A shamefully misconceived letter appeared in last week's paper complaining that Mayor Holzkamp was not at the scene of an unforeseen tornado while she was representing Glen Cove in our Sister City of Sturno.

Rambling on for countless paragraphs, the letter repeatedly states that the writer did not see the mayor at the site of the tornado. You need to read the endless letter to realize that the author knew that the mayor was in Italy at the time of the storm.

One of the most important marks of a great mayor is the ability to pick outstanding people to assist in serving the public. The fact of the matter is that Glen Cove's police, fire, municipal and emergency services were on the scene within minutes of the damage. Emergency shelter was made available immediately.

That outstanding effort was recognized by many of the area residents with whom I spoke. Several even mentioned that they would never again mind paying city taxes because of Glen Cove's prompt, continuous and remarkable response to the devastation.

In just two terms, Mary Ann Holzkamp is already one of this city's best mayors. She has consistently guided Glen Cove through profound challenges. From cleaning up the creek and removing the radioactive waste to bringing in a half a billion dollar redevelopment to successfully developing the Avalon to selecting first rate members of the city's boards to holding the line on taxes, we are lucky to have a leader with her vision, insight, intelligence, experience, compassion and strength.

Faulting the mayor for being in Italy during the storm is simply unfair. The writer failed to mention that the deputy mayor, representatives of the city council, assemblyman and county legislator were continually on the scene. So were the directors of Public Works and Emergency Services, the fire chiefs and our police department. The county executive, county emergency services, LIPA and Keyspan representatives were also present.

We have never seen any storm cause such extensive damage in Glen Cove. Those of us who live in this wonderful city ought to take great pride in the fact that the city's response was outstanding, power reconnected and the neighborhood restored as fast as it was. That success is in large measure a reflection of Mayor Holzkamp's leadership. To suggest otherwise is shameful.

Assemblyman Chuck Lavine