Letter: Port Washington Pigeons and the LIRR

The Long Island Rail Road continues to fight the pigeons who inhabit their Port Washington station. It is a losing fight. Despite each new obstacle that the LIRR erects to make their lives uncomfortable and drive them away from their nesting spots, the dirty birds find alternative locations to live and breed. When the railroad placed netting on the underside of the weather canopies, the pigeons moved to the canopies that cover the platforms. So the LIRR retaliated by adding spikes to the tops of the rafters that the flying rats were using for their homes. Having lost this spot, the birds shifted their nests to the tops of the message boards and television monitors that dot the platforms. It is almost a certainty that they will find new locations once the LIRR blocks these spots.

The pigeons have been residents of the station so long that they have accommodated themselves to this world, finding new ways to feed themselves. They understand the pace of the day avoiding the hordes of “Dashing Dans” and “Dashing Janes” as these commuters hustle through the station during the morning and evening rushes.

Letter: Cutbacks to the LIRR Off-Peak Schedules

Where is the outrage about the cutbacks to the LIRR off-peak schedules? Thanks to the new schedules, it took me about two hours door-to-door to travel to meet friends for lunch in downtown Manhattan. Thanks to the new schedules, I walked through three train cars early in the afternoon before I found a seat. (The bags and coats occupying seats didn’t help, either.) Just to rub insult into injury, the LIRR has scheduled the late morning and the afternoon trains to arrive at five minutes before the hour. Considering that most appointments are made on the hour, this means either arriving to your appointment from ten to twenty minutes late, or having to arrive for your appointment almost an hour ahead of time.

Letter: Important to Consider Quantitative and Qualitative Variables in Regards to Police Headquarters

On Dec. 2, I attended the meeting at Schreiber High School relating to the construction of new Port Washington Police District headquarters. Nearly universally, those attendees who spoke voiced concern about the approximate $10 million cost of acquisition of the land and construction of the building; many said the project should not be done at all.

I believe that every equation has not only a quantitative variable in it, but also a qualitative one. Focusing in on only one of these variables can lead to judgments later regretted. I, too, am concerned about the quantitative costs and based on what I heard and saw in the Police District’s presentation, further study is indicated. However, on a qualitative basis, police officer morale is significant as well. In response to my question, Police Chief Kilfoil said without equivocation that the uniformed officers who patrol the streets of Port Washington 24 hours a day, seven days a week, believe the new headquarters are imperative, that the current headquarters, dating back to 1952, impairs their ability to keep Port safe.

Letter: Endorsing Dave Franklin as Write-in Candidate for Police Commissioner

The 30 years I have known Dave Franklin enable me to unequivocally endorse him as the best candidate for police commissioner in the Dec. 14 election. His message resonates in turbulent economic times - practice fiscal responsibility, and invite and invigorate community participation. He is no stranger to the public forum. As those who attended the Candidates Night election debate can attest, he persuasively articulates his beliefs.

Letter: We Need Barry Loeb as Police Commissioner

Last week I listened to the responses and statements of four candidates at the LWV debate for Port Washington Police District Commissioner. Unfortunately none of the potential candidates are ready to fill the open position. We cannot afford to have a novice at this time.

Letter: In Support of the Thanksgiving Day Run

As I ran my eighth Port Washington Thanksgiving Day Run (the 35th year that the actual event has been taking place) I could not help but think that this is yet another one of the reasons that I give thanks for being able to live and work in Port Washington. I am sorry for the individuals who feel as if they are prisoners in their homes come Thanksgiving morning. Perhaps they should instead delight in the fact that of the 2,274 people who participated in this wholesome activity 1,186 live in Port Washington and many of the non-residents are people who grew up in our town and are visiting family for the holiday.

Letter: Education Costs, Life in the Sky, and Survival

At recent school board meetings, facing higher costs for pensions, benefits, a sewer tax, certiorari tax returns, board members, led by the superintendent, voiced shock and dismay. The situation, by one trustee was labeled “a matter of survival”. Another trustee in agreement stated “This is going to change our school district forever!” Pension warnings by the NY Association of School Boards and the NY State Controller were given! Why such a huge surprise?

Letter: Cuomo Letter to Chief Judge Regarding Election Litigation

(Attorney General and Governor-elect Andrew Cuomo released this letter on Nov. 17 to Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman, requesting that the New York State Unified Court System take appropriate steps to ensure that election-related litigation involving three undecided State Senate races be resolved expeditiously and fairly.)

Dear Chief Judge Lippman:

For reasons which follow, I write for the purpose of requesting that the New York State Unified Court System take appropriate steps to ensure that election-related litigation involving the three undecided State Senate races be resolved as expeditiously as possible.

Letter: PW Fire Department Thanks Community for Participation in Bone Marrow Drive

Thank you to all who attended the Port Washington Fire Department’s Bone Marrow Drive for Ex-Captain Phil Spinnato.

Letter: In Celebration of Port’s Diversity

Seeing the posters in store windows and the ad in the November 11 issue of Port News about the Port Night Out event on December 1 and 15 brought a smile to my face for a couple of reasons.