On June 23 there was a press release which stated that the

Hempstead Town Board granted $45,000 to the Levittown Community Center called Yours, Ours, Mine. Due to the Nassau budget crisis, YOM lost 63.5 percent of its funding which adds up to $200,000 in lost revenue. YOM depends on government funds and private donations to survive.

For the past 12 years the Town has awarded that very same amount, only this time they were 6 months late in doing so. The Republican "good guys" figured they better donate this routine grant with a photo opportunity obviously trying to appear "concerned" about our community.

Councilwoman Rita Kestenbaum tried to grant a modest increase of $33,000 to YOM, but unfortunately the Republican majority defeated the measure with Supervisor Guardino's tie breaking vote. Ms. Kestenbaum, who will not be running in our district due to the recent historic decision changing the election laws of Nassau Hempstead Town elections, has showed more concern about our institutions in Levittown than our own Levittown representatives.

Where is your voice Dennis Dunne, our legislator? Where is your voice Mr. Hudes who is the Republican candidate for councilman? YOM could have used that extra cash to continue doing the vital work of its alcohol and drug rehabilitation center which is the only local facility of its kind.

What is Mr. Guardino waiting for, a Medal of Honor for his $50 million surplus? Do you not think that the people's money might not help this very worthy community center. It's just a grain of sand in your surplus. Is it not a pretty good investment to avoid a potential Columbine disaster in our own community? How many troubled people do you suppose might have been saved from themselves by the noble work the people of YOM and its hard-working Director, Mr. Edmondson, has achieved.

I hate to call this Republican policy heartless, but it is. Good government is not merely surplus hoarding, but a commitment also to spend these needed dollars for the less fortunate amongst us. Not to disparage fiscal responsibility, but we need to use a portion of these savings for the benefit of our community as a safety net from the disastrous policies of our Republican County Executive.