Your reporter, Ann Healey, usually attends the regular meetings of the Plandome Village Board of Trustees. For some unfortunate reason, Ann failed to attend the March meeting, during which a terrible schism that had been developing over time came to dramatic conclusion, with the resignation of Trustee Donoghue. Since only a handful of village regulars were present, accurate reporting to the public is necessary to avoid rumor mongering, and false conclusions. This event signals a warning, as would a canary in a coal mine, and it should not be dismissed lightly. I strongly urge the Manhasset Press to direct some journalistic attention to this matter.

The small portion of Plandome Road within our village has been the topic of much discussion. The need to improve it is clear, and we have tried our best to do so, within our limited budget. Minimal funds have been made available by municipalities outside our village, although most of the complaints and road use come from nonresidents.

Our highway commissioner has worked diligently, developing several versions of improvement work for consideration. A public hearing last year presented three options for discussion, and concluded with the understanding that further study would be done, after which the best proposal would be presented. One very costly option was presented a while later, at a 'regular trustees meeting,' with limited public attendance. A vote for trustee approval was requested at the time, but it is my recollection that the vote was tabled due to insufficient village input.

Once again, on March 9, one single plan came out of closed working sessions, and was presented to the trustees and anyone else who happened to be there to hear it. This time the plan was half the cost! Public notice could only be interpreted as the handout at the door: agenda item III. Old Business, B. "re: Plandome Road improvement project." To the apparent complete surprise of two trustees, and a few residents in attendance, a vote of trustees was called, to enable immediate commitment to that one plan. A question was raised about the obligation to present final plans to the public, as promised during the original public hearing. Our mayor took a very strong, and as yet unexplained, position that such a public hearing would not be considered.

Residents and dissenting trustees, argued for exposure of this important and costly project to the public, even if only to explain why the other options were excluded. The atmosphere became sharp and confrontational, and the mayor did not move from his position - denying a public hearing. He simply referred to the chance of a referendum at the time funding would be needed - but he added that if the project was under a certain figure, even that public process would not be necessary.

I know of no subterfuge, dishonesty or deliberate deception going on "in dark smoke filled rooms," so to speak. What chills me, is to be stonewalled by my own mayor, who is a friend, neighbor, and pro-bono contributor of his time and effort to this village. It is essential to realize that all residents, including those attending these meetings, are also friends, neighbors and generous of their personal time, for the good of the village. Mutual respect and cooperation is essential.

Trustee Donoghue said he could no longer participate in a board of trustees that met in closed sessions and would not support open and fair deliberations. His reaction indicated that the issues and dissension witnessed recently might be just the 'tip of the iceberg' - only that which appears before the public. Donoghue tendered his resignation, which was promptly accepted by the mayor.

Our village elections took place only one week later, presenting an unchallenged ballot drawn up much earlier. As a result of his resignation as trustee, and his continuing concern for the village, Donoghue became a write-in candidate for mayor. As might be expected, Mayor Vincent won re-election, considering that the official ballot was unchallenged. It is significant to note that Donoghue received 121 write-in votes (40 percent), versus 178 official ballot votes for the sitting mayor (59 percent).

It is clear to me that Mayor Vincent has been firmly spoken to by a large and sincerely committed segment of his constituency. It is very painful, and takes a lot of motivation, for individuals in this sleepy little village to suddenly get out and vote to upset a sitting mayor with many successful terms behind him. A clear message has been delivered: We do not accept being subjected to our governance without being participants in it.

Plandome Village residents do not need, or want dissension. The only sensible outcome is for business to resume, and with an increased respect for public participation and disclosure.

T. Anthony Coron