"If Gary Ackerman (D-Queens) thinks he can deceive the residents of East Northport to accept slum housing in our community, he is sadly mistaken," stated Grant Lally, in response to Congressman Ackerman's dealings with Housing Help on the Matinecock Court project in East Northport. Lally continues, "Ackerman's strong - arm tactics to place a low income housing project in East Northport again shows how he has complete disregard for the needs and desires of his constituents."

Ackerman, the Democratic Congressman from Jamaica, Queens, who represents much of the North Shore, was reported to take credit for this low - income housing project, took credit, two weeks ago, for brokering a "deal" to put a low income housing project in East Northport. Local residents, however, have taken a different view.

Residents have felt this project has been shoved down their throats. Following are some statements by East Northport residents:

"We always felt we were in the dark about (on Matinecock Court). They gave us a little information, but not enough." --Resident on Stony Hollow Court

"I do expect property values to go down." --Jim Worsdale

"I felt he was lying through his teeth about what low income housing is. It seems like housing help has declared war on East Northport...I am not going to pay $6,000 a year in property taxes to live next door to a slum." --William Egan

"The people who make these decisions don't live here."--Patricia Egan

"Gary Ackerman is a big - government liberal, who has spent his entire eighteen year political career pushing failed social welfare projects such as Matinecock Court at the expense of hard - working taxpaying American families," Lally concludes. "Ackerman for once should listen to his constituents, maybe even move into the Congressional district he represents, and put a stop to Matinecock Court. Residents of East Northport should retire Gary Ackerman in November."