Letter: Soaring Achievement and School Finances

On June 8, 2009, the NY State Comptroller’s Office released that contributions to retirement systems would dramatically increase due to poor market performance. On Sept. 3, 2009 the NY State School Boards Association warned that school districts should expect, due to investment losses, substantial budget increases for the Teachers Retirement System. At the school board meetings held last year on Nov. 3 and 11, 2010 the PW schools superintendent yet cited unforeseen budget increases totaling $8-10 million dollars.

Letter: ‘In God We Trust’ Vote

(Editor’s note: This letter was sent to Congressman Gary Ackerman and to Port Washington News for publication).

I was dismayed and disturbed at your vote against the House of Representatives non-binding resolution reaffirming “In God We Trust” as the official national motto of the United States. Why? Do you have a problem with the word “God?” Are you a non-believer in a Supreme Being that millions of people refer to as “God?”

Letter: We Need to Re-Elect Fred Pollack & Wayne Wink

I have been working with both Wayne Wink and Fred Pollack for the past number of years and seen their dedication and professionalism in fighting for our best interests. Both Fred and Wayne are ever present at community meetings and are very respondent to letters, phone calls and when asked questions. Fred and Wayne have been proactive in making our community better and have listened to our ideas and concerns. Just look around - in the past two years Port has had Main Street crosswalks made safer for pedestrians and major sections completely resurfaced. The traffic at the station moves more smoothly with the newly installed left turn lane, Additional parking for commuters has been opened on South Bayles and almost ready on Haven Ave. The old, disgraceful, rat infested white “Shields” house opposite the post office will soon be demolished to make way for additional parking for merchants, shoppers and commuters. We have revitalized parks and a swimming pool. A cleaner bay with healthier water and innovative recycling programs. Thanks to Fred’s hard work - How great is it to see our children safely enjoying the new skate board park at Manorhaven and no longer on our local streets and jumping in shopping centers.

Letter: Vote for Dina DeGiorgio

Please join us in supporting Dina DeGiorgio for Port Washington Town Councilwoman. As is true of so many communities, Port Washington is facing challenging times and in order for our town to thrive we must look to make some changes. We believe that Dina DeGiorgio is the right person to lead us through these times ahead.

Letter: Town Ordinance on Leaf Blowers

Autumn is back, and that means the leaf blowers are back in full force, not that they ever go away during the spring and summer. The Town of North Hempstead has an ordinance regulating the hours when using leaf blowers and other power machinery (power washers, etc.) is permitted (see below in this letter). But this ordinance does more to protect landscapers than it does to protect the homeowner. Nearly everyone hires a lawn service now. On any day of the week the drone of the blower and mower is present. Some communities have adopted tighter restrictions on the use of leaf blowers, which are used constantly even when there are no fallen leaves to remove. They replace a rake or a broom (both silent).

Village of Manorhaven: Statement Regarding Cell Tower

On September 30, 2011, a decision was released by the judge in the federal cell tower case, ordering the Village of Manorhaven to issue building permits for the Pequot Avenue cell tower in the location identified in the original 2007 Village approvals or, in the alternative, lift the Village’s 2009 “stop work order” so that construction can resume in the current location.

Earlier this year, AG Towers, Inc., the cell tower developer, sued the Village in federal court, for the purpose of enforcing its rights under the Telecommunications Act of 1996. The Village has long taken the position that the foundation for the cell tower was constructed in a location not in accordance with the plans on file and, therefore, the project should not be permitted to continue.

Letter: Not Enough Suds to Clean This Mess

In the dead quiet of summer, on Tuesday, Aug. 23, the North Hempstead Town Board granted permission for a car wash to be established, on the block of Beechwood Avenue nearest to Port Washington Boulevard.

For those not familiar with the location, it may seem a quiet block, but in truth it is anything but.

Letter: Trick or Treat for UNICEF, Halloween On Oct. 31

The leaves are changing and the air is crisp. It’s time once again to think about this year’s Halloween costumes and “trick-or-treating” for UNICEF. UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund, was founded in 1946 to protect the well-being of children in the aftermath of World War II. Over 60 years later UNICEF is still going strong, providing money for improved nutrition, clean water, medications, vaccines, sanitation and educational supplies for children.

For many years, the Parent Council of Port Washington has been a sponsor of UNICEF. We believe that the “trick-or-treat” campaign is often a child’s first philanthropic experience and we are happy to sponsor it again this year.

Letter: Response to Michael Mandel’s Letter

I agree; a local paper is hardly the venue to be discussing international affairs, including Israel and the Middle East. However, since the subject was raised a response is warranted. And although others have already responded eloquently, I feel the need to add my words to the chorus because of the critical nature of the issue.

I say to you, dear Jewish, Christian, and peace loving Muslim neighbor: The modern day attacks on Israel are the modern day version of the blood libel.

Letter: Bus Shelter Replaced on Shore Road

Kudos go out to Mayor Bob Weitzner, Port Washington North for his steadfastness in seeing the old bus shelter on Shore Road replaced.

After weeks of searching, a preowned Great Neck structure that was no longer needed found a home here in Port Washington. It is sturdy, attractive, advertisement free and will soon get a fresh coat of paint. Already in use, riders now have an out of the elements place to rest while waiting for transportation.