As you know, there is an upcoming election in our village. On Tuesday, March 20, our residents will vote for mayor, two trustees and village justice.

In January, the Unity Party met to pick a nominating committee to choose candidates to fill these positions. A slate was picked and approved by the members present. The Unity Party is made up of registered voters in the village that have not signed petitions for an opposing candidate. All the present and past members of the village board are and have been Unity Party members. A main plank of the Unity Party has always been to maintain the quality of life in our village and to improve services that are provided to our residents.

This year the Unity Party has seen some changes, it is no longer the "traditional" Unity Party. Residents have decided to take an active interest in the election and have become involved in the decision making process. Nearly 80 residents attended each of the meetings in January, changing the faces of the Unity Party. The following residents have been chosen by the nominating committee and approved by the Unity Party members to run for the open positions:

Mayor- John O'Keefe

Trustee- Susan Donahue

Trustee- Peter Genova

Village Justice- Philip Milone

At the January 24 meeting, those present decided that there are matters and concerns in our village that need to be addressed by the village board. A platform of these concerns was discussed and presented to the members of the Unity Party.

The concerns are as follows:

* Open meetings. More public discussion is needed before any projects that affect our residents begin. The Nextel antenna and $1.8 million bond issue both quietly approved by the village board last year are prime examples.

* More police presence in our village

* Improve and upgrade street lighting

* Improve services that are provided to our residents such as sanitation, highway, etc.

* Adhere to the required state and national regulations regarding fire and emergency medical protection.

* More accountability for the sound management of village finances.

* Address the quality of life issues that affect village residents, especially those who live near the country club and Covert Ave.

* Address the traffic problems on Covert Ave. and pedestrian concerns.

* Restore civic pride and community involvement.

Our village has seen changes over the years. We have many new residents who have various concerns that we feel need to be addressed. The Unity Party has chosen highly qualified candidates with various backgrounds in finance, law, and municipal and commercial property management, to address these issues and other issues that will face them, keeping always the best interests of our residents paramount.

We want to keep the village a wonderful place to live for our families and our children for they are our future.

The Unity Party thanks you for your support. We urge all of our residents to vote for a change and vote Row B on March 20. Become a part of our village's election process.