I have been reading with great interest all the articles and letters concerning the lapse of the Fox Navigation Ferry Service out of Glen Cove. (I say "lapse" because I have every faith the mayor will restore the service.) The focus has been the inconvenience it will be to the riders who are used to a shorter, more comfortable commute. As a non-ferry rider, I would like to shed some light on why I want the ferry to run.

At the inception of service, there were approximately 400 riders commuting on three ferries in the morning and three in the evening. Many of these riders are not Glen Cove residents. I see 400 people driving through Glen Cove in the morning, stopping at our delis, gas stations, donut shops and convenience stores.

I see 400 people driving through Glen Cove in the evening, picking up groceries, dining in our fine restaurants, stopping for a videotape or a manicure. When run by a more competent company who makes commuting by waterway their main business and not just a way to displace casino funds, I see a thousand people passing through our town, using the best Glen Cove has to offer and thus helping our retailers and ultimately, our town, to flourish.

Glen Cove, a waterfront city, needs a ferry service, to attract businessmen and women as well as people day tripping to New York. We need it as the anchor to our new waterfront area, we need it as the adrenaline shot our retail economy needs and we need it to keep Glen Cove the unique city it has always been.

Tom Suozzi, we need your help as well. This is your town, your vision. Make sure you assist Mayor Holzkamp in bringing both your dreams to fruition.

Jonathan Carthew