(Editor's Note: The following two Letters to the Editor are written in response to a letter published in the March 25 edition of the Levittown Tribune regarding Progress House.)

I live in this community and want what's best for it so that it remains a safe and comfortable place to raise my children. You see, I have just as much a right to be heard as you do. The fact that you work at Progress House as a salaried New York State employee and do not live in this community should actually disqualify you from this argument, but I digress.

First and foremost, Mr. Warner, the accomplishments that you have achieved are something to be proud of. It is truly inspiring that you have been able to continue with your college education while overcoming whatever obstacles that life has put in your way. I salute you for your persistence. It is truly a great nation we live in that makes it possible for someone who is unable to work to go to college full time while collecting disability.

That being said, what amazes me about both your letter and Mr. Reilly's (whom I was responding to) is your ability to use a sarcastic and condescending tone while making reference to your achievement of a higher education and intellectual superiority over someone like me. I am obviously not as open-minded or enlightened as both you and Mr. Reilly.

What I am, however, is a realist, who sees what goes on around him. All of my statements were based on personal observations and encounters not "hearsay" and, unlike you I acknowledge that there are other people living their lives where I live mine. What that means, Mr. Warner, is that I believe in respecting one's neighbors. There is to be a certain amount of give and take in our lives, and in the proposed Progress House expansion there has been a lot of proposed taking but no giving.

In my letter I based my argument on facts and not emotion. In yours you asked: "Are you afraid that we might pollute your breathing space?" Only the 30 or so persons smoking in front of the building throughout the day. "Do you feel we might become an uncontrollable army of misfits bent on destroying what quality of life you cherish? Give me a break!" No, Mr. Warner give me a break. Why do you belittle my "cherished quality of life"? You have done much to better yours through education but my family's quality of life is of no importance to you. You sir, are selfish. My taxes, that paid your disability benefits and now your salary, greatly improved your quality of life so have some respect for mine. There is no coexistence in your world, only what else can society do for me. That kind of thinking does nothing to promote your cause. You made reference to your educational accomplishments in your letter, all of which were attained while you were unable to work. You're welcome.

As I stated in my earlier letter, if there is a need for Progress House to expand in order to assist more residents of Nassau County, open a second location in another town.

Joseph G. Siclari

This letter is written in response to Donald Lee Warner's letter dated March 25, 2004 in reference to Progress House and its move to the old PC Richard's building on Hempstead Turnpike.

Sir, I think it is laudable that you spent the last 13 years turning your life around and pursuing academic achievements. I, on the other hand, have spent the last 13 years paying off student loans, raising a family in this community, paying ever increasing taxes, and trying to maintain a quality of life that I have work hard to achieve.

Your letter asserts that a visit to Progress House is necessary for us to see the whole picture of what goes on there. When I see the dozens of able-bodied individuals standing around outside Progress House every afternoon smoking and panhandling I believe I get the picture.

You seem shocked that people are hesitant about letting substance abusers and individuals with mental health problems into our community. I do not believe you are being truly objective. We are merely putting the need for safety and well being for the whole community ahead of a few individuals. You mentioned the support you receive from the communities of Wantagh and Massapequa. Perhaps you can suggest to the directors of Progress House, that the facility find larger space in one of those communities.

Lastly, Mr. Warner, you are upset that anyone would challenge the idea of relocating and enlarging Progress House to a building that is adjacent to our library, a town pool and playground. Unfortunately, we live in a time when we need to be constantly on guard. As the recent tragic events in the Jessica Lunsford case in Florida pointed out yet again that we, as a community, have the right to say who is in close proximity to our children.

Thomas Wilson