As for an editorial note: We most appreciated the words of Caroline DuBois at the May 23 carouse meeting when she said the community is tackling a complex issue and was thankful that reasonable people can disagree on tactics and solutions. She is a member of the Citizen's Advisory Committee member for the Long Island Sound Study, and said, "It is not about whether carousels are wonderful and good for children or Theodore Roosevelt as a hero." She said, "It is about the appropriate use of open space - a very limited space around the harbor - a waterfront park."

Ms. Dubois said that 10 years ago there was very little support for a proposal for Beekman Beach and the community has committed to protecting the harbor. "The open space is inseparable to the harbor," she said. That is the problem.

The waterfront area is to be used for water dependent uses. Ms. Dubois said money should be spent to fix the park and make it safe and clean and available for the community for a variety of recreational uses.

Of the carousel, she said, "Don't put it in the middle of a limited park area."

We must admit - Joseph Reilly's description of the carousel at the May 23 meeting was magical. But when we came down to earth - there is just the question of open space, and how little we have of it. Many of the proponents of the project live on property where the open space is outside their front door. That is not the case with most of the residents of the Town of Oyster Bay. For most, open space and that feeling of getting in touch with nature means a trip to the waterfront and a walk through Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park.

- DFK