Just a short time ago, on Election Day, the residents of the Town of Hempstead "sent a message" to the Republican Party. Instead of voting for the most qualified candidates, they voted against some of the finest governmental officials, we in Levittown, could possibly have representing our community.

In the process, by simply voting against a party to "send this message," we never examined the qualifications of those that would win by default. We listened to the rhetoric of the many Democrats claiming to be intent on smaller, leaner government. We heard plenty from the "new Democrats," claiming to be dressed in white, riding the white stallion to the rescue. But already, in last week's Newsday, we see that "political patronage" is alive and well in the Democratic Party. The new Democratic Council people have negotiated six full time assistants and one part-timer. In last week's Levittown Tribune we are proudly told by our new Democratic Councilwoman-elect, of her new staff "aide" from our community. So much for leaner government and campaign promises!

I, for one, hope that the courts divide the Town of Hempstead into councilman districts, so that Levittown can again have one of our own, qualified residents representing our needs. Gary Hudes and Linda Reed wrongfully got tossed out with the bath water. The Town of Hempstead is in fabulous financial shape with a budget surplus, and hasn't had a tax increase in eight of the last nine years. Hudes and Reed ultimately paid the price for the wrongs of the Nassau County government, of which they had no part.

These two individuals have spent years upon years showing their commitment to our community as volunteer community activists, long before they accepted their positions on the town board.

I regret that many did not vote for the most qualified individuals, and now we must deal with the consequences!

Gary Crozier