In the aftermath of the recent Great Neck Village mayoral and trustees “election,” it seems to me there are two distinct lessons to be learned by both sides. The challengers need to understand that true reform –whether their complaints have merit or not– is best achieved by running an open campaign, which means having visible candidates (who they are was held in secrecy) who are willing to participate in open and honest discussions and debate, design a platform summarizing their goals, etc. That is the true democratic way –then let the chips fall where they may.
The challengers’ last-minute (chaotic) write-in voting process to try to unseat the incumbents not only thwarts that ideal, but also leaves one with a bitter taste of skepticism about their intentions and purpose. Indeed, they appeared to have abandoned a core implement so vital to all voters: fairness and transparency. Further, their overall action seems to smack of elements of stealth and deception. They need to understand that utilizing such a clandestine formula does little more than cause animosity and bad vibes. In the end this means they have done a disservice to themselves and ultimately, leads to public mistrust, thus killing any chance of accomplishing their mission (whatever it may be).
As to the other lesson, the incumbents should be put on notice that there are serious challengers who believe that all is not well, that the present administration needs to listen, to consider, to act impartially to what is on their plate.
In the future, there should be a fair fight among the adversarial candidates, with all the voters getting the benefits of an open campaign and declaring the winner. And after it’s over, a shake of hands. That might just do the trick to unite everyone.
Bob Sobel
Great Neck
