Contested Elections Are Healthy

The incumbent commissioner of the Manhasset Park District, Michael Adams, defeated challenger Harold "Whitey" Henrickson by the vote of 418 to 286. What was most interesting was the fact that 704 people came out to vote. In the past about 35 voters came out for the special district elections. The election caused residents to discuss the role and function of the Park District, what is expected of the commissioners and how they are judged. It is to be hoped that this interest will continue. The commission meets twice a month in the board room of the Manhasset-Lakeville Water District on East Shore Road. The dates and times of the meetings are published in the legal section of this newspaper for two weeks prior to the meetings.

With all the interest in reviving local "downtowns," with Operation Downtown of Nassau County and the efforts of the Manhasset Chamber of Commerce, there's an acknowledgment that there are things that we can do to improve and beautify our business district and consequently to help local merchants. The Park District is an integral part of these efforts. It is to be hoped that once attention has been drawn to its role, attention will continue to be paid, not only when there's a contested election but all the time. Special districts and their commissioners are keenly aware of their constituencies and they are usually quick to respond to their concerns once those concerns are made known. Let's keep them informed about what we hope and expect of them.

E.F.B.