It was recently announced that the district lines for the state assembly would change. When this occurs, our community will lose a true friend. Thomas Alfano has been the assemblyman for the 22nd District for six years. During his three terms in office, Assemblyman Alfano has really produced for our community in many ways. One of his most visible has been with grants for the West Hempstead School District and the refurbishing of the high school library far exceeding $ 1 million in aid. Assemblyman Alfano also spearheaded the New York State Hate Crimes Bill and is one of the top legislators on Long Island. When Assemblyman Alfano accomplished these jobs, he never had to be asked or made aware of any problems by any person or group. Because Assemblyman Alfano knows our neighborhood, he came to us knowledgeable of where problems existed with a true concern for our children and their education. Assemblyman Alfano has also been very willing to work with our civic associations and chamber of commerce, providing funding for important community projects.

These are just a few of the many ways Assemblyman Alfano has helped our community. But while working on the "big" jobs, Assemblyman Alfano has always been there for the individual resident by maintaining an "open door" policy with a local office in Franklin Square. Residents are always welcome to visit the assemblyman's office and speak to his staff when they have a problem. To me, Assemblyman Alfano has always been a prime example of the saying, "Actions speak louder than words." I am asking the residents of West Hempstead, Elmont and Franklin Square to write to Assemblyman Tom Alfano and ask him to fight to keep our district from being carved up.

Scott M. Jablow

President,

Cathedral Gardens Civic Association