While we recognize that the Board of Trustees of the Great Neck Library has been working diligently behind the scenes the last few months to find both an architectural firm and a library director, we feel compelled to state that it is time for some transparency.

In conversations with Board President Martin Sokol, we have urged him to open up the process for deciding on an architectural firm by asking the two finalists to present their concepts for a renovated building in a public forum. We fully understand that it is the responsibility of the board to make the final decision as to hiring. However, in light of the fact that the final decision to bond a project will go to a public referendum, we think it is in the best interest of the community to have some insight and input into the process before the board makes a final decision.

The recent actions of the board in regard to holding a non-meeting showed a disregard for the public and a lack of judgment and plain old common sense. Whether the board intended to send a message or not, it came across as "your time is not important."

Mr. Sokol constantly refers to two members of the board as "minority members." While Mr. Rutta and Ms. DiCamillo have not been persuaded that a renovated library needs a true second floor, we would like to remind Mr. Sokol that both members were in contested elections and won a majority of votes for the position. They represent a majority of voters who participated in the elections in their respective years and should not be treated as second-class members.

It should be noted that library referendums for new or renovated buildings, more often than not, do not pass the first time around. In these uncertain economic times, it would be prudent for the board to treat the public as a partner, to treat the public and each other with consideration and to remember that a weary and wary public needs to feel excited about the prospect of a renovated building and needs to feel a sense of ownership in it.

- Carol Frank