Recently I was elected to be a member of a condominium board.

In ancient Athens there was no need to vote for people to represent your ideas. Each citizen went to the Town Square, and made his viewpoint known, and they voted directly for their personal self-interest. A direct Ddmocracy.

Because of larger populations and unwieldiness, we have developed into a representative democracy. We view a slate of candidates and choose the person who we think will understand and carry out our wishes. Choosing a representative is a very difficult procedure. We must truly believe he will continue to work for the platform he espoused before the election.

What should we look for in a candidate? What does the elected person owe the electorate?

The people of New Jersey were surprised recently when Robert Torricelli stated unequivocally, while running for Bill Bradley's vacated seat, that he would definitely vote for the Balanced Budget Amendment, if he were elected Senator. He was elected, but when the vote came ¬ and he was the deciding vote ¬ he switched his vote. He had said he would do one thing, but he lied. His excuses were comical at best.

Some people vote exactly along ethnic or religious lines. Some people only vote for the beauty of the candidate. Nice hair, kind eyes, sensuous mouth, nice behind.

Here is the question!

Should elected officials:

a) Use only their own ideas, thoughts and intelligence on issues?

b) Vote only for a consensus of what people tell them they need and require?

c) Combine their own thoughts and ideas with the measured input of their constituents?

d) Vote only the party line?

The answer is not simple!

It requires thought and basic honesty!

Please give me guidance and insight into the nuances of this question.

Stan Greenberg is seeking your responses. Letters to Stan can be mailed to:

Stanley Greenberg

c/o Syosset-Jericho Tribune

132 East Second Street

Mineola, NY 11501.

Responses to this column may be reprinted and edited for clarification. Letters must arrive by Friday, April 23.