We are writing in response to the article, "More Graffiti Tags Appear in Farmingdale Village" which appeared in the Dec. 5 edition of the Farmingdale Observer.

Unfortunately, gang activity exists everywhere and on all levels from Mepham to MS13. It is a very sad sign of our times. While we must be vigilant, we cannot be rash. Fear mongering can be more lethal to a community than any gang activity. We have to accept the fact that gangs exist but be careful not to provide the fertile environments in which they grow.

It would do us all well to heed the advice of our experienced professionals who deal with this issue on a daily basis. Inspector George Gudmundsen, commanding officer of the 8th Police Precinct of Nassau County and a member of the Nassau County Gang Taskforce, urges us to keep things in perspective. Officer Gudmundsen states, "We have seen an uptick in gang activity but it is very small compared to other areas - I have not seen any increase in gang criminal activity [in Farmingdale]. It has not been reflected in police reports."

It is also important to keep in mind that adolescents seek membership in gangs for "protection" and the need to identify with a powerful force. Gangs fester and thrive where there are intimidated and vulnerable populations. Mr. Grello asks for the schools to offer seminars to educate parents on the issue and Mr. Gudmundsen suggests channeling children and adolescents into positive educational and athletic activities so they do not fall prey to the allure of gangs. While these suggestions are noteworthy, they are surface and general. We, as parents and community leaders must address the specific root causes of gang membership. Low self-esteem, lack of purpose, loneliness and materialism are a few.

Therefore, we should study these causes and offer programs that specifically target them. For example, some appropriate topics for seminars would be those that center on building self-esteem, encouraging tolerance by promoting the value of diversity, identifying the culprit of consumerism, educating about all types of abuse and giving concrete strategies for dealing with the bullies in our midst. The cornerstone of these programs should be the worth and dignity of every human being.

Remember, however, that good programs are not effective without the follow through of effective community action.

To blame the day laborers for the gang activity in Farmingdale is akin to The Witch-Hunt of Salem. FCVS has worked with the day laborers for the last four years. We find them to be sensitive, upstanding, courageous, and self-reliant. We have much to learn from them. Even though they struggle daily to provide for their basic needs, they are strong of heart and grateful for what they have. They are determined in spirit. They are a pleasure to serve.

As our contribution to responsible community action, FCVS, HOLA and the Day Laborers of Farmingdale will host occasional informational forums. We invite anyone seeking earnest dialogue on this issue to attend. If you would like to be put on the mailing list, please send a "SAE" to:

FCVS

PO BOX 4031

Farmingdale, NY 11735

Janet Liotta, president, for Farmingdale Citizens for Viable Solutions and Cristina Ruiz Diaz, president, for HOLA of Farmingdale.