[This is in response to an anonymous letter that was mailed to Ocean Beach homeowners on May 13 and 14.]

I am a home owner in The Village of Ocean Beach and I take offense to your "WE THE PEOPLE". This is your opinion and not the opinion of all of the residents of Ocean Beach. Ocean Beach is a unique community and as I am learning, a very difficult one to deal with. There are many issues that concern our beautiful village and getting things accomplished is difficult.

Sidewalks are cracked, water problems abound...HELLO... we live on a barrier beach. This is expected and it is not like we have cement trucks on the ready to correct these problems.

The restaurants and markets provide us with wonderful food, entertainment and provisions that we need. They have to order supplies, freight everything over, provide housing for their employees and many more expenses that I am sure we all are not aware of. They are not getting a free pass; they are hard working people trying to earn a living.

The Ocean Beach Police Department do their job! They are in town when the ferries arrive and depart to ensure everyone's safety. All the restaurants and bars are located in town where most of the problems occur. They patrol our streets and if you call with a problem they respond. Oh yeah, let's call Suffolk County... they will respond in a couple of hours! Ask our neighboring communities.

The current mayor, as well of all of our previous mayors have one concern... the best for Ocean Beach! Being a mayor of Ocean Beach is not an easy task and to take this on you need dedication. Our trustees have been a part of this community forever. They love this village and are trying to preserve our community. As previously stated, we live on a barrier beach and this isn't easy. Criticize for not talking enough or talking too much. Do you have any idea of the research and work they do to preserve this island?

Group Rentals are a plenty. Let's go there! So, "WE THE PEOPLE", are you representing the home owners who rent whenever, to whomever and destroy the enjoyment of our community? This is what has to be controlled. The police, the village and building inspector are doing everything to enforce the laws but there are so many homeowners who disregard the village laws. So why don't we put the blame where it belongs... on the home owners.

The Fire Island Ferries are not owned by Ocean Beach and the village did not sell out. The village could have cut off negations and guess what? We would have to pay full price for tickets. Or let us not let the ferries dock in our village... we could all walk here and drag our freight in wagons. Imagine Ocean Beach without the 1 a.m. ferry. Where would all the groups of people who come over to have a good time be? Your front lawn or mine? Never mind if they have to use a bathroom!

So to "WE THE PEOPLE", you are not "We the People". You would like to be anonymous and that is fine. But please do not include everyone in your opinion.

NOT ANONYMOUS,

Carolyn Mekeel, Ocean Beach