I would like to comment on the article printed in the Anton North Hempstead editions this week, regarding the currently proposed town 2005 budget.

The article was totally absent of any substance as it relates to Republican and good government concerns. The proposed budget evidences a complete failure on the part of the supervisor and his administration to recognize the issues and concerns that should be at the fore, and is replete with misguided priorities.

For example:

* The proposed budget has no increase in funding for code enforcement, the Town's number one problem and quality of life issue. Angelo Ferrara, the lone Republican on the board has called for the hiring of at least five more code enforcement officers, yet Anton failed to mention that.

* The proposed budget raises elected official and appointed patronage employee salaries by up to a whopping 33 percent.

* The proposed budget spends precious taxpayer dollars on the frivolous and unnecessary "311" system.

The Anton papers complete lack of critical analysis of the proposed budget is unfortunate, but the town's taxpayers (the highest taxed town residents in New York State) need to know the facts.

I find it amusing that the supervisor thinks he and his colleagues "deserve" a raise, to become the highest paid supervisor in New York State. I also find it ridiculous that he would point to the much criticized and outrageous Long Island school superintendent salaries as justification. It evidences a complete lack of understanding of the Town's needs and resources, and a complete insensitivity to the taxpayers. The supervisor is finding revenue to raise his own pay and significantly increase his own staff, while town programs and issues remain un-addressed. If Mr. Kaiman thinks he should be earning more money, he should go back to the private sector. He was elected knowing what his salary would be and he should be willing to work for that pay, and not ask the overburdened taxpayers to pay him more.

The administration has accomplished nothing since it was elected, and certainly does not warrant any kind of pay raise. The supervisor is content to govern by press release, not by action.

The Anton papers should at least let the residents know they are being fleeced.

Peter I. Cavallaro

Chairman, North Hempstead Republican Committee, Westbury