TO THE RECORD REVIEW I would like to reply to a letter published in last week's edition written by Phyllis Cohen under the heading"Is History trying to repeat itself in the Bedford Central School District."   

Dear Phyllis: 

Thank you for this opportunity to state my position and to respond to some of your misapprehensions about me and the other candidates. I don't believe we have ever met, but I am certain after reading your letter to the editor you don't know me. 

No school can be effective in developing a well‑rounded child without the involvement of parents like you. With three children in the school system and your contributions to CEF, NYPT and "Storyfest", you symbolize what is best and most important about any educational process. However, education is also about growth and change. Don't be afraid of change. I was not hand‑picked by the current school board to run for this position and so, in that respect, I may be seen as an outsider. But I assure you no one has been more committed to better education for our children and "putting children first" than I have. 

For over 10 years, I have been a proponent of better schooling, better fiscal management and accountability to improve performance. I have tried my best to challenge the incumbents to act responsibly with respect to all the resources under their care, but no resource is more important than the potential of our children to learn. I ran for school board in the past and lost. But that has not slowed me down. I am dedicated to education and to having a school board that always acts responsibly. 

I will illustrate how the school board has not always acted responsibly. For years, past school board members, like Jim Markowski and Camillo Santemero, pleaded with the majority of the board for a greater set aside for maintenance. Now the proposed $91,000,000 bond issue is full of recommendations for repairs which resulted from the neglect of the past. Placing fiscal mismanagement aside, doesn't this suggest that our children have been attending some schools, which have been in disrepair for a long time? Moreover, these repairs will only benefit children years from now. 

I can assure you that when I am on the school board, this will not happen. The schools will be well maintained, and refurbished when needed and not when they get to the breaking point. Many things can wait. Children cannot. Their name is today. 

Phyllis, I don't know you, but I hope you know me a little better now. I am also a booster for our schools, but when you say "we have incredible schools" I trust you do not mean there is not much more to be done. The recent Facilities Committee report proves there is and there needs to be some change in the Board if it is to be done responsibly.

Sincerely yours,

Joseph P. Giardina

Mt. Kisco, NY 10549