(The following letter was sent to County Executive Thomas Gulotta and is printed here at the author's request.)

I am writing to you today on behalf of countless angry Long Island Bus riders who have expressed their concerns to my office about the proposed transportation service cuts by Nassau County. With ridership growing at a rapid rate in the county and on Long Island, I don't understand how reducing the county's bus service is even an option for you at this time.

There has to be an alternative plan to this unpopular idea that will leave thousands of Long Island commuters stranded. Reducing this transportation service will also add to a host of problems that already exist in Nassau County. Traffic will increase on our highways and we will experience setbacks in our attempt to reduce air pollution problems.

I regret having to write this letter, but this is not an issue that can just be dismissed. People rely on these buses for many reasons, most especially to get to work. Once again, you are choosing an option that hits our most vulnerable population. This simply cannot happen.

I ask that you please consider other options to reduce the county's debt before disrupting the lives of residents that depend on Long Island Bus.

May W. Newburger,

Supervisor, Town of North Hempstead