Recently, a group of Mineola citizens were reviewing the changes in our village since the former administration. A new administration entered office and instituted [in 2002] many major improvements and got Mineola on the road to great accomplishments. Some of them are:

* Our "open" village meetings have been most successful and better attended than ever before.

* TV replays on Channel 18 have kept citizens better informed and interested in government activities. Some meetings have packed the hall with over 100 people.

* The new administration faced strong opposition (even rancor) after the March 2003 and 2004 elections. Our new mayor Jack Martins handled this situation most adeptly and smoothed over the village divisiveness for the benefit of all village citizens.

* Our mayor reviewed our financial situation and set us on a solid fiscal path after solving our $33,000,000 debt by cutting out waste, increasing government efficiency and making government more accessible to all citizens, serving citizens better.

* Our discussions revealed that new ideas and approaches were utilized to reinvigorate government and lead it out of old, stale, wasteful ruts.

* Our new village website began providing more government information for Mineola residents.

* All of Mineola government services have improved and we introduced planned maintenance of roads and other public works.

* Many new businesses have been attracted to Mineola thus increasing revenue and lowering cost of government.

* We found that our young people are most capable and productive and do an excellent job when called upon.

* Established Mayor Jack Martins as a hard worker and an exemplary leader.

The results speak for themselves. A cool fresh breeze in Mineola government proves that democracy does a good job when an informed citizenry votes for "open" government and establishes ways of being accountable when doing business.

Congratulate yourselves, Mineola citizens!

Joan and Walter Hobbs