At Monday's New York State Legislative Task Force hearing in Smithtown, several community leaders voiced their support for their Assemblyman Tom Alfano and objected to a proposal to redraw the New York State Assembly lines so that the 22nd Assembly District, which Alfano represents would change.

If the proposal goes through, Alfano would lose representation of West Hempstead, Floral Park, Franklin Square and part of Elmont. However, the communities' outpouring of letters, coupons and in-person testimony may be enough to change the Task Force's mind so that Alfano's district would remain the way it is. At least, that is what Alfano and his supporters are hoping.

Assemblyman Alfano's Chief of Staff Scott Cushing said Alfano was overwhelmed by the support he received from 144 written letters, over 1,000 coupons and between 600 and 700 emails from constituents wanting Alfano to continue his service to their communities. "What we handed the Task Force was about four inches high of community input," Cushing said. "The people responded like nothing we've ever seen."

In addition, the Task Force heard in-person testimony from community leaders such as Elmont Board of Education members Aubrey Phillips, Joy Madera and Ken Williams in addition to Cathedral Gardens civic leader Scott Jablow, Elmont Superintendent of Schools Dr. Maria Palandra, Elmont library board member Cheryl Lee and Elmont American Legion member Tom Bennet.

"It was beyond an outpouring of support, it was a waterfall," Cushing said.

The New York State Legislative Task Force is in the process of reviewing the testimony and is likely to come out with new district lines next week. Cushing said Alfano's office is hoping the Assemblyman's district will remain the same.