What Are They Thinking?

To The Editor:

This past October we were warned that a Village tax increase "of at least 7 to 8 percent" was possible, and I wrote a letter to the editor suggesting a 7%-8% year over year tax REDUCTION given the market meltdown already in place by October 2008. At home we immediately engaged in an item by item cost-benefit analysis and radically cut back our spending until it hurt. Radically cut back.

Now I read about a proposed 19.76% Village tax increase. What are they thinking? Are you out of your minds? A 20% tax increase when half the village residents are threatened with or experiencing layoffs or reduced hour work weeks? Let me get this straight, a proposed average tax increase of $983 per $13,000 assessed household. Well, for me it would be a $1,500 increase. But I'll work with the $983 tax increase. Let's see, all the average resident needs to do is deposit $245,750 into his or her savings account earning 0.4% and let the interest fund the tax increase.

OK, let's all take $250,000 out of our stock portfolios and use the savings account interest. Ahh, what was I thinking. Our investments are down by 50% and we don't have enough to do that anymore. What was I thinking?

All you people with a 20% wage increase stand up. Why is nobody standing? All you people with a 20% gain in your stock portfolio stand up. Why is nobody standing? All you people who are working to spend 20% less than you did in 2008 please sit down - oh wait, we don't have enough chairs - what was I thinking?

Last week's Garden City News Headline - Public Input Sought As Budget Woes Continue - "The public is invited to attend the Feb. 26 and Feb. 28 budget work sessions." OK maybe I can help. No - wait! In that same newspaper The Mayor's Office column states, "the Feb. 26 and Feb. 28 budget work sessions are conducted in public but will not provide for public participation." You may go to the meeting, but you may not speak. What are they thinking?

Oh great unelected and all powerful Pooh-Bahs of Garden City aristocracy. We poor serfs appreciate your benevolent acts, but your announcement of a potential 20% tax increase is recognized as sticker shock. We are smart enough to see that your potential "10% budget reduction" alternative is not a reduction at all, but a 10% reduction from the 20% proposed budget increase. Of course there is a faux zero percent alternative which I am sure will have dire consequences. I remember the last time the school budget didn't pass and all bus service was canceled and the high school football team was disbanded until the budget was approved.

I realize that we have to replace a lot of the paving bricks that wise men decided to install in our streets without considering the obvious maintenance disaster that would ensue. But hey, it keeps the wheel chairs and baby carriages jiggling. What were they thinking?

What can we do? Nothing.

Had enough? Do we have to dump our tea (bags) into the Village fountain at the corner of Stewart Avenue and Franklin Avenue? Villagers unite against any year to year tax increase. Villagers unite against a REAL year to year tax decrease of 7% to 8%.

John Donovan

Inspiring Letter

To The Editor:

The letter that recently appeared in the Garden City News was an outstanding example of a "public service" announcement! Not only was it superbly well-written, but what the writer said applies to anyone parenting an adolescent. I would like the writer to know that her letter is making its way across Long Island. I received a copy from a friend in Port Washington, who has made copies to give to her friends in all different communities across Long Island. I live in Smithtown and will be doing the same. I am also mailing this to friends in different parts of the country.

The writer of the letter was so very honest and expressed herself from her heart. Make no mistake, writing that letter was most definitely not a "mistake," as the writer mentioned in her letter. It served as a strong, if not urgent reminder about our roles as parents. There is not a handbook that tells you everything you need to know about raising a child. I consider parenting "on the job" training. We learn from our mistakes. We learn as we go. We have to make revisions as our children grow. We all need support and YES it does take a village.

An added bonus for me was that I was able to read this letter to my 15-year old daughter who listened intently. It was a great way for me to communicate with her about expectations and also admit certain fears that are a part of parenting. This letter was so very moving, thoughtful and inspiring.

Many thanks for having the courage and taking the time to write this magnificent piece that I do consider a "public service" announcement.

Jennifer Fitzpatrick

Smithtown, New York

Found Dog

To The Editor:

Our missing dog, Coal, lost last week was found! A young couple from Glen Cove had him. The girl's father, while driving through Garden City, saw one of the many flyers that so many helped us put up all around the village. Our family couldn't have received more help from friends, store owners, concerned residents and our police. Again, thanks to all of you for your help, concern and prayers. They were answered!

The Griffiths Joe Pam, Julianne, JP, Matthew, Gretchen and

of course Coal.