Readers Write: Candidate’s ad misrepresents Bral’s record

The Island Now

An inaccurate statement has been made in an ad that says that our mayor met with developers privately, rather than at public meetings: The open meetings law of New York State states:  that  “…the citizens of this state be fully aware of and able to observe the performance of public officials and attend and listen to the deliberations and decisions that go into the making of public policy. ….”

While deliberations must be done publicly, meeting with someone in an effort to learn more about issues or proposals before they come to the board is allowed.

Appropriate knowledge of issues allows for a free and concise discussion of them at the public meetings. No decisions are ever made behind closed doors.

Dr. Bral has had at least fifteen Meet the Mayor gatherings at village businesses to meet with residents who wish to talk about the village in a casual setting.

Many residents who have attended these events do not wish to speak publicly at a Board of Trustees meeting.

Additionally, these gatherings bring attention to local businesses. These events usually held at local restaurants or bakeries in the area are not political and open for anyone who wants to stop by and speak with the mayor.

People who have not attended any of these meetings should not assume they are political.

We should be thankful that the mayor is offering more of his time to the community.

These meetings are an opportunity for anyone to express any view to the mayor in a relaxed setting.

Michael Darvish

Great Neck

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