Op—ed
Stop Underage Drinking
To The Editor:

As the weather warms up, many students are looking forward to spring break, proms and graduation. Young people in our community will soon begin planning for this exciting time with family and friends. When it comes to preventing underage drinking and drunk driving, we all play a role in encouraging safe, enjoyable celebrations.

To that end, Anheuser-Busch Sales & Service of New York, Inc. the local Anheuser-Busch distributor, has teamed up with parents, educators, community groups, law enforcement officials and others to help prevent underage drinking and drunk driving. One way to do this is by encouraging parents to talk with their children about difficult issues such as drinking. "Family Talk"—a guidebook and video designed to do just that—is free for parents by calling (718) 361-6160. Parents can also download the guide from the Internet at www.familytalkonline.com.

Over the past two decades, we have made tremendous progress as a nation in addressing the issue of underage drinking. According to the United States government, the vast majority of teens are not current drinkers. So as we delight in seeing our young people getting ready for spring break or the prom, or donning the traditional cap and gown for graduation, let’s all do our part to remind them to be responsible and respect the law.

Sincerely,

C.A. Verdon

Consumer Awareness & Education

Coordinator

Anheuser-Busch Sales & Service

of New York, Inc.

Long Island City

Time To Move On

A copy of the following letter to Community Board 2 was received by the Gazette.

Dear Board Member:

As you may recall, at our last board meeting, the borough president was asked if I would be eligible to run again for Chair at our next meeting, which is tonight. The borough president has considered the many telephone calls and letters of support asking to let the vote of the board stand. The borough president truly listened to the comments that were made at our May meeting. After careful consideration the borough president has sent a response and she has informed the board that she has not changed her mind for tonight. However, she has said that I will be eligible to run for re-election in November if the board so desires. Now it is time to move on.

I fully understand the tough decision the borough president was faced with and why. Equally, I was forced to make a decision that I was not happy with. I agreed to step down for one reason and one reason only, and that was out of respect to the borough president. For those who choose to listen to false accusations and rumors, this action was purely politically motivated as quoted in the Daily News. I was forced to make the choice of not being reappointed to the board or stepping down as Chair. I chose to stay on as member of the board.

So, tonight we should and must move on. I fully support Steve Cooper as Chair and I hope that you will support Steve as well. I will continue to be as active as ever to improve the quality of life in our community. I am committed to helping Steve in any way that he may ask. I will continue to be a very active member of our community.

Thank you for all your support and confidence in me as your Chair and a fellow board member. Together we have accomplished much. As a board we have a great reputation for leading the way on community and citywide issues even when the issues were not in favor politically.

There is an old sailor’s term that says, "We kept a steady hand on the rudder and did not succumb to the rocks." I am proud to be a member of this community board and I am honored to have been elected by you as Chair.

Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, "To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a little better; whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is the meaning of success."

Sincerely yours,

Joe Conley

Don’t Close Token Booths

A copy of the following letter was received by the Gazette.

Peter Kalikow

Chairman, Metropolitan Transit Authority

347 Madison Avenue

New York, NY 10017

Dear Chairman Kalikow:

In a time of heightened concerns about safety and security, it is outrageous that the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) is pushing to close 62 part-time token booths throughout New York City. I urge you to keep these part-time booths open, as their closing will be detrimental to the safety and convenience of New York City’s millions of subway riders.

Token booth agents are essential, especially with today’s security concerns. They provide protection that the MTA itself dubs the "eyes and ears of the system." Closing these booths would eliminate the physical presence of people on whom subway riders depend in both emergency situations and for assistance in their travels.

With 12 of the proposed closings in Queens and several in the neighborhood I represent, these cutbacks will directly affect the quality of transportation services that people in my district rely on. Many riders in my district and around the city need token booth agents to help with MetroCard vending machines and directions. In addition, these token booth closures effectively limit access to our city’s public transportation system for many riders with disabilities. Even passengers with children in strollers or those carrying large packages will have trouble accessing the subway system without assistance.

There is no excuse for compromising the security and safety of our subway system, which is a lifeline of our city. New Yorkers need and deserve the maximum level of security and assistance in our transportation system.

Please reconsider these cuts with the best interest of passengers, the system and our city in mind.

Sincerely yours,

Eric Gioia

New York City Council, 26th District

Dismayed

To The Editor:

After reading the many excellent and well-written articles that were written in the May 22 issue of the Gazette, I have mixed emotions.

I am happy that you presented the good news pertaining to the restoration of senior programs as a result of the over-riding of the governor’s vetoes.

In these troubled times, at least our senior citizens will be given their rights for positive enhancement of life, the pursuit of happiness and the ability to live in their own homes comfortably.

However, I am dismayed as a result of reading about the cutbacks on police. Aren’t we in need of more protection not only from crime, but also from terrorism? It seems that the security and the safety of our city and its citizens is being compromised as a result of balancing the budget. If we want our city to improve economically, we must encourage tourism and more businesses, but how would they want to come here, if we have crime, drug abuse, lawlessness and the fear of terrorism?

The closing of firehouses is also a dismaying piece of news. I thought the protection and security of our city would be foremost in our mayor’s mind. We saw how 9/11 robbed our city of its heroes, its people, its buildings, its economy and its safety and security. Our powers that be must have more priorities on which to base layoffs.

Our city cannot thrive without adequate emergency services.

As a New Yorker for 53 years, I am utterly disappointed and dismayed.

Cynthia Groopman

Long Island City