The residents of Oyster Bay Cove have something to look forward to that they haven't had in years; that is a choice during the upcoming election this June for village trustee. Since two of the trustees have decided not to run for re-election this year, there are two slots open that will be filled based on the vote cast on June 16th by the registered voters of Oyster Bay Cove.

For years, the Citizens Association has run virtually unopposed, and naturally, their candidates won. This year there will be a choice for the voters. As a result of the concern in our community over such issues as down-zoning, cluster-zoning and other proposed changes that would inexorably alter our village for the worse, many residents responded when offered a choice to say "NO" to the powers that be who were attempting to allow the Pulling Estate property to build what in essence would have severely detracted from the village.

The response last year made history, never before has there been such voter turnout in a local election here in Nassau County. There is a simple reason for this; people choose to live in Oyster Bay Cove for lots of reasons, not the least of which is that they love the lifestyle that such a quiet, country-like little village has to offer. No one I know moved here to sit idly by and watch their hard earned privacy encroached upon by builders who are looking to maximize their profits by building houses so close together that they not only violate well established zoning restrictions, but appear more like a townhouse community than private homes, let alone homes nestled on a minimum of two acres.

Please make no mistake about it, the reversal of cluster development on the Pulling Estate is not a fait accompli. It could happen again unless we, the people who live and vote in Oyster Bay Cove do something about it. There are two candidates who are running against the "Citizens Association" candidates; they are Richard Appell and Thomas Fitzsimmons and they are the candidates representing the "Friends of Oyster Bay Cove."

Both Tom and Rich are deeply rooted in this community. What distinguishes them from others who are running, in addition to the fact that they are both very committed to maintaining the integrity of the village, is that they are both keenly aware of the importance of governing this village on the basis of inclusion of all the residents of Oyster Bay Cove, and not just a select few. Both Rich and Tom are interested in continuing the change of politics from the status quo, i.e., the politics of exclusion, to a more sound and fair approach of addressing the interests of Oyster Bay Cove residents from each and every part of the village, and not just a few, select areas.

I wholeheartedly endorse their candidacy, and hope that everyone who lives in Oyster Bay Cove will consider doing the same.