(The following letter to Congressman Gary Ackerman is printed here at the writer's request).

The recent developments in the choosing of a Democratic candidate for Nassau County Executive have prompted us to write this letter. Two of us are registered Democrats, and two are registered Republicans. We join together in our distaste for these recent developments.

We have always been active participants in election campaigns for candidates that we truly felt could make a difference. Thomas Suozzi is one of those candidates. It seems he was once the ideal candidate for you, too. We can vividly recall political fund raisers at the Metropolitan Club in Glen Cove given by the Friends of Tom Suozzi where you gave praise to Tom. You called him the "Rising star of the Democratic Party and a man of vision and finally, the next Nassau County Executive." Also present at this affair as well as another function at a private home was Thomas DiNapoli. After you delivered your speech, Mr. DiNapoli applauded, gave a similar speech, and no mention was ever made regarding his interest in the county executive post. His actions showed us all that he was truly behind Mr. Suozzi in his quest. We want to know what happened, as all of this occurred less than one year ago.

Your "about-face," clearly says that you are a man who looks out for himself. How else can you explain how you endorse Mr. DiNapoli, a candidate who we feel clearly lacks the credentials to govern Nassau County. This county, with its diverse population and complex problems needs and deserves more. You should know that. You, however, chose the selfish path. You back the man who controls the Democratic Party who can help you in your political future, instead of the man who can do the job. By nominating and endorsing Mr. DiNapoli you sent a message loud and clear to your constituents that says, "I look out for me."

You are not the type of man that we want representing us in Congress. We want elected officials who work for us, not for their own political future. We need someone who has the conviction and guts to do what is right.

As of this writing, it has come to our attention that Mr. Sidikman has also thrown his hat into the ring for Mr. DiNapoli. I wonder if he remembers his passionate speech at the North Shore Day School at the kick-off of Tom Suozzi's campaign. He told hundreds of people that Tom Suozzi was indeed "the man." This, by the way, was only a few months ago. How I wish that I could say, "Let's go to the videotape." It would make for interesting viewing.

We have asked the newspapers to print this letter because we feel that the people who you represent should know firsthand that their elected officials do not look toward the good of the county and the people who live in it. They clearly look out for themselves.

Tom Suozzi is the only candidate for county executive. We know it, and in your hearts, you, DiNapoli, and Sidikman know it. We are confident that with an all-out campaign throughout the county, the rest of the residents of Nassau will know it.

All we can say is shame, shame, shame on you all.

Benita Hill

Edmund Hill

Thomas Molesky

Diane Molesky