In your recent interviews with our new Oyster Bay Town Councilman, Martin Massell, Mr. Massell states, "I feel as though I will have a very good grasp of the issues..." In Newsday's May 30 article about Mr. Massell, aptly entitled "Knowledge of Town Issues at Issue," Mr. Massell declined to discuss any issues facing the (Town Board), such as the budget deficit, saying...there wasn't enough time to get an in-depth grasp of such matters.

These responses by our town councilman are not only unacceptable to the residents of the Town of Oyster Bay, but a sad reflection on the state of politics in our town. By his comments, Mr. Massell demonstrates that the priorities of our town representatives are not to resolve issues consistent with the interests of the taxpayers they represent, but rather simply to perpetuate control of the town board.

As a community leader, who is now a Democratic candidate for town board, I know that the residents of the Town of Oyster Bay are concerned about issues such as:

Fiscal Responsibility: Why, after eight years of a bullish economy, with most state and local governments experiencing burgeoning surpluses, with our taxes among the highest in the nation, are our town and county deeply in debt?

Environmental Consciousness: Why is the town selling off one of the major ground water recharge areas in Nassau County to a developer whose plan will keep the water from reaching underground aquifers? Why is this land being sold without competitive bidding? Why is the town approving down zoning for mass overdevelopment in special ground water protection areas?

Over Development: Why do developers in Oyster Bay seem to have so much more clout with our town representatives than our taxpayers do? Why has the town board consistently refused to adopt a master plan, which would ensure sensible development to protect quality of life for all residents of Oyster Bay and ensure economic stability?

The people of Oyster Bay need checks and balances on the town board to ensure that their interests, not special interests, come first. This November the residents of Oyster Bay will have a chance to make a change. They can vote for grass roots candidates with knowledge of the issues and track records representing the interests of their community. They can vote for candidates who put the interests of the residents in the forefront. We need leaders who know our communities and are equipped to address the issues which confront us and not appointed to office to tighten the grip of the political machine.