Many thanks to Joe Giaimo and Bernie Rolston for offering their time and talents to our community in the recent special district elections. Their enthusiasm, good humor, integrity, sense of fair play and public spirit were refreshing. Each of these gentlemen had platforms that arose from their own genuine concerns about our community and the establishment of a better set of priorities for our local government. I applaud both for being brave enough to enter the arena of local politics and oppose incumbent political establishments. Political campaigns are great evidence of American democracy in action. From the earliest days of our republic, the use of pamphlets, posters, public gatherings, door-to-door visits to neighbors and other forms of communication, have always been essential in the art of political persuasion. It was a testament to Bernie's and Joe's hard work that they were able to accomplish so much in such a short campaign period.

Joe Giaimo took on the political faction of the incumbent park district commission and Bernie Rolston did likewise in regard to the water district. To their great credit, they never attacked anyone personally but instead kept focused on the real issue of the campaign: priorities. Bernie essentially fought for an increased focus on well and water quality protection while continuing a prime concern for the welfare of our volunteer firefighters. Joe basically campaigned for creation of new parks as a priority in the park district, while continuing the battle to solve the parking problem in our downtown area. It is a great accomplishment that they were able to activate a large number of people, many who do not normally vote in special district elections, to vote for a change in priorities.

I believe that Joe and Bernie are representative of a growing group of Manhasset residents who are concerned that our community is becoming more and more crowded, developed and congested and that the proper response is to preserve open space and fight for environmental quality. Bernie and Joe both have children in our local schools, St. Mary's and Manhasset, and they are concerned about the Manhasset of the present and the future. Strong concerns about more athletic fields, playgrounds, a better library, better schools, a youth center, and a safe environment are common to many of their peers. I salute Joe and Bernie for stepping forward and joining others who champion those concerns. I was very proud to support them.

Congratulations to Mrs. Roberts and Mrs. Gould on their victories. I wish them success in carrying out their responsibilities. Thank you to all those campaign participants who maintained the spirit of the holidays despite the competition of a political campaign. Some people showed us a lot about their priorities. Best wishes to all for a great millennium year.

Edward K. Kitt

(Mr. Kitt is president of the

Manhasset Republican Club)