(Editor's note: The following letter was sent to William M. Flynn, chairman of the New York State Department of Public Service and Richard M. Kessel, chairman of LIPA and is being reprinted here at the author's request.)

Electrical service is critical to both the business and residential communities on Long Island. Over the years, LILCO and now Keyspan have provided satisfactory service with minimal outages.

National Grid has experienced a questionable service record upstate and in other service areas. It is of priority importance that before National Grid is permitted to buy out Keyspan, business and residential representatives be afforded the opportunity to ask questions and obtain all the pertinent facts.

I implore you to arrange for public hearings before LIPA and/or the PSC, before this transaction is allowed to be finalized.

I await hearing from you on this important matter.

Robert J. Zafonte
President, East Meadow Civic and Community Service Association