Lately it seems that quality of life issues have gotten a bad name. Remember the glory days of Rudy's reign when quality of life became the mantra for a safer, cleaner New York City. You know, the time before the mayor started washing his laundry on the street corners vacated by the squeegee guys. Now, people who cherish a modicum of peace and quiet are being viewed as whiney, spoiled brats or being called NIMBY-ites.

This past weekend, a friend who lives in a village that has imposed a no-leaf blower law that went into effect in mid-June, was enjoying the relaxing pace of a lazy Sunday afternoon when she heard her neighbor rev up his leaf blower. In her best diplomatic mode, she "reminded" him of the ordinance. His response was, "Let them give me a summons." When she went on to add that she supported the ban and objected to the roar of the machine, he simply shrugged and continued to blow leaves into the street. (Another no-no.)

The "in your face" attitude is troubling. It ranges from the simply annoying when the driver behind you honks the very second the light changes, to the dangerous drivers, so preoccupied with their phone chats, that they drift into your lane. Will our neighbors take the same "let them catch me" stance in regard to the hands-free cell phone law that will go into effect in Nassau County on Sunday? The Village of Great Neck Plaza has had a hands-free cell phone ordinance for months now and yet we still see plenty of people driving around downtown with hand- to-ear yakking away.

Our concern here for all of the above, is enforcement. According to David Lurie, trustee in the Village of Great Neck, if you witness a neighbor using a leaf blower during the summer months between spring and fall clean-ups, you can file a complaint at the village hall and a summons will be issued. (The no blowing ordinance also applies in GN Estates and Russell Gardens.)

We believe that in order to make the cell phone law meaningful and get folks to pay more attention to their driving skills, the police need to really crack down initially when the law takes effect. And perhaps equipping cops with motorcycles, that can maneuver through traffic more easily and catch people in the act, would be an effective strategy in enforcing the law.

Otherwise, it is just another one of those good ideas on paper that is ignored in reality.

Not to worry. Your tax rebate will just about cover the cost of a hands-free device and..... a rake.

- Carol Frank