Libraries Open Later, Sales Tax Eliminated
Editorial
      We join with Queens Borough Public Library Director Thomas Galante in rejoicing that the just-passed New York City budget for Fiscal Year 2008 includes funding to expand library hours to at least six days per week in all library branches. The newest branch library, at 37-44 21st St. in Long Island City, began Saturday hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Op-ed
Legislation Ensures Emergency Basics For Airline Passengers
BY ASSEMBLYMEMBER MICHAEL GIANARIS
      This winter, several delayed flights unwittingly trapped passengers for endless stretches of time in the cramped, stuffy cabins of airlines without any relief. On Valentine's Day, passengers were held for more than nine hours on a JetBlue flight at John F. Kennedy with little food, little air and no power.
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Live And Let Live
To The Editor:
      I'd like to comment about the attempt to grant landmark status to Sunnyside Gardens. Whatever happened to the old adage, "A man's home is a man's castle" or the original concept of freedom to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as expressed by this nation's founders? The existing homeowners in Sunnyside never legally agreed to preserve its historic character.
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Move Traffic, Don't Tax City
To The Editor:
      Congestion pricing is a poor idea, if the purpose is to reduce pollution. If we can get traffic to move now, congestion pricing would be a huge, wasteful, expensive boondoggle. I have a better idea: enforce the current laws. Do that and traffic will move very well.
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Treaty Is Sellout
To The Editor:
      Again, our Senate seems poised to consider the Law of the Sea Treaty, which would give the criminally dominated United Nations control of not only the oil and mineral wealth under the sea, but of the navigation of all ships on the sea as well.
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Mixed Emotions
To The Editor:
      As I begin to share my opinions with the Gazette readers this week, I have mixed emotions. I am proud of our Gazette for 25 years of dedicated services and applaud all who continue to create a paper that is a delight to read, that opens our eyes and ears and minds.
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He's In Hot Dog Heaven
To The Editor:
      Great News! An American today [July 4] wins Nathan's title as the hot dog king. To Joey "The Jaws" Chestnut, bravo. Joey has done the impossible by beating sixtime winner, Japan's [Takeru] Kobayashi. Joey Chestnut, you've brought the title back to where it belongs, for hot dogs are an American institution and as a lifelong New Yorker I say, "Joey, you've done good!
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