I am glad to see that, in an election year, some city council members seem so capable of getting things done. Whether it be getting a road or two paved before election day or changing the traffic restrictions on other roads, the Council seem very much able to take care of business when votes are needed (although the family transfer issue on Liberty Spring Road seems to be too much to handle for some). If only our representatives were this attentive throughout all the years, we might actually see beyond this cheap attempt to buy votes. I find it curious that Mr. Milteer seems so certain that the police will be able to enforce the new restrictions on Pittmantown Road, when he was one of the seven who struck down the police department’s request for additional funding this year. But I am sure that even though our men and women in blue are understaffed, underpaid, and overworked, they will rise above it, as always, and find a way to take on the additional duties for our citizens and make a positive difference despite the lack of attention the Council routinely gives them. However, we must remain focused on what happens between election cycles to truly judge the worth of our elected members of council. Taxes are out of control, almost all of our schools are failing, crime is continuing to make life dangerous for our citizens, and our quality of life deteriorates while we are all told how good it is to be in Suffolk. While talking to a citizen at Betty Davis Village, I heard a common theme … Mr. Milteer is confident of a victory because he has won so many times in the past. While talking to another citizen on Hunter Street, who, like so many others in the neighborhood, have witnessed drugs, gangs, gunfire and murder, I was asked what exactly has he done for those citizens, who have been living like hostages while thugs rule the streets. The answer is not much. Paving roads does not equate to improving the neighborhood. Most people would prefer a pot hole to a gunshot wound. I believe Mr. Milteer has done a good job in the past, and still tries to do a good job now, and we should all thank him for his lifelong service to the city. However, it is time for a change. It is time to let someone else serve the people. I ask not only for Mr. Milteer’s support this November, but for the support of every resident in the Whaleyville borough who has supported him in the past. I am ready to serve the borough and the city and I will not let you down. I will tackle the crime problems, the poor education practices, and the out of control taxes that our current administration is heaping on us every year. I ask you all for your support and your vote come Nov. 4, 2008.