I recently had the opportunity to read an article in the Aug. 28 edition of the Massapequan Observer discussing the candidacy of Benjamin Podgor. Mr. Podgor is challenging incumbent Assemblyman Steve Labriola in this election.

In referring to the Long Island Power Authority's (LIPA) takeover of LILCO, Mr. Podgor contends that LIPA is not paying school or property taxes. This is patently untrue.

The Long Island Power Authority is required by statute to pay all state and local taxes that LILCO would have paid. Thus, local governments and school districts are not losing one dime in tax revenues as a result of the LIPA takeover of LILCO.

The LIPA plan is of tremendous benefit to the people of Massapequa and all other Long Islanders. As you can see from your electric bills, rates have already been reduced by over 20 percent. This is the largest single across-the-board rate reduction in the United States of America. Ratepayers will soon be receiving refunds of $232 and will continue to receive the same reliable service they are accustomed to.

I commend Assemblyman Labriola for his support of the LIPA plan. This bi-partisan proposal, advanced by Governor Pataki, has finally delivered rate relief to long suffering consumers.

Richard M. Kessel