This is the time of year when this publication is filled with letters of support for various candidates for school board elections. As a former member of the East Williston Board of Education, I have a unique perspective on the traits necessary to make an individual an effective school board member. As a parent who has completed the entire K through 12 cycle, I have witnessed our educational programming at each grade level. As a taxpaying citizen and self-employed businessman, I am acutely aware of taxes and the cost of maintaining qualified and dedicated employees and the need to keep those costs in check.

The East Williston School District is in a period of great transition. A new superintendent has recently been selected. A new middle school principal search has been launched. A new athletic director takes over this summer. The board is currently negotiating with three different "bargaining units," the teachers, administrators and custodial staffs. With this as a backdrop, I would like to share my reasons for supporting Louis Karol for re-election to the board of education.

• Unparalleled Experience

For the past six years, Lou Karol has played a pivotal role in all board decisions. Sequestered in a board room with Lou over the period of three years I have personally witnessed Lou bring real world business acumen and experience into the board room. Lou is a tireless and passionate advocate for children's education but is also grounded in the real world of today's economic realities. Lou will continue to be a steady hand on the rudder to help guide us through this period of change.

• Treats People Fairly

As a businessman and board member, Lou is firm, but strives to be evenhanded. He understands that if you treat people fairly, they will do the same for you. I strongly believe that in a small school district setting, no one is well-served by hyperbole, intimidation and tough talk. Negotiation is an art, not a war. Lou's innate understanding of how to treat people and his professional negotiation experience will serve this district well.

• Generosity of Spirit

Lou lives his life, both inside and outside the boardroom, with a generous and charitable spirit. He does not serve on the board, or any of his other many charitable pursuits, out of ego or self-aggrandizement. I have learned firsthand that the only reason Lou serves on the board is to help ensure that the children of this community continue to receive the highest quality education possible.

Experienced, Self-Made Businessman

Lou is a certified public accountant, a lawyer and the founder of a 28-person law firm in Garden City. He is one of the pre-eminent estate planning attorneys on Long Island. He was recently named to the advisory board of the Business School of George Washington University. Lou knows how to run a successful business.

These are some of the many important reasons my wife Mindy and I support Louis P. Karol for re-election to the East Williston Board of Education. We hope that you will also do so.

Neal Roher

Mindy Roher