Letter to the Editor: Public Service vs. Public Indignation

To the Editor:

At the March 12th candidates’ forum in Sleepy Hollow, Mayor Ken Wray repeatedly showed that he has the temperament and thick skin needed to keep the job. His opponent, Trustee Karen Wompa, does not.

Elected officials can have words with each other during public discussions. But intelligent debate requires tolerance, perseverance, and self-control. Last month, at the February 10th Village Board meeting, Trustee Wompa got up and walked out during a heated exchange with another board member.

When sharp words make an elected official feel frustrated and angry, it’s easy to give in to impulse and walk out. But a statesman, a public servant who sees the bigger picture, ignores his personal feelings and stays focused on the topic. That’s a demanding skill. It differentiates even-tempered Mayor Wray from Trustee Wompa, who wants to be mayor but who occasionally fails, in public, to control her anger. On Wednesday, March 18th, keep the statesman in office. Re-elect Mayor Ken Wray.

Patrick Munroe

Sleepy Hollow

Elected to the Village Board in 1971, ‘73, and ‘97