As a lifelong resident of Hicksville, I would like to reply to Dave Staton's letter of January 14. By reading Dave's letter one could come away with the impression that Tom Clark is up to no good and doing things that are not in the best interest of Hicksville. I would like to go on record as objecting to this impression. When Tom Clark was a town councilman he always kept his distance from the type of meetings Mr. Staton spoke about. Tom Clark is no longer a "town official" and can freely attend these meetings with no implied conflict of interest. Tom Clark is currently employed by the town but so are countless others.

To imply that Tom Clark is not interested in the quality of life for that area is absurd. Perhaps Mr. Staton is unaware that Tom Clark lives in that very neighborhood and has raised ten children there. I have known Tom Clark for a number of years and I can honestly state that he is one of the most dedicated people you will ever meet. As a councilman and now as a town employee, he has more honesty and integrity than many people who only do and say things for selfish motivations.

What Mr. Staton failed to point out in his letter is that technically neither of these plants needs to close. Which is the lesser of two evils? Upgrading one plant and building much needed senior citizen housing, or continuing to operate two plants?

Darlene Skaee