You can have political differences, but be able to talk about them civilly for the good of the community.
I know, because for many years I have been involved with the Great Neck Republican Club and Committee. One of my best friends, whose opinions and leadership I respect, is Steven Markowitz, the president of the Great Neck Democratic Club.
For many years we have worked together on projects to improve the community we both call our home. And although we may have disagreed on some political issues, we were able to overlook them for the greater good.
I have come to know and hold Steve in high regard for his character, his religious beliefs, his civic responsibility, his family values, and his ardent support of the Jewish people.
He became involved in the recent Great Neck Village election because he felt—whether you agree with him or not—that he was doing the right thing for Great Neck.
At all times he conducted himself in a professional manner, as I have always known him to do. He urged the candidates in the village election to publicly debate the issues important to the future of Great Neck.
The response he received was threats and accusations against his character, his personal life, and the civic and religious organizations to which he is affiliated. I am writing because he deserves better and the public attacks on his character say more about those making them than they do about Steve.
While residents may disagree on the best course for the future of our community, we can only succeed as a civil society when we find a way to work together for the common good.
I urge all residents to seek common ground and to courteously find a way to make Great Neck great!
Marc Katz
Great Neck
