Letters To The Editor

Response

From Author

To the Editor:

When the decision was made to title my recent book about the Central American street gang problem "Gangs in Garden City," I expected that there might be a bewildered response from Long Island residents wondering what on earth was I talking about. It was one of the first questions asked at a recent reading I did in New York City and during an interview I gave to the criminal justice website, www.thecrimereport.org.

"We had never heard of any gang activity in Garden City," the publisher of the Garden City News wrote in the July 17 edition.

The title is in part metaphorical, referencing a generic term that was once used to describe the ideal of the suburb. But it is also meant to emphasize a central argument in my book: that the division between places such as Garden City and Hempstead is one reason why suburban gangs are thriving in 42 states (although certainly not the only reason). I am not interested in nitpicking the town lines of Garden City, but in pointing out that those lines are part of the problem.

As readers of the News likely know, Hempstead is a struggling town with a high concentration of low income residents, most of them minorities, which has battled crime, drugs and failing schools for decades. Garden City is in most ways Hempstead's opposite. It is beautiful town with superb schools and well-to-do, mostly white residents.

The development of suburbs in Long Island and elsewhere has been marked by active efforts to prevent people of color from accessing the same opportunities in housing and education as their white neighbors - from crossing those town lines. For some young people trying to make it in this hostile and segregated world, joining a gang, with the promise of respect, protection and emotional support, can be more tempting than trying to make it to high school graduation.

We can argue about whether wealthy towns such as Garden City, Old Westbury or Bethpage hold any responsibility for the fate of the young people living in Hempstead, Freeport or Roosevelt. In the book I go into more detail about why I believe they do. But it would be hard to deny that the problems of Hempstead won't eventually be felt even in wealthy enclaves where now, crime and poverty seem a world away. In fifty years, minorities will make up the majority of American residents, bolstered largely by the growth of Hispanic communities in the suburbs. I expected the title might provoke some anger, but I also hoped it would provoke a discussion of the problems of poverty and racial isolation next door and their consequences, which all Americans will have to grapple with in the not too distant future.

Sarah Garland

Author of GANGS IN GARDEN CITY: How Immigration, Segregation, and Youth Violence are Changing America's Suburbs, published by Basic Books.

Village Needs Plan

To the Editor:

Continuing to be reactionary to the Lighthouse Project and the HUB and trying to stop the projects is a losing strategy. The region needs major developments like this in order to maintain its long-term economic viability. While paying consultants to evaluate the environmental impact in hopes of blocking or slowing the project may be worthwhile in the short term, the Village needs a rational economic plan for the eventuality that the projects (Lighthouse and/or HUB) will be done.

Last year, I made a presentation to the EPOA, a summary of which was printed in the Garden City News, recommending that the Village undertake a serious economic impact analysis of the Lighthouse Project and the HUB. Such analysis would, in a rational and actionable way, determine the potential economic impact on the Village's retail stores, businesses and office space. Based on the analysis, the Village could then proactively develop various recommendations on how to preserve and enhance its economic viability. Without such a plan, the Village will have no control over its future economic viability. This will inevitably lead to increased residential real estate taxes needed to replace declining commercial tax revenues, reduced Village services due to budget cuts, declines in real estate values. Seventh Street and Franklin Avenue could become veritable ghost towns as stores and offices close.

On the matter of the HUB, its critics should do some research on the way light rail systems have been implemented in major cities around the world (many outside of the U.S.) These transit systems have the potential to increase sales at local retail stores, reduce energy use, traffic and pollution. They increase the value of office space by providing increased and easy access. These systems have been built so that they have minimal environmental impact and are safe. Virtually every city in Germany has a system like this in perhaps the 'greenest' country on earth. In Japan, with its dense population (a problem that Nassau County also has), the rail system reaches almost every location.

The Village needs to control its own destiny, otherwise others will do it for us.

James Bauer

Lighthouse

Political Strategy

To the Editor:

First, I would like to acknowledge and thank the current and past members of the Board of Trustees (BOT) and the Eastern Property Owners' Association (EPOA) who-for many years and continuing to this day-have put in countless hours of work monitoring proposed development of the HUB, the Lighthouse project and mass transit proposals like light rail. Former mayor and current EPOA director Hal Hecken, current trustees Nick Episcopia and Dennis Donnelly and former mayor Peter Bee deserve recognition for their work on behalf of Garden City and its residents, as do residents Sue Davis and Dorothy Episcopia. These citizens and others whom I apologize to for not naming have been on the HUB related frontlines for over 10 years.

I would like to draw all residents' attention to a very professional blog site that makes crystal clear the political strategy necessary to bring the Lighthouse project to fruition. Putting other relevant issues aside, the blogger (who characterizes himself as "an independent advocate") states: "Mass transit for the Lighthouse site is both necessary and, in my view, inevitable...I hope for the sake of this project that we do not hear more about mass transit for the Hub before final approval."

"Independent Advocate" warns not to "get bogged down in petty nonsense like the distance of a light rail from housing" and specifically targets Garden City residents who "were in a lather over this light rail idea..." He cautions not to mention light rail now because "it will only serve to gin up opposition and could at some later point strangle the debate."

The blog site is http://lettherebelighthouse.blogspot.com To access the comments I referenced, put in Hub vs. Lighthouse in the upper left corner and hit "search blog". The current posting includes a Comprehensive Guide to Public Comments, basically a talking points memo for Lighthouse supporters.

There are many reasons to not support the Lighthouse project as it is currently structured, including the safety of our water supply and viability of our business district. Mass transit, in the form of a light rail running from Mineola through Garden City, may not be a part of the current proposal but it is a real threat that will destroy this Village. The public comment period runs through August 17. Write Town of Hempstead, Lighthouse Project Public Comment, One Washington Street, Hempstead, NY 11550. Or e-mail: lighthousecomment@tohmail.org.

There is a public hearing on August 4, 9:30 am, in the playhouse at Hofstra University. Although this hearing is officially restricted to comments on the draft generic environmental impact statement (DGEIS), Lighthouse supporters have been encouraged to pack the place and a "let there be light(house)" blog Twitter correspondent has reported that a flash poll will be taken of attendees to gauge support or opposition.

Christine Mullaney

An Exercise

In Indoctrination

To the Editor:

One of the goals outlined in Garden City School's Mission Statement is to help students develop "the skills to become a creative independent thinker". The summer reading assignment of Garden City High School's Speech and Exposition Class undermines this critical learning objective.

Barack Obama's Inauguration speech is one of two required summer reading assignments in a Speech and Exposition course. Students should be encouraged to critically evaluate the substance of Obama's speech. In the assignment, the English Curriculum Coordinator noted that; "...our first African-American President delivered an eloquent inaugural address to a nation in crisis" and that "regardless of the race, gender, age or ethnicity, his inspiring words will be etched in the memory of Americans for generations to come." These platitudes amount to her personal political opinion. Her subjective statements will only serve to unduly influence and preclude our students from conducting their own critical analysis.

From a purely literary perspective most critics do not share the English Curriculum Coordinator's unbridled enthusiasm. Most critics, both left and right, view this speech as mediocre, not great and certainly not one of Obama's best. The speech was even poorly received by many of Obama's supporters. Paul Krugman, for example, viewed this speech as "we're-all-at-fault, let's-get-tough-on-ourselves boilerplate." Another supporter from the New Republic cited the speech as a "hodgepodge of themes, injunctions and applaud lines..." Our students would have been better served if they were given the opportunity to analyze an inaugural address from Lincoln, FDR, JFK or Reagan that has withstood the test of time and was actually "etched in the memory of Americans".

Personal political views do not belong in the classroom. Students need to be taught how to think critically, not to be indoctrinated with political opinion passed off as literary analysis.

Julie Soussis

"Thank You Winthrop Once Again"

To the Editor:

Although minor in comparison to my other surgical interventions, once again, Winthrop University Hospital has been outstanding. This has been my third surgical procedure there and just like the previous ones, where my life was twice saved (the result of a heart attack and an aneurysm in the abdominal aorta), once again, I received excellent professional care during both pre and post operative procedures. Detailed counseling and plenty of friendly personal guidance and attention was given. This time, the culprit was my gall bladder who 'dotted' me with severe and abundant abdominal pain.

Dr. Michael Khalife, a very reputable surgeon associated with the Hospital, was recommended by both my personal and gastrointestinal physicians. After a personal interview where my numerous 'fearful' questions were answered in simple and comprehensible terms, it was agreed that the operation for the removal and un-glorious disposal of such organ, would take place at Winthrop University Hospital, Ambulatory Surgery Center on July 17th 2009.

Two days before the operation, I visited the Pre-Admission office in order to complete the customary and tedious although required paper work in anticipation of what I expected would be an extensive bureaucratic mess. I brought with me The New York Times , Newsweek , The Post, and Newsday . My assumption, proved wrong. I was immediately given a couple of forms by the attending receptionist and which I promptly filled in with the requested information. Before I opened the first page of The Times, I was called for the blood test, followed by X-Ray, cardiogram, blood pressure and a final personal interview with the RN. On the 17th, I was driven to the Ambulatory Area. I changed into a hospital gown, was seated into a very comfortable recliner, the intra-venous device placed into my arm and introduced to the anesthesiologist. Dr. Khalife arrived within two minutes. Both physicians explained the next steps. Their words were mixed with a smile and a little bit of a sense of humor giving me the additional fortitude needed (I admit being a coward in such situations, afraid of even the corporal intrusion of a simple needle. At 10:30 I was out of the stupor induced by the anesthesia. Dr. Khalife was there and reassured me that everything went perfect, as planned. After an hour or so, the nurse assisted me in getting up, do some walking and exercise both my legs and arms. I was offered a decaf coffee and a piece of marble cake. (I had two of each. I was thirsty and hungry). My son Marc whom they had called in advance, came to pick me up. By 1:30 I was home.

On Sunday morning, the Head Nurse called me at home to inquire about my well being. Another mission well accomplished by Winthrop University Hospital and its crew of dedicated and excellent professionals. That night, I remembered back in 1947 when my father had a similar operation that took many, many hours and several months of recuperation. How things had changed ! Once again, thank you very much, Winthrop. As I previously said, I am extremely lucky grateful and proud to have as neighbor a first class medical Institution by the name of Winthrop University Hospital. If you go, you will be in very good hands!

Antonio Moreno

Scam Alert

To the Editor,

As the Nassau County Clerk, I am writing to again caution Garden City homeowners about mass mailings that are continually being sent urging them to purchase a "certified copy" of the deed to their home.

Homeowners should be aware that these mailings are solicitations from private companies offering to obtain a deed on the homeowner's behalf. For their service, these private companies are charging more than 1000% over Clerk's office fees. Also, residents should know that only the County Clerk's office can issue certified copies of deeds.

Please know that it is never necessary to utilize one of these companies to obtain a copy of your deed. Certified copies of deeds can always be obtained from the Clerk's office for a nominal charge. Anyone wishing to request a certified copy of the deed to their home can contact my office at 516-571-2664 for further information.

Maureen O'Connell, RN, JD

My Dear Old Friend The Senator

To the Editor:

The summer after high school graduation, I met Kirsten Rutnik (now our Junior Senator Gillibrand) as a fellow camp counselor in Hanover New Hampshire. It was the summer of 1984 and we were both about to venture on to college that fall.

Upon our introduction, I noticed two distinct characteristics about her; she was confident and as friendly as one could imagine as a teenager. I vividly remember a firm hand extended out to me, and a strong "nice to meet you", a fervent personality for a girl of 17. I was at first intimidated and thought to myself to stay alert to someone so forthcoming and friendly. But within a few days, we had become friends. I realized that her confidence came from a deep knowing of who she was. Kirsten didn't have any doubts about herself. She emitted pure self-assurance with and kindness at the same time. Her style with the campers was also impressive. She was a true advocate for the children, both emotionally and with the sports activities that they participated in.

Years passed and we had lost touch, as many youths often do after knowing each other for only a summer. But then, a little more than ten years later while I was taking my usual evening jog in New York City's Central Park a woman jogger approached me from behind and startled me. She asked me if I remembered her. Of course it was Kirsten with whom I had bonded that summer of 1984. She told me she was going to work for a judge in Albany that summer, leaving her law firm for a period of time. She promised that upon her returned, we would get together. And she kept her word. We had rekindled our friendship and she has been one of the most devoted friends that I have ever had for the past 15 years.

At the age of 42, we are still as close as ever. Over the years she as impressed me as an individual that will go out of her way to help any friend in need. She has always been there for me. I cannot say that about many people in my life. She doesn't question her decisions and she moves forward with conviction.

Senator Gillibrand is truly a person of sacrifice. She has put aside many personal needs that most of us would never dream of doing; time with the family (which she prioritizes as much as possible given her schedule these days), daily exercise, a personal social life, and the normal day to day schedule that most people take for granted.

So, as we are constantly reading about issues and standpoints of politicians, I just wanted to get the word out there that from a human perspective, Kirsten is a person of great character and sacrifice. I am very proud of her and proud to be her friend.

Rachel Wolf,

Garden City Resident