Robert B. Ardis

25 Young Court

Chester, NJ 07930-2479

Tel: (908) 879-5806

Fax: (908) 879-6337

E-mail: rbardis@att.net

                                                                        September 13, 2004

Senator Frank R. Lautenberg

One Gateway Center, 23rd Floor

Newark, NJ 07102

Dear Frank:

            This is in reply to your letter of August 31, 2004, a copy of which I'm enclosing for your convenience.

            Although I really do appreciate the sympathy you extend to Lucent retirees who have had the surviving spouse death benefit that had been promised to them by AT&T as part of their pension package eliminated on a retroactive basis, what I'd appreciate even more is learning what you, as one of the most senior of our elected representatives, propose to do about it.  Sympathy alone really isn't very helpful.

            New Jersey is home to a lot of Lucent retirees who would look upon you as a hero if you were to take effective action.

            My very best regards.  I'm looking forward to your response.

                                                                        Sincerely,

Encl.