Letters to the Editor
Clarifies Nursing Article To The Editor:

Thank you for the coverage of the Sixth Annual Nursing Research Day at New York Hospital-Queens. While my family and I appreciate your coverage of me, I feel I must clarify some of the points made in the October 10, 2007 article by Dan Miller.

Dr. Elizabeth Ayello, is a lifelong Queens resident, recognized for her research on wound care worldwide. Dr. Ayello was the keynote speaker for this conference. The Nursing Research Committee of New York Hospital-Queens (NYHQ) under the direction of Lisa Callinan, RN organized this conference. This hardworking group of individuals devotes many hours to the organization of the conference and the selection of speakers to present research relevant to their daily practice and goals to improve care at NYHQ.

The conference is funded by the hospital not 1199-SEIU.

I believe it is particularly important for me to clarify the efforts and work of the NYHQ nursing staff who under the direction of Michaelle Williams, MA, RN, CNAA, BC, are supported in their ongoing research efforts by Sharon Wexler, PhD, RN. This continuing research conference is a major accomplishment by a not-for-profit community hospital (not just in Queens but also anywhere in the USA). The nurses of NYHQ strive through relevant research activities, to provide excellent care to their patients and the greater Queens community. Please continue to support their efforts by reporting on the achievements of these intelligent and hard working professionals. Sincerely, Catherine O. D'Amico, PhD, RN, CNAA Assistant Professor Hunter College Bellevue School of Nursing

Hails Jury Duty Stamp To The Editor:

I was reading the paper today about a commemorative stamp dedicated to jury duty. It was unveiled on October 23 at the Queens Civil Court in Jamaica and it says on the stamp," Jury Duty/Serve With Pride." It is a most beautiful stamp with people on it displayed in many colors. I think this is a great honor for all of us who have served on juries over the years. I therefore applaud the United States Postal Service and all those responsible for the Jury Duty Stamp.

I, myself have served seven times on juries in the last 25 years and have served in the courts in Jamaica and Kew Gardens. Furthermore, I had served on murder, burglary, and civil cases and found it a most rewarding experience. I see jury duty to be an honor as well as a responsibility of every citizen in this great nation of ours. I hope this stamp serves as a reminder to everyone that jury duty is a very important element of our democracy and is an essential part of our American justice system, of which I am most proud, as I think others are as well. Sincerely yours, Frederick R. Bedell Jr. Bellerose

Salutes Vallone, Quinn To The Editor:

I applaud our Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr. for his introducing 54 pieces of legislation in our city council and subsequently having 14 of them passed as laws during the 21-month period. He has a great deal of initiative, creativity, and cares for every racial and age group of our borough's and city's population.

He is a fine young man, honest and truthful, and exhibits all the wonderful qualities of a potential leader who will guide our borough and city down the path of prosperity, equality and justice for all.

I am so pleased that this very important piece of information was featured in the October 10 issue of the Gazette. During these times of uncertainty, it is so wonderful to have such able city councilmembers as Peter Vallone Jr. and our speaker, Christine Quinn. Kudos to both and deep appreciation is shown to both of these truly able young political leaders. Cynthia Groopman Long Island City

Pay Up Front Or Don't Spend To The Editor:

New York City Council Speaker Catherine Quinn and colleagues recently visited Washington with hands out looking for even more financial assistance. Don't be surprised when they take their show on the road to Albany with similar requests.

The real question they never want to address is how New York City manages the $20 billion-plus post-9/11 aid, plus the billions of dollars already receiving from Washington every year. The same also applies to billions of dollars in yearly assistance from Albany. Does NYC submit grant applications on time? Are current federally funded programs being completed on time and within budget? Are there any unspent funds carried over year after year? Is there any waste, fraud or abuse? Are all change orders for construction projects fair, reasonable and documented? Have NYC Comptroller Bill Thompson and NYS Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli conducted audits of each respective municipal agency to see if NYC is doing a good job managing current federal aid programs? Have New York City Council Speaker Quinn and her trusted political ally--NYC Council Finance Committee Chairperson David Weprin (who are running for Mayor and Comptroller in 2009 due to NYC Council member term limits) conducted public hearings to do the same?

It is difficult to convince Washington for more money when it had a budget deficit in 2007 of over $200 billion and accompanying long term debt of over $9 trillion dollars while at the same time NYC public officials boast of a budget surplus worth several billion dollars.

Municipal debt is now over $50 billion dollars. The NYC per resident capital debt of $6,223 makes the Big Apple number one nationally. Being number one in total and resident municipal debt is nothing to be proud about. Each year a greater percentage of the NYC budget goes toward debt payments rather than funding current badly needed essential services such as Police, Fire, Sanitation, Education and other Social Services. Why have both NYC Comptroller Thompson and Council Finance Committee Chairperson Weprin both never developed any plans to reduce this long term debt?

Shouldn't we learn from past mistakes and attempt to reduce both borrowing and long term debt instead of allowing them to grow year after year? The combined city, state and federal debt adds up to over $9 trillion. Is this the inheritance we wish to leave future generations which could result in their bankruptcy?

Perhaps government at all levels needs to do a better job with the billions of dollars in taxpayer generated revenues already available, rather than pick the pockets of taxpayers for even more! New York City, New York state and Washington all need to return to the old fashion pay-as-you go financial management. In the long run, this is the only way to introduce fiscal responsibility and reduce debt. Larry Penner Great Neck, New York