Dear Editor:

First, I was very disappointed at the election results, both for myself and the village. Without naming names, let me first say that in the fall, promises of support were made to me, an independent candidate, which apparently were forgotten by March.  Although my decision to join forces with Gwen (Silver) and Steve (Einig) caused some consternation among the voters, it was clear to me by the end of March that certain promised support would not materialize, leaving me with an organized campaign against me, and a long planned trip to China scheduled for May.

Second, I believe the condition of the voter rolls in Ocean Beach is appalling. Although New York State does everything possible to enfranchise legitimate voters—even homeless ones—those who falsely claim Ocean Beach residence—waiters, busboys and bartenders—by giving false addresses (how many voters can live in one “residence?”) violate not only the spirit but the intent of the law. That they are here only from May to the end of August, and yet claim to be qualified voters makes a mockery of both the Election Law and the electoral process in Ocean Beach. They have no continuing interest in our village, and therefore flunk the test of residence. And, yet, they vote! And everyone knows the truth about the restaurant owners who really live in Seaview and Corneille, but claim residence in rooms associated with their establishments.

Third, my opponents say they want a unified village, and decry divisiveness. Yet it is they who by their electoral tactics are the root cause of our divided village. And then there is the questionable handling of absentee ballots. Many applied; but many were denied—or given misinformation.

In the end, we all will have to live with the consequences of these actions. With the passage of time, everyone will be able to judge the outcome of this election.

Judy Steinman
Ocean Beach