Very often, our children would be forced to walk alone because there are no other children in the houses near them. They cannot follow the buddy system or walk in groups like in the 50's and 60's when every household had children. In fact, we have a wonderfully diverse community here of young and old working together, hand in hand, to make this the great community it is - each reaping benefits from the other. Thus, you have the lone child walking these well-traveled roads, often along the gutters in winter, dangerously close to traffic, as sidewalks are rarely cleared of snow. As the Plainview-Old Bethpage School District is quite unique in starting middle school as early as fifth grade, you will presumably see what we used to call elementary school children subject to the mileage criteria of older middle school children. Our high schoolers will be subjected to walk long distances to arrive at school by 7:30 a.m., before daylight during the winter months, and in the afternoon often returning home as the sun goes down carrying heavy backpacks, sports gear, music instruments, school projects, etc.

Our homes are considered our primary investment and our children and grandchildren our future. For a savings of less than approximately $2.80 per month, vote "no" on the busing referendum-proposition #3 in support of our community. In fact, with potential hidden costs any savings may be offset or substantially reduced. The safety and well being of our children cannot be compromised. We must collectively strive to keep our property values up by maintaining universal busing as our neighbors to the north, west and east so wisely do in Syosset-Woodbury, Jericho and Melville. It is our schools that attract the fine neighbors we have and provide the greatest foundation for our children. Our school district is the key to the resale value of our homes.

In conclusion, didn't we all move to suburban Long Island at one point or another to establish a better life for our children? On May 17 we look forward to our community overwhelmingly voting "yes" for the school budget, "yes" for library budget and "no" on the busing referendum-proposition #3. Please support the children on super Tuesday. Keep the buses rolling.

Carol Meschkow

President

Concerned Citizens of the

Plainview-Old Bethpage Community, Inc.