Asking questions and seeking out facts and truth are the hallmarks of education.
I find it ironic that many Great Neck Public School supporters malign Mayor Bral and accuse him of not supporting our school district.
He invited the Board of Education to speak to the public at the Village Hall of Great Neck to answer questions about the bond.
He provided a forum but did not publicly take a position.
Mayor Bral is the product of public education and he supports it.
To characterize his actions as being anti public school because he facilitated a discussion is false. He made no statements against the public school.
Similar accusations have been made about fact finding with respect to Vigilant.
Mayor Bral and four other mayors sought out information to learn about what other emergency services had to offer.
The only way any organization can improve is by not remaining stagnant; rather by seeking out new ideas.
Through their fact finding, negotiations with Vigilant led them to provide our village with 24/7 paramedic coverage, where previously we were lacking this from 11 p.m. – 7 a.m.
Our mayor was one of the first mayors to sign this contract.
Mayor Bral is a mayor of integrity and honesty who has worked tirelessly to make our village a fair and friendly place, governing in a transparent fashion, allowing questions to be asked and suggestions to be made.
He has added diversity to our appointed boards so that all segments of our population are represented.
He is truthful, responsive to, and understanding of the needs of the community. Mayor Bral consistently addresses the public in a respectful manner and tone, allowing for often lengthy public comment at the Board of Trustees meetings. Everyone is heard, both supporters and critics.
Allowing people to speak and listening to them has enabled a free exchange of ideas and for the formation of creative solutions.
To make himself even more available to the public, the mayor has organized over a dozen Meet the Mayor gatherings, permitting the electorate to speak to him in an informal setting, discussing any issues that concern them.
He is also available by telephone, social media, and e-mail.
Rumor and innuendo have caused many to forget the progress that has been made over the past two years.
Under his governance the structural deficit has been reduced by 50 percent.
In public discussions at multiple Board of Trustee meetings it was revealed that our administration inherited a $1 million deficit.
Our mayor has worked towards eliminating it by cutting costs, obtaining grants, and yet maintaining services.
In the past two years, roads and sidewalks have been repaired, new businesses have opened, and the village website has been enhanced making it easier to access Village-related material.
These are facts.
Do not be persuaded by anything but the facts.
Annie Mendelson
Village of Great Neck Trustee
