I am writing in response to "Supervisor Venditto Seeks Grant for Street Lighting Improvements" (Jan. 17)

The Public Information office of the Town of Oyster Bay issued a press release (which you published in full) informing residents that the town is seeking money from Republican State Senator Kemp Hannon for lighting improvements on various roads in the Town of Oyster Bay. These improvements consist of converting from low-pressure to high-pressure sodium lights to increase driver visibility at night. While noting that the town has already received $250,000 from the state for similar lighting improvements on roads in East Norwich, Hicksville, Oyster Bay Hamlet, Plainview, Syosset and Woodbury, the Republican appointees in the Public Information office conveniently neglected to mention that it was Assemblyman David Sidikman, a Democrat, who obtained the funds for this project.

When I first approached Assemblyman Sidikman with my concerns regarding the safety and efficiency of the yellow low-pressure streetlights along our major roads, he immediately stepped up to the plate to offer his assistance. Assemblyman Sidikman's tireless efforts resulted in the $250,000 grant from the Strategic Investment Program administered by the New York State Dormitory Authority to convert to safer and more efficient high-pressure lights on all major roads in the 13th Assembly District, which he represents.

On behalf of all the residents of Oyster Bay, I would like to thank Assemblyman Sidikman for his diligent efforts in seeing this project through to its completion.

Bonnie A. Eisler

Councilwoman