Manhasset Park District Commissioner Mark Sauvigne's comments make no sense but that's nothing new. He says that the pool of interested candidates for commissioner would be reduced if their salaries and benefits were eliminated and as proof, he states that most special district elections go uncontested. Therefore, if the salary and benefits are eliminated, we would have fewer candidates. What is fewer than zero? We never seem to be at a loss for school board candidates and they get nothing but grief. The trustees of the Village of Plandome and the members of its various boards getting nothing and for the 33 years I have been a resident you couldn't ask for a more committed and competent group. For that matter, the trustees of most villages serve for nothing or a nominal amount, $2,000, with generally laudable results. The Village of Great Neck Plaza, an exception, paid their mayor $65,000 and was blessed with totally incompetent political hacks that thought first about protecting their sinecure rather than doing what's right for their constituents, just as do most of our town, county, state and federal office holders.

Not only should the salaries be eliminated for special districts, but also term limits should be imposed to identify cozy relationships and serendipitous fringe benefits.

My conclusions are exactly the opposite of Mr. Sauvigne (which is usually the case). Salaries attract the small-minded rather than the community-minded.

Bruce Bent