As village elections draw near, we always publish our editorial policy in the Great Neck Record regarding election time letters to the editor. However, we still receive letters that we absolutely cannot publish, so, again this week, we are using this space to highlight our policy.

To make it more of an even playing field for candidates, we will not run columns from incumbents in the three issues prior to an election.

To be considered for publication, letters should be limited to 300 to 400 words tops. Letters longer than this most likely will not be used or may be shortened by the editor without contacting the writer.

In the last issue before an election, only letters expressing support for candidates will be accepted. Letters that would require a response from a candidate will not be used in the last issue before an election.

Generally speaking, letters from candidates will not be printed. However, there may be times when a letter from a candidate is warranted --- a judgment call on our part.

And --- very important --- we will never publish letters that we deem to contain slanderous or libelous statements or statements that we know to be untrue or contain false information. Here, too, we must make the judgment call as to what is acceptable to be printed in this newspaper.

In addition, we request that letter writers not include a long list of statistics or quotes. If you do include such information, you must present official, written documentation to back up your facts.

As usual, letters must be hand-signed and include an address and a daytime phone number for verification. To be accepted for publication, all letters to the editor must be typed or sent via email.

If your letter is not published, do re-read it and we are sure you will discover what has made it unacceptable. We simply cannot call every letter writer who chooses to ignore our guidelines. Please follow our guidelines and submit appropriate letters.

- Wendy Karpel Kreitzman