The residents of the Village of Great Neck have spoken through their votes. Dr. Pedram Bral was re-elected mayor by a margin of well over 2-1.
I do not have any party affiliation and never participated in any election for anyone running for mayor in the last 67 years. However, when I was able to uncover the underlying objectives and motives of the party being directed by the head of the Democratic party, I decided to look into all of their claims.
The rumors and false statements by the individual running against Bral were not being exposed in any of the local newspapers in their interviews of the candidate. In fact, many of the people I have known for years were voting for that candidate without questioning the background being claimed.
In spite of the fact that I was able to uncover a factual history of his background. The election became extremely contemptuous. The rumors were personal, vengeful, and false.
It became so bad that even the Asian population maintained that if they did not vote for their candidate, whether he was qualified or not, they would be considered traitors. After the voting signs were placed in front of my neighbors’ homes, I met with a few of them and said that I did not care whom they voted for. More importantly, we will always be good neighbors.
We should all be very proud that the Asian people have chosen our village and other parts of Great Neck to live in and have their children attend our schools. Their children have a work ethic that is to be admired. They are contributing significantly in bringing up the recognition of our school system on a national level. In the ’50s, both high schools were in the top 10 in the nation. We are now lucky to be in the top 100.
Bral has wonderful plans to make the village something we can all be proud of if he is given the opportunity to complete his objectives. It is my opinion that even those who have objected in the past will be pleasantly surprised.
For those who wish to be heard at village meetings, I have just one suggestion: try to remember the demeanor of my good friend over 30 years, Elizabeth Allen. Prior to her retirement she was a lawyer. When she appeared before the board, her questions were presented with elegance, by inquiry, and with vast knowledge of the subject matter. She was always respectful to the board.
Let us all give Bral the opportunity to enhance our community by working together. For those who object to any of the plans, the board and the people must show their respect and be able to discuss the differences and come up with a program and plans that will be agreeable to all of the residents in our village.
Dr. C. J. Abraham
Great Neck
