I was surprised to read Mr. Cohen's account of my statement to the East Williston Board of Education during open time at the June 17 meeting I make the assumption that there was so much noise, he was unable to hear what was actually said. What truly concerns me, however, is that he failed to understand the exact nature of the tactics that have been used over the past several years to attain election to the board of education.

Since Mr. Cohen felt it necessary to name me in particular, I find I have to respond to his allegations and set the record straight.

I was not questioning the propriety of a board member endorsing a particular candidate, we live in a democracy and freedom of speech is one of our fundamental rights as citizens. What I was questioning was the right of a board member to call a PTO representative and community member and accuse that person of endorsing a candidate. Why is it acceptable for a published endorsement by a board member as opposed to conversations that community members are having? Further, what gives any board member the right to call a member of the PTO and try to intimidate them into silence? To my mind what is good for the goose is good for the gander. You cannot have it both ways. I would never try and prohibit or abridge any person's right to free speech. And no one else should have that right either, which includes any member of the board of education.

What I was asking the board was, if there is an existing policy regarding ethical behavior when conducting a campaign for re-election. The past several elections have been characterized by tactics that are unbecoming under any circumstances. For Mr. Cohen's edification and information, these include many anonymous, threatening letters to members of the community, stalking, anonymous letters to verify qualifications, calls to employers warning them they will no longer patronize their establishments if certain people are employed and anonymous letters from phony organizations making untrue accusations. If you believe in something, at least have the courage to sign your name.

To my satisfaction, the board has since responded in public to my question and has agreed to discuss the issue in executive session.

Whatever I may think about his views, I have to thank Mr. Cohen for having the courage to state them openly and honestly, unlike those he seems to support.

Susan Landau