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Public Commentary Dear Editor: After giving 37 years to the improvement of the education of the students of Massapequa, I cannot let Gary Bennett's attempt to tarnish my reputation go by without responding. The author is the same Gary Bennett who ran three times for a seat on the school board and lost because the community recognized who had the qualifications for the position. Now he is using misinformation in his attack on the Board of Education and me in his bid to be recognized. Mr. Bennett calls me "self-serving" although I have not had a child in the Massapequa education system for over 20 years and I have never had a grandchild attend our schools. I have given hours of time over the last nine years volunteering on school and community committees for the benefit of children and the community at large. In addition, school board officials serve the community without any compensation. That means upwards of 20 to 25 hours per week without a penny from the taxpayer. So that Mr. Bennett is "illuminated" there is no other reason to continue to be a school board official other that to ensure that our community's children educational needs are met. Graduation is mentioned in Gary Bennett's letter. Again an example of misinformation, public officials have never been invited to the high school graduation. Graduation is solely about our students and their tremendous accomplishments. In fact, no school official, other than the high school principal, even delivers an address to the students. Mr. Bennett accuses me of nepotism, again not stating fact. I have not influenced the hiring of anybody, family or friend, in the Massapequa School District, but I have worked to see that the staff is provided the staff development to insure that the students receive a quality education. I am being accused of lacking integrity, which I find the most offensive. I don't believe that I would have been elected for three terms if I lacked integrity. This community is too aware to ever let that occur. I would not have been designated "A Woman of Distinction in Education" by the Town of Oyster Bay if I lacked integrity. Mr. Bennett, in h[is attack of me, is also attacking those many people who have sent me thank you notes recognizing my efforts in providing a quality education. it is also telling the many organizations: PTA, MFT, Massapequa Park, Town of Oyster Bay, CSA, that presented me with tokens of recognition, that they are ignorant. Gary Bennett should get out of his own "cesspool" and stop maligning the fine district Massapequa has come to represent. I am very proud of the integrity of our school district and the community it represents. Arlene Martin The writer is a former School Board Trustee
and President
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