Wednesday's recount showing that voters defeated the referendum on the proposed sale of a portion of Riverside Park by 19 votes has to have Mayor-elect Daryl Justin Finizio second-guessing his political theatrics of the prior day.

At the time Mr. Finizio conducted his Tuesday press conference/pep rally at Riverside Park, the Nov. 8 vote showed the referendum on the sale to the Coast Guard Academy passing by 13 votes. For some reason the incoming mayor thought that was the best time to offer his opinion - backed by a law director perhaps hoping for reappointment in his administration - that the $2.9 million sale would be illegal, regardless of the vote.

The closing date of Nov. 14 listed in the report had passed, he noted. And the city's legal obligation to replace the park land with other open space was unfulfilled. Mr. Finizio made it clear that as mayor he would make no effort to address these matters and sell the property, even if mandated by vote. After all, had he not opposed the sale as a candidate?

Mr. Finizio has to recognize that, in retrospect, he damaged his credibility needlessly. He should have waited for the recount. In fact he should have waited until his swearing-in on Dec. 5 to inject himself into the matter.

He's fortunate the recount produced a no vote. A yes vote combined with his refusal to adhere to it would have gotten his term off to a controversial start. Now he can put the matter behind him, relatively unscathed by his political blunder.

Ironically, Mr. Finizio had argued there was no need for a recount, since in his opinion the deal was dead regardless. Had he had his way the public would still be under the impression the measure passed. Brilliant!

As for the vote reversal itself, we are disappointed. The fact that the registrars made a 32-vote mistake on election night is troubling. Other towns with recounts got it right.

This newspaper thought it was in the city's best interest to work with the Coast Guard Academy, providing it the land it needs to expand, while using the sale proceeds to improve the remaining nine acres of the park.

But the people have spoken and everyone should accept their verdict. Mr. Finizio has said he will work with the academy to try to find a way to meet their space needs in some other fashion. He should.

Our new mayor and the incoming councilors have vowed that Riverside Park will no longer be neglected, regardless of the vote. Those who showed such great interest in saving the park must continue to show that interest now that it is saved.