As we welcome the new Great Neck Village Officials Association President Bob Stern, mayor of Thomaston, we must take this opportunity to thank the outgoing GNVOA president, Russell Gardens Mayor Dan Nachmanoff. Mayor Nachmanoff has been an outstanding, very involved, innovative leader for this peninsula, and we are truly sorry that his term has ended.

The GNVOA should be not only a networking organization for our mayors and trustees, but also a real ''lead agency'' where issues affecting Great Neck and its residents are addressed. Mayor Nachmanoff has made sure that the GNVOA was kept up-to-date on all local events, and he attempted to bring about consensus on important matters. He kept us informed, and he tried his best to keep us unified.

Difficult issues arose --- the charter school proposal and the problems on the library board, to name just two --- and each time Mayor Nachmanoff provided the opportunity for a public airing of the issues. He invited major players to speak at GNVOA meetings, always with a focus on determining what is best for Great Neck.

Mayor Nachmanoff maintained a pretty high profile, both at home and in Nassau County. He made it his business to know just what was going on. He has not shied away from the controversial issues, and he is not afraid to come to a decision and speak his mind. In short, Dan Nachmanoff has what it takes to lead. We hope that he continues to pursue any other such ''take charge,'' leadership opportunities that might arise.

Thank you, Dan. And, please, let's keep hearing from you!

- Wendy K. Kreitzman