The issue of residency now in question by some residents seems, to me, to be a no-brainer. I have attended almost every pre-council and council meeting for the past two years. I know the level of work that is involved in the city and to limit appointed positions to city residents, I believe, is a mistake. How many people in Glen Cove use only local businesses? None of us, I dare say. We shop; we look for our best value. If we know of a service provider from outside the city, perhaps from our parents, friends or acquaintances, we will use them because of the level of trust and faith that others have told us of those providers. Why shouldn't the city be able to act in the same manner?

Under state law, as I understand it, all personnel appointments within a city or municipality are required to be residents of that city or municipality. However, those cities or municipalities have the authority to create local laws to supersede those state laws in order to better reflect their needs. In 1986 the City of New York imposed residency requirements of all employees. In 2006 the residency requirements were proposed to be eliminated and sent for legislation in a labor agreement between the City of New York and District Council 37 (NYC PR-248-06). As such the City of New York has even recognized the folly of residency requirements.

The few that have voiced their opposition (maybe a dozen or so out of 26,000) to changing the charter have given me the impression that it is a personal issue with the proposed deputy mayor instead of viewing it as a broader city issue. An assortment of employee positions is at stake here as well as their associated services. In order to efficiently run any organization, one needs to get the best personnel for the positions that need to be filled. Certain criteria are established and the search for the right individual begins. Any good business executive will have as his/her second in command be someone that he/she trusts implicitly. No business really cares where you live as long as you can do your job. The mayor has made a selection based on his criteria and trust.

Our charter needs to be changed for us to be in compliance with state law. The charter should also reflect the needs of the city and allow for the remedies such as hiring from within or outside the city. Changing the charter will allow for the continuing employment of multiple appointed persons that were sought out long and hard from both previous administrations and the current one. We elected the council and mayor in as our "trusted servants." I do not question their integrity and I believe they only have the best interests of our city in mind, not the interests of just the verbal few. Let's let them do their job.

Drew Lawrence

During last week's public comment section at the public hearing on the proposed charter change to address residency requirements regarding appointed positions, City Councilmen Michael Famiglietti and Sean Dwyer asked pertinent questions in an effort to clarify whether those speaking out saw the deputy mayor as different from the other appointed positions and, if so, how?

Many have previously cited the concern about the deputy mayor having to serve in a crisis situation in emphasizing the need for that person to reside in Glen Cove. While that is certainly a valid point, I think the normal day-to-day job as deputy mayor is even more important with regard to he/she being a resident.

Scenario: an interested person (entrepreneur, potential home buyer, professional, golf enthusiast, etc.,) phones to have a word with the mayor. "Sorry, the mayor's unavailable. Would you like to speak with the deputy mayor?" So this person's having their conversation with the DM and perhaps commenting on a prior visit or inquiring about the city and its features, opportunities, schools, etc.,or, the DM's telling them about the city's attributes. At some point I hear the following: "Your city sounds like a wonderful place, you must love it!(Here, take your choice) "How long have you lived there?/Do you live near the water/golf course?/What brought you to Glen Cove?"

Use your imagination for the response and reaction.

The DM position to my mind has a significant ambassadorial component, a somewhat ceremonial role where he/she presides at social functions/presentations/greetings and fills the role as the mayor's surrogate when he is engaged in other city business (which could be often as no one can deny that Ralph Suozzi is the hardest working mayor this city has ever had).

As such, the position of deputy mayor needs to be filled by a Glen Cove resident in order to maintain its and our city's credibility.

Lindsay Anderson