Viewpoint: March 11, 2010

Paterson Watch, Final Edition

It turns out that Governor Paterson’s biggest mistake was his controversial and unprecedented appointment of a replacement Lieutenant Governor last year. If he had not appointed Richard Ravitch, then State Senator Malcolm Smith would still be next in the line of succession and there would have been no calls for resignation. Kharma.

There is a weird divergence as of the moment this is being written. It’s clear that the Albany establishment and the media are just tired of Governor Paterson and want to hit the reset button. Meanwhile, a Marist College poll taken on March 1-2 found that 61 percent of New Yorkers preferred that Paterson finish out the year and his term in office (plus or minus 2.8 points due to the margin of error). This would be the perfect setting for a recall referendum in which voters decide the Governor’s fate, up or down (the way Californians dumped Governor Grey Davis in 2003). Many states allow recall votes on local officials and state legislators, too; local mayors in New Jersey were tossed by voters in 1994 and 2006. Not in New York. This possibility is just one of the reasons leaders in both major parties and other organizations invested in the status quo have almost all opposed any new State Constitutional Convention. The next mandatory referendum on whether to hold a convention will be in 2017, but the legislature can call for an earlier vote.

Editorial: Election Time —- Please Do Vote!

This coming Tuesday, March 16, six of our villages are holding elections. Uncontested elections are being held in the villages of Great Neck Estates, Russell Gardens, Saddle Rock and Thomaston. The mayor and two trustees are being contested in Great Neck Plaza, and there are contested mayoral and village justice elections in the Village of Kensington. We sincerely hope that all residents of these six villages will take the time to go and vote.     

Certainly in the case of a contested election, voting is extremely important. As a matter of fact, with our relatively small villages and special districts, one or two votes really can make a difference. But even in uncontested elections, your vote is important. Voting for the public servants who give so much to the community is the one way we can show support and say “thank you” to those who “do” for all of us.

Sacrificing Our Lands and Waters

 The lands, waters, and wildlife of New York are vital to our state’s identity and strength. If enacted, Governor Paterson’s FY2010/11 Executive Budget proposal would strike a harsh blow to the state’s ability to address critical environmental issues now and for years to come. Our rich natural resources protect our drinking water, contribute billions of dollars a year in revenue through tourism and other industries, provide green spaces for millions of city residents, and support a breathtaking variety of wildlife. From the Adirondacks to the shores of the Hudson to the bays and beaches of Long Island, our precious lands and waters must be protected—for our health, for our prosperity and for our children’s future.

The proposed cuts to the EPF will be acutely felt here on Long Island as important lands such as the Pine Barrens go unprotected and parks are closed. As we work to continue our economic recovery, the protection of open space will be critical. Long Island’s tourism-based economy thrives because of our protected beaches, bays, grasslands, forests, and farmlands. People want to live, work and play on Long Island because they can swim at the beach, hike and bike our trails, view wildlife, and enjoy our neighborhood parks. These budget cuts would not only put our community’s lands, waters, and wildlife in danger, but all of our livelihoods as well.  

Editorial: Pay Attention to Local Elections

On March 16 two of the six Great Neck peninsula villages holding elections will see contested elections. In Great Neck Plaza, the mayor’s run for re-election is being challenged, as is the re-election of two trustees. In Kensington the mayor is also being contested in her bid for reelection, and, as well, two candidates are running for one village justice spot.

Local officials play important roles in our day-to-day lives. Really, it is the grass roots level of government that has the most profound impact on our quality of life. So it certainly pays for each and every village resident to vote in a village election; and it is absolutely vital that this be an informed vote.

We urge residents to pay close attention to these elections —- particularly the contested elections. The Great Neck Record is the place to find out just what is happening. We will cover news of the candidates and any scheduled debates. Please, be sure to carefully read all information on candidates in your village. Make it a point to attend any and all debates, especially if such debates provide the opportunity for questions from the audience.

Getting to know the candidates is one sure-fire way for each and every resident to ensure that the vote he or she casts is definitely a vote for the candidate who will be serving the interests of this community.

 

Great Neck Notebook: February 25, 2010

William’s Story

“I am 91 years old. I served in World War II. I struggle every day to make ends meet. The hot meals and encouragement I receive at the INN are the only things that keep me going.”  

William is a regular guest at the Interfaith Nutrition Network soup kitchen in Hempstead.  His story is one of survival and compassion. At the INN, every guest is treated with dignity and respect and love.

It has been my good fortune to have witnessed the life changing support the INN has brought to so many individuals and families in need. If you have had some good fortune in your life, please join me in supporting the Interfaith Nutrition Network’s 19 soup kitchens and three emergency shelters.

Donations may be mailed to Dave Golbert, 7 Lee Court West, Great Neck, NY 11024. To donate food, clothing, or to learn more about volunteer opportunities, please call 917-418-2451 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Every $25 we receive means 10 meals for Long Islanders in need. And every meal we serve changes someone’s life for the better. We’re not just serving food, we’re also serving love.

“Let no one go hungry, while there is food on our table.”

Editorial: Election Time Policies at the Record

As the March 16 village elections quickly approach, we want to emphasize that the Great Neck Record, and Anton Community Newspapers, have very specific policies for the election season, including a “letters to the editor” policy. Please be aware of the following policies.

First, to make it more of an even playing field for candidates, we will be restricting the frequency of columns from incumbents up for election and will not run columns from the incumbents in the three issues prior to an election. (This basically does not apply to village officials, as there are no regular columns.)

As for election time “letters to the editor,” to be considered for publication, letters should be limited to 300-400 words (one quarter page is roughly 400 words). Letters longer than this may not be used or may be shortened by the editor without contacting the writer.

In the last issue before an election, only letters expressing support for candidates will be accepted. Letters that would require a response from a candidate will not be used in the last issue before an election.

Generally speaking, letters from candidates will not be printed. However, there may be times when a letter from a candidate is warranted —- a judgment call on our part.

As usual, letters must include an address and daytime phone number for verification.

Please follow these election time policies to ensure that your submissions to the Record follows all rules and will be published.

Thank you.

 

Statement: Senator Craig M. Johnson SpeakingAbout Hiram Monserrate

“Two nights ago, I voted to expel Hiram Monserrate from the state Senate.

“This vote was not taken lightly and was cast without joy. However, as a father, a husband, and the representative of the residents of the 7th Senate District, it was the correct action.

Editorial: You Can Make a Difference!

Much of the time of a local newspaper editor is spent covering meetings, particularly evening meetings. The Great Neck Record is always at important or controversial village and board meetings; at the always chock-full- of information school board meetings; at library board and park board meetings; at some civic association meetings and a lot more. At almost every one of these meetingss we hear local officials asking for “public input” on weighty or controversial matters. Especially at public hearings, the comments from members of the public are a vital, and also a legal requirement. It is incumbent upon boards to ask for public comment and they should do so whether or not a formal public hearing is required. When a mayor or a president of a board asks for “public input” this is a serious request.

Desk of Congressman Gary Ackerman

Recently, 26 members of Congress urged the Boy Scouts of America to end its discriminatory policy of not accepting gays and lesbians in a letter sent to the Chief Scout Executive of the organization.

The correspondence, initiated by U.S. Representatives Gary Ackerman (D-NY) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), was sent in response to the Boy Scouts’ rejection of Cate and Elizabeth Wirth, a couple in Vermont who were told they could not volunteer for their 10-year-old son’s Cub Scout pack after it was revealed that the women are lesbians. In explaining the Boy Scouts’ national policy of excluding gays and lesbians as volunteers, their district director suggested that the Wirths would “push their lifestyle on the boys.”

Editorial: Happy Valentine’s Day!

Wishing all of our readers a lovely, happy Valentine’s Day! Enjoy this coming Sunday, spend some time with those you love most and just have fun!