Along the way to that victory, Ms. Pope had some bitter fights.

Ms. Pope has served as chief of staff to Senator Mitchell since 1989.

"Sometimes we need to replace old dancers with better ones," Ms. Pope said.

Dancers are paid "over $100 a game and a little less for rehearsals," Ms. Pope said.

Ms. Pope says the typical dancer stays with the team for about three years.

Ms. Pope was first appointed to the three-member board in 2000 and served until her term expired last year.

"We negotiated to keep them open and gave concessions," Ms. Pope said.

Ms. Pope said the company was using half its 33-acre site in Westbury.

Ms. Pope acknowledged that mail in the time of anthrax may require special precautions.

"Management owns the policy, but the people own the culture," Ms. Pope said.