I was raised in a decidedly middle-class, suburban area in northern Westchester county. My parents' home would sell for approximately one-third of what an average home in Manhasset would sell for today. Yet, their taxes are about the same as the average homeowner in Manhasset. Today they are senior citizens and they have never voted down a school budget, always proclaiming to their four children, "It is our civic duty to support the schools. We will do the right thing for future generations." Any complaint they had with the budget (or for that matter anything else having to do with their children's education), they handled appropriately by becoming activists, going to meetings, etc. and doing whatever it took to effect meaningful change. A "protest vote of 'No'" for a school budget vote, was not considered a viable or meaningful option.

Having been a Manhasset resident for over 12 years now, I am repeatedly dismayed by the battles our community struggles through. The loss of the Village Bath Club and subsequent loss of valuable "Green Space," the failure of our community to upgrade our library as well as provide a community center for youth and seniors, the current discussion in the Press regarding creation of an active park in the Mary Jane Davies Green, are just a few examples of how we, as a community, fail to "get the big picture."

To those of you who think everything is about keeping your taxes low, I say remember just that. Manhasset homeowners can be assured they will get top dollar for their homes as well as pay some of the lowest taxes on all of Long Island! We are truly fortunate to have a "great commute" and a strong commercial base.

Quality of life issues are what is at stake now. For example, we could use creative fund-raising strategies and join together to raise money to build a Youth Center, a goal the community of Oyster Bay set out to accomplish and has just achieved. Or how about putting some pressure on our elected officials, like our park commissioner and make a park for our children actually happen?

I learned a long time ago that statistics can be interpreted a dozen different ways. I understood what the latest statistics regarding the Manhasset Public Schools reflected. I understand that a good school system is one reason why we chose to live here and why it is a major factor in our confidence that our home will sell for top dollar when and if we put it on the market. I understand that a large part of our good school system has to do with an incredibly effective organization called the SCA. A volunteer organization jam packed with loving and tireless moms working their hearts out to make our schools a better place. Oh, by the way, they raise money! When I place my "Yes" vote for the school budget on May 19, it will be because I have not lost sight of the "Big Picture."

My bottom line is and will continue to be, "You get out what you put into it." Whether it be money, time, blood, sweat or tears—let's all make a commitment to give something back"—something, anything more than a "No" vote.

As I feel pride and appreciation toward my parents for instilling in me a sense of civic duty as well as an acute awareness that it "Takes a Village," I am confident that my children will also feel pride in their mom and dad for having passed the lesson down to them.

Brenda R. Bailey