Score (82)

create term limits for lawmakers
do away with pork barrell money
- Submitted by Richard Stahl on 12.26.06

Score (147)

Governor-elect Spitzer:
I am writing to you regarding soon to be former Department of Health Commissioner AntoniaNovello.
I was employed by the Department of Health for over 37 years. During a portion of that time, I supervised two Security Guards who were repeatedly utilized as drivers by Dr. Novello to provide transportion to conduct her personal business. This compromised the safety and security of employees on the 14th floor of the Corning Tower where the Security Guards should have been stationed. Dr. Novello also utilized taxpaper funds to store her personal items in a trailer for a number of years.

Score (67)

I am concerned about "Casinos in the Catskills". I believe they will not help the area but reduce the common denominator to a destructive low. Bethel Woods music center is the right idea. Then maybe we could entice visitors to enjoy our beautiful countryside and perhaps stimulate new resturants and bed & breakfests. Casinos would do neither. Thanks.
- Submitted by Kalika Stern on 12.26.06

Score (61)

As a New York State resident committed to social justice I ask that farm workers receive equal rights under New York State law. It is simply unacceptable to allow our laws to help create and perpetuate an underclass in my country.
- Submitted by Robert Amico on 12.26.06

Score (29)

The change in the PINS laws nearly 2 years ago and the move to keep all juvenile offenders in the community has had devastating impacts on some communities. I have worked as a probation officer and a truant officer in the city of Albany for nearly 20 years and have never seen such out of control behavior by youth in nearly 2 decades. There has come to be a general belief by the youth in our communities that there are no consequences for their actions. Significant numbers of children are carrying guns and shooting at each other and committing offense after offense with no meaningful reprecussions. Because of budget constraints the worst offenders are allowed to remain within our communities where they exert influence over youth that may have chosen a different path but are now offenders themselves. The money spent in previous years on prevention, intervention and suppression of gangs has dried up and as a result, the gang mentalilty is taking over the communities and the schools. All the money that is directed at juvenile justice, is being directed toward community providers such as probation departments. However, there isn't nearly enough money to fund all of the necessary services to effectively service the at-risk youth while in the community so all that really happens is that students remain in the community with limited resources while they continue to commit crimes, refuse to attend school and run the streets at all hours of the day and night. Further, there is no legal parental responsibility for these youth and parents are not held accountable for refusing to work with service providers, refusing to send their children to school, not looking for their children when they haven't seen them in 4,5,8 weeks etc.. Lastly, the new juvenile justice policies have placed status offenders as a low priority. Unfortunately, these same status offenders do not get the services they need until they committ a crime. We are in effect creating criminals by failing to address childrens needs before they committ crims. This lack of meaningful consequence and accountability is devastating communities and schools. If this administration does anything it is my hope that they take a good look at the juvenile justice system, where it has been, where it is going, where money truly needs to be allocated and the riple effects of these policies on the schools and communities. Thank you

Score (148)

I would strongly urge the Spitzer administration to reorganize the NYS Canal Corp. and redirect state efforts to revitalize communties located within the historic Erie Canal Corridor. While recreation and tourism are important,investment, revitalization and job growth are key to bringing new life to struggling to canal communities.Perhaps integrating the Canal Corp. into Empire State Development or an upstate economic resurgence strategy offers the opportunity to realize the unique potential the canal corridor offers. Business interests must play a role in this effort. The "warm and fuzzy" approach to revitalization must be replaced with a creative and aggressive growth policy.

Score (70)

The Bethel Woods ampitheater in Sullivan county has gotten off to a good start with weekend programs and could easily be the summer home of a prominent orchestra and dance group, like Tanglewood. The state should subsidize such groups to play there all summer in addition to the current weekend headliner shows. Or, if casinos are inevitable, some of their profits should go directly to support such cultural programs!
- Submitted by Art Nudell on 11.18.06

Score (104)

Let's improve eating options at Thruway travel plazas so they are much more attractive than at present, both to NY residents and out-of-state tourists.
At present, facilities are minimal and unattractive, e.g., virtually nothing is available for vegetarians. When franchises are opened or renewed, the Authority should require at the very least a healthier as well as broader range of fast food. It should take a look at European parallels, e.g., Motorway service areas in the UK which we visited this summer, some with a food market (Marks & Spencer), and an attached motel. Internet access, both by WiFi and Internet Cafe, should be standard.

Score (123)

Not only does the auto pound at Pier 76 occupy valuable Hudson River waterfront which should be auctioned to developers or turned into parkland, it is unreachable by subway. If the pound were moved uptown to an old warehouse near the 103rd or 116th street Lexington Ave. station (and future 2nd ave line stations), it would bring business and security to a neighborhood that could use it!
- Submitted by Art Nudell on 11.18.06

Score (122)

Keep the Casinos out of the Catskills. As a resident this is not what I want here. The track record of the impact of casinos on local small business, family structure, crime and general cost of living in the region make casinos a negative not a positive.
Thank You
- Submitted by Douglas Lee on 12.26.06

Score (74)

We do not feel than anything good will come of having casino's in Sullivan County. There has got to be a better way to improve the standard of living here.
- Submitted by Marjorie & William Kidd on 12.25.06

Score (28)

Please stop the casinos in Sullivan County!
- Submitted by John & Laura Pasquale on 12.25.06

Score (87)

Dear Governor-Elect Spitzer,
Please say no to gambling in the Catskills, it's a losing proposition for the community.
The out going administration
attempted to solve social
needs with gambling, that's a bankrupt philosophy, we can do better, we have to do better for our state to grow and prosper.
I hope you'll provide the leadership that has been so sorely missing in state government on this issue.
Good luck to you.
Jonathan Mernit
32 Springwood Avenue
Ardsley, New York
695 Stump Pond Road
Shandelee, New York 12758
- Submitted by Jonathan Mernit on 12.25.06

Score (88)

I realize this is rather long but PLEASE take the time to read it!
GAMBLING INSIGHTS
Another Perspective
An open letter to the Sullivan County Legislature, Representatives in Albany and Washington, Gov. Pataki and The Bureau of Indian Affairs
(A copy has been sent to news papers and radio stations serving Sullivan County.)
As a Pastor and a follower of Jesus Christ I am writing this to provide another perspective on the gambling issue. Jesus said His followers were to be light and salt (Matthew 5:13-16). His message and ours has never been a popular one. Some may choose to call us rightwing, fundamental, bible-thumping, radical bigot conspirators but because this country was founded on Judeo – Christian principles we still have the freedom to speak the truth as we see it.

Score (70)

Letter to the Editor
Rev. Dr. Robert Paquet
Crying in the Wilderness Ministry
PO Box 285
Callicoon Center, NY 12724
Tel: 845-482-5864
www.cryinginthewilderness.org
wilderness@hvc.rr.com
MORALS OR NO MORALS
Oral arguments of four same-sex marriage appeals were argued on May 31st before the State of New York Court of Appeals. Deputy Solicitor General Peter Schiff argued that it's up to the state Legislature, not the courts, to determine whether marriage should be extended to same-sex couples. When asked by the Hon. Carmen Beauchamp Ciparick, “We can’t make choices on moral or religious grounds?” He responded, “Absolutely not!” http://www.nycourts.gov/ctapps/ssappeals.asx. (1hr 42min into the webcast)