A decision by the Franklin Square Library Board not to allow Nassau County Assessor Harvey Levinson to give a program on assessment at the library turned into a debate on freedom of speech as Levinson appeared in front of the board at a public meeting Tuesday night.

A representative from the library had sought out Levinson to conduct a presentation on taxes and assessment for Sept. 15 at the library. However, prior to the meeting, the board voted not to allow the program because it felt the program was too close to Election Day, which is Nov. 8. Besides being the county assessor, Levinson is also the Democratic candidate for Town of Hempstead Supervisor.

Levinson maintains that the program he would have given was strictly to provide residents information about assessment and pointed out that since school tax bills will be mailed in the beginning of October, it would have been useful in helping residents understand their tax bills. Levinson also maintains there would have been no campaigning whatsoever.

What further irked Levinson was that Town of Hempstead Receiver of Taxes Don Clavin was allowed to give a presentation in August. Clavin is the Republican candidate for Nassau County Comptroller. However, it should be pointed out that Clavin was scheduled to speak at the library on Nov. 3 and was also canceled.

Levinson, however, believes that the library board's decision not to allow him to give a presentation to the people of Franklin Square about assessment was politically motivated. "I'm convinced that if my name was Clavin or I was a Republican, I would have been permitted to speak," he said, adding that the board had no choice but to cancel Clavin in November after canceling him.

In reading his statement, Levinson said the board vice president Thomas Scanlon was a Republican committeeman and other trustee Dr. Paul van Wie was active in the Republican Party. In response to a question from the audience, Scanlon said he was not currently a committeeman.

Library board president Rev. Frederick McElderry read a statement that the library board did nothing to hurt Levinson's right to free speech, but scheduling an appearance less than two months before the election ran the risk of having a political event. McElderry also said the board is going to review its policy.

Clavin, who also spoke at the meeting, said when he found out the board had canceled his November appearance, he respected the decision. He offered to come back with Levinson after the election and do a joint presentation.

However, Levinson said he should be allowed to speak about assessment in October and urged the board to reconsider its decision.

McElderry said the board would consider it and have an answer for him.