For over 42 years, I have had the pleasure of living in the Village of New Hyde Park and it wasn't until this recent issue that has every civic group and resident up in arms, (the accessory apartment ordinance), that I realized how truly blessed I really am. In the Village, the elected officials are unique because they actually do listen to the residents and their issues and then act upon them in the best interest of the entire community, not their interests. Our Village Building Department is probably one of the BEST in Nassau County- you know the Town of North Hempstead can't say that about theirs. Our Mayor and Board of Trustees make the decisions that reflect upon our lifestyles and quality of life and always have the best interest of the residents on the table - can't say that about the Town of North Hempstead. Before our Mayor changes any laws or amendments, every resident in the Village is completely apprised of it and either approves of it or they reject it - can't say that about the Town of North Hempstead. The reason why politicians like Supervisor Kaiman and his board attempt to push changes and ordinances like the one above through in the middle of the summer with approximately 7 residents in attendance, is because they truly believe they can. They didn't stop for one minute to consider their constituents or the negative effect their actions would have on the over all community - why would they? So the solution is simple - Attend the meeting that is scheduled on the 16th at NHP Memorial HS at 6:30 p.m. and make your voice heard and then after that be sure that you don't vote for these elected officials in the future and in doing so, your voice will be heard loud and clear. Actions speak louder than words, and when you don't pull the lever for their re-election, you will most definitely get their attention - loud and clear!

Thanks to Marianna Wolhgemuth, Jim McHugh and the other dedicated leaders who recognized the urgency to jump on this topic and shame on Mr. Kaiman and the entire board for now back peddling because they realized the error they made with this decision and are now attempting to right their wrongs. Maybe they all should have exercised more thought about the residents first before they attempted to put the screws to the very people who trusted them and voted for them. Fool me once - shame on you. Fool me twice - shame on me!

Ellen La Regina, Resident of the Great Village of NHP (and very thankful I am)