The quiet signals coming across the government/citizen barrier suggest strongly that Jerome Blue has few supporters in the Pataki administration. If they had their way, Blue would already be an unfortunate political footnote.

But the glue holding Blue in place is his relationship with U.S. Senator Al D'Amato. D'Amato controls the New York State Republican party, and the political debt owed to the Senator by Governor George Pataki is such that Blue has been untouchable.

The only way to get rid of Blue is to make it hard for Pataki to keep Blue at RIOC - harder than it is for him to bend the political relationship he has with D'Amato. That means a lot of noise is needed - the kind of noise that might threaten the ease with which Pataki expects to be reelected in November.

It is not easy for a New York City-based population of 8,000 to generate decibels at that level. But it can be done. The right clever notion - perhaps the T'Amato for D'Amato campaign outlined last Wednesday night at the Town Meeting - can eventually get state-wide attention if necessary. The right positioning - Roosevelt Island as just another small town David facing the Goliath of State politics - can capture the imagination of the folks out Syracuse way.

It can be done. The WIRE's editorial position on all this is clear: We're in concert with RIRA in believing Blue should go as rapidly as can be managed. So to facilitate the loud sound that appears to be needed to get the attention of the folks in Albany, we've provided a coupon on page 3.

Please: Fill one out, then fax it and/or mail it, and add your voice to the attention-getting cacophony that needs to rise from this Island now.

Mo

In politics, they talk about momentum: Who has the "mo?" is the question throughout any political season.

As of Wednesday night, Roosevelt Island residents had it.

In the past, though, the anger of residents at Jerome Blue's RIOC administration has come and gone in waves that rise when somebody's ox is gored, then fall when the wound is healed.

But the community has always been able to coalesce around the Tram, whenever it has been threatened. And now that it's running again, there's a genuine danger that momentum will be lost - momentum that otherwise could nurture the campaign to remove Jerry Blue from the Presidency of RIOC, get a democratic hand in the governing of this Island, bring Console Operators back to the Tramway, or any of several other goals that significant segments of the community can embrace.

So if you feel satisfied that the Tram is back, and might consider relaxing, don't. The Tram, and the rest of the Island, are in continuing jeopardy from the inept and uncommunicative management at RIOC. The problem won't be solved until Blue is gone, and the only way to make that happen is to keep the pressure on and keep it building.

Hang in there. The job may nearly be done, so don't let minor maneuvers throw this community off its stride.

If you're wondering what you might do, specifically, use the Dear Governor coupon on page 3. Then call 935-7534 to register your interest in helping with the Residents Association's activities and campaigns, or use the volunteer coupon page 3. You'll find it a satisfying experience, and a great way to get to know your neighbors.

Pearls

I've been thinking a lot lately about my two friends named Pearl. Clarissa, too, and Sophia, Lawrence, David, Seif, Sherie, Matt and Myrna and many others who labor, virtually unacknowledged, to bring The WIRE to you every two weeks.

Those are names of just a few of many who might stuff advertising circulars into the paper when we have them, then deliver the paper to your door. Others, with names like Kay and Frances and Sharon, take on other tasks.

To my mind, they are the spirit of Roosevelt Island: Ready to pitch in and serve the community, have a little fun doing it, and be involved.

If you'd like to thank them, as I do, put your name on the volunteer form on page 3, and send it in. Join the Pearls.