As the village election approaches on March 18 it seems clear to me that it would do Mineola residents a world of good to put another Hometown Party Trustee on the Village Board.

I've read in your newspaper over the past several years about how Trustee Elizabeth Conlon - the only Hometown Party Trustee at the present time - has been shut out of discussions, not informed of meetings and had proposals rejected, simply because she is not in the majority party. This is a terrible state of affairs that needs to change.

With a second Hometown Party Trustee, there would be better balance on our Village Board and a return to true two-party government. Trustee Conlon would have a seconding vote to raise issues for discussion and would have an ally with whom to work toward more open government in our village.

On Wednesday, March 18, I'll be casting my vote for Joe Galante for trustee. He deserves our support.