It is with deep regret that I read in The Roslyn News that the Roslyn Fire Companies are boycotting the Village of Roslyn Memorial Day Parade on May 30. (The parade is actually scheduled for Monday, May 31). The basic reason given for this boycott "is the seeming lack of support and general lack of regard demonstrated toward them" by me.

Putting aside for a moment the issue as to whether this is in fact the truth, for the stated lack of support or regard, it is hardly appropriate to disappoint the taxpaying citizens of the community, the children who await a parade, the veterans who deservedly march with pride and the families of those who have fallen in order to somehow "settle a score." These are the people who pay for the firehouses, the perks of the fire companies, and most notably, the budget line item of $45,000 in firematic expenses for bands and parades! These are the people whom all firefighters are sworn to "save and protect."

With respect to my alleged non-support of the fire companies, I respectfully state to the taxpayers that I stand on my record. No one campaigned more strongly for the length of service award for firefighters (LOSAP). The LOSAP Program would never have been implemented had I not endorsed and worked hard for the program! No one holds our volunteers in higher esteem.

Nonetheless, as elected representatives of the community, we are charged with negotiating contracts with the fire companies. We are also charged with the stewardship of the funds collected in taxes from the taxpayers. When we ask why certain budgetary items are necessary, we are not disrespecting the fire companies. When we question whether proper bidding practices have been followed, we are not criticizing the fire companies. When we, along with eight other municipalities, ask why there was never a Certified Public Accountant reviewing the books, it is to see that the funds are accounted for with good and proper accounting principles. Whether it is necessary to build or purchase a new building to house dormitory students, or to vacate the historic downtown firehouse on Old Northern Boulevard, we are not indicating any lack of support for the fire companies. No, in fact, we are doing what we have been elected to office to do by the taxpayers.

Last year, the fire companies raised the Village Budget line from $211,000 to $240,521, a six percent increase. The Village Board did not raise taxes, but absorbed this increase in a flat zero budget last year. The fire companies have submitted a budget, at this point, unapproved for a 9.45 percent increase to the board of trustees. We cannot sustain these costs without careful review.

If my inquiries have embarrassed anyone or if my questions have delayed a pet project, my actions have not been intended to be personal. Rather, as stewards of the public moneys, we are entitled to ask questions and the fire companies must understand that we deserve honest answers and must not be offended by questions when asked. We will not blindly accept their requests for more money each year without answers.

The decision to boycott saddens and concerns me. There are two casualties of their decision not to participate in the Memorial Day parade: first, the many people who would have loved to see the firefighters add to the memory of our fallen heroes through their presence; and, secondly, the Roslyn Fire Companies who have forever tarnished their image by pettiness.

Last, I am personally uncomfortable about the Roslyn Fire Companies not participating on Memorial Day. My maternal grandfather was gassed during World War I, my father served honorably in World War II, a close family friend served our country in the Korean War and my husband and I know many of the names engraved in the Vietnam Memorial granite in Washington DC. How dare the Roslyn Fire Companies refuse to participate as three servicemen are currently held captive during the fighting in Yugoslavia. I am truly saddened by their lack of respect.

Janet Galante, Mayor

Incorporated Village of Roslyn