(Editor's Note: The following letter was originally sent to Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray and is being printed here at the author's request.)

Thank you for your kind response and for forwarding my letter to Mr. Kessel. I am so glad that there is genuine interest in this community to be progressive and more forward and address the global warming problem in a responsible way. On an individual level, clean energy supply to homeowners should be made a viable option and reduce energy costs for them.

I am aware of the current, state and federal tax incentives; however they are not enough for the average resident in Levittown to make the choice to go solar. I am personally installing a system on my roof and the cost is almost $20,000 out-of-pocket after all current incentives. This is not a realistic figure for many homeowners in Levittown to make the investment.

The federal and state tax incentives for residents are too low. Also I would like to see the limitation for residential tax credits on PV/thermal become "unlimited" as they are for a commercial property. It is prudent and timely that the federal/state government show full support for residential green building energy initiatives for the residential taxpayers.

I think of some of my neighbors who would so greatly benefit from solar energy as they are struggling to keep up with the cost of living. Two parent incomes, elderly, handicapped and single parent groups here in Levittown would do this if it was financially reachable. On another level I do not think that is correct that lower middle class families be deprived of the new technology that could ease their bills and contribute to a clean environment. We can make it happen here with government help, foundations and/or grants.

I will send my response to Mr. Kessel with ideas and suggestions keeping the vision clear about a community initiative using incentives for the homeowners. I am encouraged by your continued support for a clean environment and very proud to be a resident here. Please let me know what I can do further to assist your office in this regard.

Deanna Samuels