So here’s an idea – one that is surely designed to ruffle a few feathers and set Gerry Schneiderman’s head spinning as he prepares for a victory lap. Since it would be just too easy to stay home and not vote in the upcoming village election, I think the people of this great village should look for other options. In fact, I think Plaza residents should go to the polls in droves and vote for a write-in candidate or two.
The purpose of a person writing-in their candidate on Election Day is twofold. For starters, the Plaza might finally vote the brass-plaque-boasting, free-benefit-snatching Gerry Schneiderman off the island (or least out of office)! And if that’s not enough, voting for write-in candidates would send shock waves through every incumbent who is or will be running alone in one of the peninsula’s nutty “special” election districts (nine villages, a library and a park are the examples that come to mind).
You see, Gerry has represented this community for the past 10 years and his record is empty. Who really needs more of that? In fact, aside from collecting his annual salary, pension, and the free health insurance he so gracefully passes from the books of his own business to those of the Plaza taxpayer, he has nothing to show for his time in office. A fact proven every time he refuses to speak to the public about his record.
Frankly speaking, his silence suggests that he serves as a trustee for nothing more than an ego boost and some free parking. I for one would love to hear him review his record publicly and explain why he has served as nothing more than a pawn of the mayor, as a politician who supports and defends flawed thinking and an odd sense of entitlement.
Imagine what a write-in campaign would mean to Gerry…not knowing who his challenger is. Imagine all the behind-the-scenes maneuvering that might take place, since a mere 200 new voters would be able to determine the outcome. Imagine Gerry actually having to tell us why he has accepted free health insurance for himself and his family on our collective dime for the past decade and why he feels that he should return to village hall.
Just imagine the impact a write-in candidate would have: Gerry and his colleagues would spend loads of money posting signs around town touting their role as founding members of “The Jean Team” and they would go into overdrive securing absentee ballots from the assisted living homes, all while the local papers would be oozing with letters of support praising Gerry’s work as the guy who could “fix a brick” and “pot a plant.” Ahh, a write-in candidate, what an interesting thought!
Michael S. Glickman
Great Neck
