LETTERS: Assessments, immigration, LIPA

American dream

is alive and well

A letter writer recently expressed concern that immigrants are being denied the American dream ["Welcome immigrants," Letters, Jan. 2]. I can personally assure her this is not so.

I am a legal resident alien who has been blessed to live in the United States and achieve all my dreams. For the record, I learned to speak English, paid my taxes and worked my way through a master's level education. I support the U.S. economy by spending my money here and not sending my earnings out of the country.

There's a huge difference between legal and illegal immigration. One enhances America, and the other is an enormous burden on the shoulders of our great democracy. Why is this such a difficult concept to grasp?

Niki Haan

Port JeffersonAssessment freeze won't fix problems

The assessment freeze ["Nassau property freeze," News, Jan. 8] will do nothing to correct the problems we have, unless the underlying expenses are reduced. The freeze will only help the poor lawyers who have a harder time challenging the lower assessments now.

As a real estate agent, I'm amazed how many homeowners feel their homes are worth less when they receive their assessment and much more when they are placing their home for sale. Unreported improvements and outdated comparatives by the county add to the inaccuracy.

If the law were changed to charge homeowners back three years when they sell their home for more than its assessed value, or to allow the county to reassess up or down in response to a homeowner's challenge, we might see a start to equality and equity. We should also adjust down immediately an assessment that is higher than the sale price of a home for the new buyer; it's only fair.

Rony Kessler

Franklin SquareCompetition welcomeAfter 10 years, it finally looks like the attempt to deregulate the power-generation industry may happen ["Utilities vie to operate LIPA's power grid," News, Jan. 8]. The Long Island Power Authority is soliciting grid operators other than the current London-based National Grid.

This is a positive development, in light of the millions of dollars in penalties the Public Service Commission has levied against National Grid for failing service measures around New York State. Furthermore, with National Grid already the largest natural gas distributor on the East Coast, having a different grid operator will foster competition.

Hopefully, LIPA can use this as a first step in turning itself into a true municipal power company, like Freeport has, where rates are significantly lower.

Mark Seratoff

NorthportEditor's note: The writer is coordinator of the Sustainable Energy Alliance of Long Island.