The League of Women Voters candidates night for the two candidates for the Manhasset Board of Education (reported on page one) was sparsely attended and that's a shame. Just about every one of the few people in attendance was someone who has already demonstrated concerns about our schools--whether other school board members, SCA officials, MAAC members. That's the bad news.

The good news is that the questions were varied, intelligent, perceptive. The two candidates answered them directly and clearly demonstrated a grasp of the sort of issues that the Manhasset Board of Education will be dealing with in the coming years.

Our heart warmed with local pride when the LWV moderator complimented that audience on the "wonderful questions" and the candidates on their courteous behavior. Mr. Maimone's message is that it's "time for a change," but there was nothing churlish in his sincere appreciation of the time Mr. D'Antonio has given to the schools over the past six years. Mr. D'Antonio is still keeping an eye on the bottom line, but he showed himself keenly aware of the fact that certain monies must be spent to keep a school district up to its potential.

There are a number of important issues that our board of education will face in the next few years and a new superintendent of schools on board. Let's show him that the Manhasset residents care about their schools.

We hope the small turnout at the meeting isn't an indication of voter apathy. May 18 is the day to come out and make your voice heard.

E.F.B.