The story in the Manhasset Press ("King Kullen Re-Hearing Postponed For Now") regarding King Kullen's plans to build a supermarket and upgrade the Filene Shopping Center is, at best, misleading.

The Manhasset Press says, "Plans were made for a large contingent of residents to appear at the meeting to oppose the application." That word "large" means nothing. How large is large -- 50 people, 100, more, less? That is a small group compared to the thousands of Manhasset residents who believe the supermarket is in the best interests of, at least, the entire Manhasset community and who support the application. Your article would lead us to believe the opposite.

I understand that the group that continues to distribute inaccurate information about the project has made the charge that a King Kullen supermarket at the Filene's Shopping Center would bring in traffic from outside the area. That's ludicrous. Why would anyone from Mineola or New Hyde Park come to Manhasset to do food shopping when they have their own choice of supermarkets (which we don't have in Manhasset) in their own backyards? On the other hand, why should my family have to drive to Port Washington or Great Neck to shop in a clean and modern supermarket when there could be an alternative?

What would bring in crowds from outside the area, however, would be the kinds of large stores that are all over Roosevelt Field. Those opposing the King Kullen supermarket should consider this before continuing their battle.

If King Kullen is willing to spend its money to invest in our community and provide a needed service, we should support it. They have promised to take a deteriorating shopping center and give it a new life. What's wrong with that? Apparently, Supervisor Newburger and Councilman O'Connor agree and have had the courage to not buckle under to threats or pressure. They seem to be more interested in what's best for the residents of Manhasset than they are with playing politics. I applaud them and hope their colleagues on the Town Board will show similar courage and independence in the future.

It's time someone listened to the silent majority. And now's the time!