do the best we can to come up with a final plan that ensures economic stability and a finer quality of life for all.

The time has come to move things forward with leadership, not politics as usual.

I only wish Tom Suozzi were still here. We wouldn't be in this God awful mess.

Harry Hunt