As a past president of the West Birchwood Civic Association, I would be betraying a great friend of this community if I chose to ignore the comments of those few uninformed individuals attending the last meeting of the United Civic Associations of North Oyster Bay, who dared to suggest Councilman Len Symons is closed-minded or too reticent during town hearings.

Councilman Symons' record speaks for itself. He stood for his constituents' best interests on every issue I can remember and I have always maintained that Len Symons' concern for all the people has transcended politics.

He championed night meetings of Town Hall so all of us could participate in town government and introduced an intern program to allow student participation and appreciation in government. He has been outspoken on numerous issues at town board meetings such as senior housing, new construction projects and environmental issues, to name a few.

He chaired meetings on graffiti and the recodification of our zoning laws and led volunteers annually in saving our beaches by protecting the sand dunes. He drew up plans and legislation to protect the frail and elderly from natural disasters and is highly deserving of our deepest respect and appreciation.

This community, for one, will never forget his support and concern throughout our battle against the Westbury Drive-in redevelopment plan.

Len Gutterman