Last week's Letter to the Editor "YOM Grant Not Enough" was indeed very interesting to say the least and I'm not the least bit surprised that the author of the letter used this forum to trash all Republicans, while praising the Democrats. I'm also not surprised that the author left out an important fact from his tirade against our fiscally responsible Hempstead Republicans. His daughter holds one of those precious Democratic patronage jobs at the Town of Hempstead, as an aide to Democratic Councilwoman Kestenbaum.

Now for some more facts the author chose not to tell you...yes, it is true that unlike Nassau County, the Town of Hempstead has the best bond rating in New York state, has not raised town taxes in eight of nine years and has a 50 million dollar budget surplus. It has saved our residents a fortune of money by exercising prudent and careful spending practices. Nassau County has cut many worthwhile programs across our community but the Town of Hempstead cannot bail out each and every one of Nassau County's commitments across the board without suffering financially. Many of these worthwhile agencies are now forced to seek new sources for this desperately needed funding, are running leaner and are now exploring new avenues, never thought of before for their funding, while, simultaneously maximizing those public funds they do receive. The author refers to Hempstead Town's yearly funding of $45,000 and Kestenbaum's "modest" proposed increase of $33,000. That is an increase in funding to the tune of a "modest" 74 percent! To my knowledge our hard working residents don't see 74 percent increases in their yearly salaries to support this Democratic plan.

The author seems bent on trashing what he perceives as a lack of commitment by Hempstead Republicans, yet Republican committee chairman and Levittown resident Joseph Mondello has been a long time hard working member of the YOM executive board. Heartless Hempstead Republicans...I think not! Committed volunteers building our communities, yes, indeed.

Now I'd like to address the author's personal attack against me. My record and commitment to YOM speaks for itself. The author knows nothing of my history with this exceptional organization, much less discussed the subject with me. Even before I was a candidate for Hempstead town councilman, I have been involved with YOM for a number of years. I have experienced their great programs, laughed with the wonderful "seniors" that frequent the center, and witnessed the terrific job they do with our children. I have even taken money out of my own pocket to support these programs...has he?

I would caution the author to stop politicizing an important issue within our great community, and instead, expend his energy seeking new sources to assist this great asset (YOM) in Levittown. He should do all of this, before he suggests that we put our hand into the pockets of every hard working taxpayer in Levittown.