As active and proud participants in the Society to Preserve Underhill, we have worked closely with Joe Lorintz on a number of local environmental issues for the past four years. We are appalled at the slanderous full-page, negative ads that appeared attacking him in many area weekly newspapers. The authors of this scurrilous ad ponied up thousands of dollars to castigate a private citizen and, by implication, all those people who have worked so hard to save Nassau's few remaining open spaces from development.

Somehow, the authors of this ad neglected to list their own names, their organization's address or their group's phone number. Why do this? Who or what is driving them to waste so much money on a political attack ad?

Joe Lorintz is not an elected town board member whose salary is paid by the taxpayers. Our councilpersons should strive to lead by example and respect all legitimate opinions and not resort to malicious misrepresentation and name calling when they can't get their way.

Nothing can replace the countless hours away from his family and the personal and financial sacrifices Joe Lorintz has made on behalf of Underhill, our drinking water and protecting our environment. We are proud to stand with him. If he can be accused in such a vengeful fashion, are we next on their list? Where does it end?

Richard and Lisa Schary

Members of the Society to Preserve Underhill