Challenges will taint election outcome

There were no surprises in Deer Park on Monday. We would expect nothing less in Deer Park: There seem to be more objections to candidates' petitions than there are candidates - two for president and six for trustee. That inspired 14 formal objections to be heard in a few days by the Election Board. For those who couldn't care less about procedure, that board is comprised of (the incumbent) president, the longest-serving trustee and the village clerk. This isn't their fault; it's code.

Even if President Scott Gifford was not running, the process (as prescribed) cannot fail to be biased. We do not impute that Scott and the clerk can't be fair. They can. But conceivably, "the loyal opposition" could be bumped from the ballot, leaving Scott and his running mates unopposed. Or worse: Scott alone survives, runs unaccompanied and unopposed and, upon "winning," names three trustees to serve with him.

Scott this is your charge: Toss out all objections and let the campaign proceed, full-throttle - two candidates for each position. Identify every objection for what it is, a form without substance, and let the vine bear its fruit, the voice of the electorate.

Anything else, and you might win the argument but lose the case, strangling your own legacy as the electoral process is poisoned.

Deborah and Al Barry

Deer Park Neighbors