It seems that in recent times United States presidents often rose from the ranks of state governors rather than out of Washington. A governor has to deal with all aspects of state government and receives a well-rounded education in the, often frustrating, workings of a democracy, whereas senators and members of Congress have limited power and are tied to their parties.

On a greatly reduced scale, being mayor of a village offers similar challenges and opportunities as being governor of a state. Bayville, with its diversity, can be compared with many larger towns. Mayor Victoria Siegel has proven herself an uncommonly capable administrator, highly regarded by her peers, by officials in town, county and state government. She is presently secretary/treasurer of the Village Officials Association (representing all 64 villages in Nassau County) with the prospect of becoming president of the organization. There is little she does not know about municipal government. She is eloquent, persuasive. Yet with all of these qualifications she does not seek a seat on the Town of Oyster Bay Board, nor does she want to run for county legislator, although she had been given the opportunity. "I like what I'm doing" is her explanation.

Vicky, as most of her constituents call her, served two terms as mayor in the 80s, difficult years characterized by infighting, mutual incriminations, casting a shadow over the actual achievements during her term in office. She gained many friends, but she also made numerous enemies. "In 1990 I left on my own accord, disgusted, my spirit broken, tired of the negative forces around me. At times I felt like the only one with a flashlight in the dark." The ensuing administration proved her point, namely that it takes great skill and experience to administer a multifaceted community like Bayville. It is not a job for amateurs. When, after four years, she decided to run again, she was re-elected.

Those four years out of office gave Vicky Siegel a welcome opportunity to reassess her strengths and weaknesses, to improve her skills of diplomacy. "I was able to get away from everything. I learned a lot. I want to look at issues from a wider perspective, how it will affect the future."

When she became mayor again in 1994, she had lost none of her drive, enthusiasm and strength. She is presently working with a highly qualified, well-matched board of trustees, considered by her and others to be "the best we have ever had." They do not necessarily agree with all of her decisions. "Differences of opinion are healthy, they make my juices run." She shares the fruits of her long experience in municipal government with her trustees, familiarizing them with the history of issues, the needs of Bayville's different age groups. "Bayville has many older residents; as a rule, their properties are well kept, they don't break laws. Their heirs may choose to put up the house for rent, often neglecting its maintenance. We have to find ways to hold on to our old, as well as to our young. Long Beach lost its history when the old population left. It took a long time to restore its vitality with a well-mixed population. Bayville's little children will form the middle group 10 or 15 years from now. We have to keep taxes low to make it possible for them to remain in Bayville."

The mayor regrets that many of Bayville's new residents don't appreciate the special character and history of this village. They have "a mania for convenience, would like to see fast food stores, a department store, municipally run roller rinks. Some resent the out-of-town summer people. Bayville has depended upon summer visitors since the 1890's. We should not lose sight of the essence of Bayville," she said.

When asked about her average weekly hours at work, the mayor estimated about 40 hours, including Saturdays and Sundays. In fact, the mayor is available at almost any hour, either at Village Hall or at home. The other day a woman told her, "I came to your house, you weren't there. But I know where you have breakfast every Sunday." The mayor welcomes such conversations over a cup of coffee. "The residents see that you're human, that they can approach you. I'm a hands-on person, I'm here to see anyone who wants to."

On the question of whether she will run again after her present term expires in 2002, the mayor remains noncommittal. "Let's say I want my long-term projects completed." What are some of those projects? First of all, the continuation of work on mitigating storm water problems. Much has been achieved already - financed by grant money - but much remains to be done. Another of the mayor's priorities is to preserve all remaining open spaces. Her record on fighting undesirable development is excellent. Had the mayor not fought a hard, protracted battle to purchase the former Pegno property in the center of the village, Bayville Common might never have come into existence, but might have become the site of a 7-eleven store or some equally unwanted business. Bayville Common, the attractive focal point of our village, has received an award for beautification of a village business area.

Likewise, much of Bayville's remaining wetlands would have been lost to development without her tireless efforts to preserve such environmentally sensitive areas. Another project is an after school program for children who come home to an empty house. "Strictly speaking, this is not the government's responsibility, but no one picked up the gauntlet." A renewed attempt to restore a teen program at the Community Center is also on the mayor's agenda. "These projects can't be done without the parents' assistance." Lack of parental support and lack of interest among teenagers have caused previous attempts to fail. But the mayor does not easily give up on programs she deems important.

"Village government has more controls over it than any other form of government," remarked the mayor. "A balanced budget is a must. Others don't have this restriction. The yearly budget has to be presented by April 15, otherwise the tentative budget will be adopted. We're very careful with taxes. After all, we all pay the same taxes as you." In addition to state audits, outside auditors are regularly called in to check Bayville's finances.

The mayor receives an annual remuneration of $2,500 for her supposedly part-time job. Having worked in municipal government since 1971, and since 1978 as a member of the New York State retirement system, she does not get full credit for the actual time spent at work. Three percent of her "salary" is being deducted and paid into the retirement system, which at present would pay her a mere $5,000. "It is not the amount of money that bothers me, but I would want to get credit for my time."

Bayville will always be in danger of sharing the fate of other shoreline communities: excessive development, commercialization to the point of losing its essential character, pollution that would end its vital shellfish industry and endanger recreational activities. In other words, Bayville would have a past, but no future. If it has not happened thus far, it is largely due to the vigilance, exertions, farsightedness and effectiveness of Mayor Siegel, assisted by her Board of Trustees, the staff at Village Hall, and concerned residents who support their efforts.

Bayville is still a desirable community. Let's keep it that way.