Ira Appelman stood out at the City Council debate last evening at Aljoya House because of his dedication to average Islanders’ interests. He has attended all Council meetings for 12 years! He noted that common people and their concerns were often neglected and major controversial decisions were made by the Council without offering Islandwide referenda, which Ira has repeatedly recommended. Ira’s opponent [Dan Grausz] confirmed this elitist attitude when he stated that a 7 to 0 vote by the Council showed widespread Island support. Ira then pointed out the 7 to 0 vote on relocating the firehouse to Mercerdale Park. There actually was a referendum and it showed massive opposition to ruining the park with the fire station, so the Council’s plan was scrapped.

Ira told of how he has, for years, given free help to Islanders who want something done by the Council. He has helped them to learn about Council procedures so they wouldn’t get brushed off. Do you feel that things we don’t want keep coming at us out of the blue? Things like butchering the Island Crest/Merrimount intersection and the city’s decision to put us all on a ‘road diet’ with $500,000 of unnecessary shrinking of Island Crest Way to two lanes and a turn lane? If so, Ira Appelman should get your vote for City Council.

David W. John, M.D.