Having attended the August 1 community forum regarding saving Southampton College, the absence of Assemblyman Fred Thiele was glaringly noted.

I then read in your paper that Mr. Thiele "decided not to attend the rally after learning that Mr. Gumbs was a scheduled speaker" ["Tribe Pledges Fight Over a Campus Sale," August 5]. Does this mean that Mr. Thiele will not appear at any forum where there might be people who disagree with him?

Mr. Thiele, are you that insecure?

Anyone can hide and chide from afar—we expect better from our elected officials.

P.S. It should be noted that Mr. Thiele's Democratic opponent, Treewolf West, was in attendance at the rally.

MELISSA BISHOP
Westhampton Beach

Ms. Bishop is campaign manager for Marge Schaub, who is a Democratic candidate for the State Senate, and who attended the forum—Ed.