For many years, I have been a member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary in Williston Park. My husband, who is a veteran, was invited to join, and we've enjoyed knowing the many men and women who served their country in its time of need. That's why I was hurt when Councilman O'Connor wrote to veterans in our town saying that I wanted to block a veterans discount at our parks. It hurts to have my patriotism called into question, especially when my husband served, and so many others did not.

So I was surprised to read "A Good Night's Work," a letter by Councilman O'Connor. He submitted a proposal to reduce fees at the golf course for veterans. This was an admirable idea, and one for which I had indicated my support. Nevertheless, the town is in the middle of a budget year and as a responsible legislator, I asked what the impact might be. He was unwilling to provide any, even the simplest fiscal impact statement.

I pledged my support on the record. Supervisor Newburger offered to table the resolution, pending financial information. Neither councilman wanted to wait even one meeting, even though they knew they would have support for the proposal. If the intention was to help veterans why not wait one meeting?

Because of faulty wording, his discount applied to hundreds of thousands of veterans, from New York City and neighboring boroughs, not just those in the Town of North Hempstead. If even ten percent of the non-residents wanted to avail themselves of the discount, it would have meant the loss of several hundred thousand dollars of revenue. Imagine non-residents playing on the course for less than town residents.

Furthermore, both councilmen stated that most veterans are senior citizens. Well, my husband is a veteran and he's not a senior citizen. After my research, I learned that about 50 percent of the veterans in this town are not senior citizens. Maybe my colleagues should get to know more of the men and women who served during the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm.

Last, Councilman O'Connor has publicly stated he wants to give more discounts. Will he prepare a fiscal statement? If he follows his first proposal, he won't. This time, we'll know if it is an honest mistake or if he is trying to create a hole in the town's budget. This would be a very convenient situation in an election year. I hope that isn't his intention, but the voters can draw their own intelligent conclusions.

The corrected version for only North Hempstead veterans was introduced by Supervisor Newburger on behalf of all town board members and was passed unanimously.

Doreen Banks

Town Councilwoman