In the June 24 edition of the Farmingdale Observer regarding the Republic Airport Commission's tabling the taxiway runway resolution, Gary Lewi is dead on with his assessment that there is misinformation that is being supplied to the public. I would also agree the issue with Republic is one of safety, and as it stands now and according to the FAA the airport is safe.

According to Mr. Lewi's statement, the residents living in the hamlets surrounding the airport are responsible for this misinformation out there. Well, he should know better than to make a statement belittling those who live here, without facts.

The fact is that the commissioner of the NYS DOT 22 years ago in 1983, sent a letter to then Senator Levy (and provided to the community), specifically stating that the narrow taxiway runway separation helps preclude the airport from ever becoming a jet port. If this is dismissed as old news, then how do we ever trust, or be able to verify the veracity of statements made by those who represent us? And if this is old news now, then what happens in 22 years? Today's actions then mean nothing, and those running Republic in the future could do as they please.

Now I ask you, who is spreading misinformation?

The state in their wisdom 22 years ago saw the importance of this narrow taxiway runway separation. Why is Mr. Lewi so quick to dismiss these facts and blame the residents of the hamlets in the area for spreading misinformation when clearly, in black and white, it is those representing Republic spreading misinformation?

Kevin R. Norton

(former president of the Residents of East Farmingdale Civic Association, Inc.)