I congratulate you, Mayor Suozzi on your victory on election day. It is no secret that I supported Bob Benazzi. I did so because I truly believe in his vision for Glen Cove. However the voters who went to the polls on Nov. 6 told us that they were not ready for Bob Benazzi - and that is OK - because we live in a democracy where the majority speaks by casting votes.

And so today, Mayor Suozzi, you and your council members hold the future of Glen Cove in your hands. It is now up to you to right things with the city - to stabilize its finances and find a way to stop spiraling tax increases - to bring new revenues to the city and increase our tax base so that we do not have to continue borrowing to pay our bills - to move forward with all projects and end the moratorium.

You recognized Bob Benazzi as a force to be reckoned with. He brought pressing issues to the fore. In fact you said, and I quote, "Bob made me a better candidate by forcing me to get more information out to the people." I trust that this information will now be used to help the city grow. You told me that you understand the importance of developing the waterfront. In fact you promised me personally that you would work to that end. In turn I pledge to work with you to make Glen Cove a better place to live and make you a better mayor; to help combat illegal housing; to find a way to help our citizens who have been thrown out of their homes.

The team that Glen Cove First amassed is a highly intelligent, hard-working group. Most have been part of the city culture for years and really understand the city's needs. Like me, they have a vested interest in the City of Glen Cove. I hope you will call on them for their advice and assistance.

I am a proud member of that team and I, for one, am not going away. My business is in Glen Cove and we pay taxes in Glen Cove. You will continue to see me at council meetings. My goal is to help this administration turn Glen Cove around. I will continue to remain active until I see a return on my investment - a strong, revitalized city bolstered by a successful waterfront development - with a workable, balanced budget that does not rely on tax increases and deficit spending. I am at your service.

Jadwiga E. Brown