To The Editor: I am writing to express my disappointment in the comments made by Jack Sparks regarding the M.U.A. Christmas party. I was personally offended by Spark’s callous remarks. My husband works for the M.U.A., and I have met many of the workers whom Sparks accused of “eating cake while others can not afford bread.” I attended the Christmas party. The party was very low key; cash bar, no band, no dancing, no music, and no lobster. My husband has not been working for the M.U.A as long as most of the other employees. He is not as accustomed to the many dangers one faces every day because of the nature of the job. Therefore, he discusses potential work hazards each night at the dinner table as if he is reminding himself to focus on his safety and the safety of his co-workers. My husband is amazed at how jaded the long-term employees seem to be and by how casually they seem to perform dangerous activities without fear. These “Marie Antoinette’s” as Sparks refers to them have accepted employment that is dangerous, exhausting, and apparently, not appreciated. As a former elected official, it is Sparks’ voice and his opinion that represents the sentiment of the residents of our community. His statements were read by the M.U.A. employees, their spouses and their children. It is clear that Sparks is not a fan of the job these men and women do each day. Let me be the first to remind him that M.U.A. employees face many hazards. They crawl into confined spaces, mixing equipment, sludge rakes, pumps and mechanical devices used in sewage plants can maim, and even kill. Confined-space entry is one of the most serious hazards faced by M.U.A. workers. Confined spaces do not have adequate ventilation. Hazards can occur due to a deficiency of oxygen, the presence of a toxic chemical or an engulfing material, such as water. If the oxygen depletion is great enough individuals can become unconscious after one breath. Without rescue they can die within minutes. Even if rescued and resuscitated, permanent damage can occur. Toxic gases can be present in a confined space at a concentration level high enough to do serious harm, even kill. Because of these work hazards, the M.U.A. uses a buddy system when one employee is working in a confined space. It seems only reasonable to assume that one would wish that the person acting as a buddy when working in a confined space was also someone who was not suffering from “low morale.” Microbial hazards, which are primarily associated with the treatment of human and animal waste, also pose a threat to M.U.A. workers. The results of encountering microorganisms found in sewage treatment plants can also be irreversible. This hazard directly affects our family as my husband often comes home from work covered in unidentified dust and dirt from the sewage plant. I wash his work uniforms separate from the family’s other belongings because I cannot identify the debris or the smell of his work clothing. My husband and his co-workers are exposed to chemicals used to process human waste. A variety of chemicals are used. I can’t express how I feel when my husband says that he felt tired or nauseous at work. My biggest fear is that he may be exposed to something that will cause chronic illness. Despite all of this, he answers calls from the plant in the middle of the night on weekends and holidays, and he still seems to love his job. He believes the community is appreciative. He believes that the .008 cents that his dinner cost the ratepayer was graciously offered as a thank you during the holiday season. I would like to personally refund Sparks for his part of the expense. If he would be kind enough to forward his mailing address, I will send him 35 cents which should cover his out-of-pocket cost for the entire MUA staff. KAREN MATSINGER Cape May