We would like to take a moment to acknowledge the recent support the opposition has received regarding KeySpan's proposed 250 Megawatt Spagnoli Road Power Plant. It is very hard to sustain community momentum after a year-and-a-half battle. However, the Plainview-Old Bethpage School District's Board Resolution last month opposing the plant, as well as similar sentiments from PTA Council and many of our PTA units and families, has been a catalyst for renewed interest.

As I said in our last letter, the public's opportunity to voice their opinion during the Siting process is nearing the end and requires immediate action from our community. Despite what you may have heard, the wattage is available to keep the lights on while repowering older polluting plants to gain significant efficiency, clearer atmosphere and eliminate the need of costly power plant construction with their associated risky long-term energy contracts. With such contracts in place, where is the incentive for conservation and repowering?

To learn more about this issue, and for updates and important links concerning this environmental risk to our community, visit our website at: www.concernedcitizenspob.org. We urge you to familiarize yourself quickly and either call the governor at 1-(212) 681-4580 or clip, sign and forward the following note to his attention at: Governor of the State of New York, Hon. George E. Pataki, Executive Chambers, The State Capitol, Albany NY 12247

"Dear Governor Pataki,

Say NO to KeySpan's unnecessary, polluting proposal for a 250 Megawatt Power Plant on Spagnoli Road within a five-mile radius of 115,000 of your constituents and less than two miles away from thousands of school children. This plant violates local zoning that has been crafted to protect the public health and will be situated dangerously close to Republic Airport. Say YES to our environment. Support energy alternatives, conservation and comprehensive master planning. Be a guardian for your residents! Thank You.

In closing, we applaud the Town of Oyster Bay for not caving in during the Siting process as their counterparts in Huntington did. The town's continued concern for its residents is appreciated. We also would like to commend the Plainview-Old Bethpage Board of Education for taking a stand. Hopefully, other surrounding school districts will follow suit in opposing this plant. Of course, thank you to all of the residents and families who have signed cards and petitions, attended meetings and sent letters. No matter how bleak one hears the outcome may be, you have to be "in it to win it." So, don't wait, act now!

Carol Meschkow, president

Concerned Citizens of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Community, Inc.