Letter appeared in The Journal News November 16, 2007

This is response to the recent elections and the many resulting articles and letters to the editor regarding the bloc vote.

There has been an uneven playing field among the synagogues and the churches, mosques and halls in the Town of Ramapo for many years. It is obvious, even touted, that community leaders tell people who to vote for in every election. How is this happening? Is this a violation of their tax-exempt status? The leaders of other houses of worship in the town abide by this rule. They only speak about issues that relate to their beliefs, not about individual candidates.

Perhaps an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service into the political practices of synagogues during the next election cycle would help to level the playing field and would even out the vote as well!

Of course, it would also help if the people of Ramapo and Rockland County would actually read the paper and become acquainted with the issues and the candidates. Maybe then they would realize how important it is to vote. Use it or lose it! I hope it isn't too late.

Margaret McDaid
Chestnut Ridge