I would like to take this opportunity to thank the residents of the Town of Hempstead for re-electing me to the office of supervisor this past Election Day. I have worked hard for you in the past, and I will continue to do the same in order to maintain your support.

Things are certainly moving forward here in the Town of Hempstead. For the year 2000, we have crafted a budget that holds the line on all town taxes. This difficult task has been accomplished by reducing our full-time staff and by refinancing the town's long-term debt at a lower rate of interest. In addition, we have scrutinized every line in the town's budget, looking for and finding ways to save money.

With belt-tightening measures, we have seen to it that the town enjoys a budget surplus for 2000 and we expect to hold the line on taxes again in 2001. We also enjoy the highest Moody's bond rating of any municipality here on Long Island. With a strong economy, the Town of Hempstead has established itself as an excellent location for new and relocated businesses. Attracting new business to the town also increases our tax base, and I continue to make that eventuality a high priority. We are moving forward with our plans to preserve open spaces and our recycling program is fast becoming one of the finest in the country.

We are moving forward with our plans to provide affordable first homes to lower income residents, and I am particularly happy with the expansion of our program that provides affordable housing for our senior residents. It is important to me that they be able to continue to live here in suburbia, close to their families and friends.

Many of you have already noticed the vast improvements made in many of our parks, and especially the new state-of-the-art playground areas that are delighting youngsters and their parents.

The town's website at www.townofhempstead.org, continues to grow and bring instant information to our residents 24 hours a day. The same 24-hour service is available by phone at 489-5000, by asking for the 24-hour town hall information line during the day, or simply by calling after business hours. Trained personnel with whom you may speak during business hours in order to get the help you may need with a governmental problem staff our "Helpline." You may reach the Helpline at 489-6000.

As we move rapidly into the year 2000, the Town of Hempstead remains an ideal place to live and raise a family. We continue to provide all the services you deserve and expect, and by doing so, we are maintaining the suburban character of our tree-lined neighborhoods. Thank you again for the confidence you have shown in me by returning me to office. Along with our hard-working town board and a concerned constituency, we intend to keep our township moving forward for generations to come.