Dan's Papers - April 24, 2009

I am writing in response to your February 7, 209 article, "Keeping It Clean, At Least For Now" by April Gonzalez I am writing this letter to inform you of my opinion, being I am current resident of the East End. It is horrible that amendments such as those stated in the article need to even be up for approval. Suffolk County Legislator Jay Schneiderman is trying to prevent further contamination from fertilizers in waters surrounding not just Suffolk County, but also all of Long Island. Being an island always surrounded by water, it is important to keep our waters clean. If you know that the uses of fertilizers are harmful to us and our waters and the use of such products are prohibited from November 1st to April 1st, why is it not prohibited all year long? Shouldn't the use of products such as fertilizers, pesticides and other harmful chemicals be outlawed?

The article states that an amendment that was proposed earlier in the year was declined by western legislators saying that the fertilizer regulations were too drastic because it would have prohibited the use of fertilizers within 100 feet of any body of water. The new proposal has now been dropped to twenty feet and is awaiting approval. There are things that can be done now and within our control to prevent us from hurting ourselves and other living things to make our future better, without crippling our current society. So if things like littering or non-proper disposal of certain chemicals are illegal, shouldn't something like fertilizer that is chemically made and put in our earth and water on purpose by people be illegal? With natural and organic product demand at an all time high, Long Island farmers could easily stop the use of fertilizers and meet those demands. Let long Island residents start by saying no to all fertilizer use and make our island and water a better and cleaner place.

A tough pill to swallow, but it has to be done. - D.R.

I read your column on way to NYC on the Jitney today about the wonderful Ms. Whitby and feeling those poor, hungry men! When I go out next week, will call her and offer to help!

Thanks for making me aware. When I drive by (have a house in SH) and see those men waiting, I always feel terrible. Maybe now there is something I can do to be proactive!

Feed the hungry. -D.R.

Another reason for the highly unflattering photos is from using poorly situated flash. As you can see there is a black shadow behind and to the left facing side of the mug shots. Using flash up close washes out your completion and exaggerates any imperfections.

Advice from the expert. -D.R.

During these unprecedented economic times when foreclosures are at a record high, it was appalling to learn that many Long Island school districts have approved hefty pay raises that will push salaries to over $140,000 a year for the highest earners. So much focus is placed on education and the pivotal role it plays in Long Island's future. Needless to say, education is vital to all of us. However, at what cost? In all actuality, the future will be compromised for all of us if property taxes are allowed to escalate to disproportionate levels. What future will there be for both students and parents on Long Island if their homes have to be sold because they cannot afford to pay the excessive taxes and are forced to relocate? Taking into consideration that we are in the midst of the worst economic environment since the Great Depression, the vast majority of homeowners across the Island can no longer afford to dig deeper into their pockets to absorb these increases. It truly is ironic. At a time when concessions should be made by teachers and administrators to adjust to a sinking economy, their unions are busily negotiating for more money. When does it ever end?

Typical increases for the coming school year will average 6%. It should be kept in mind that school costs account for about 66% of property taxes. Of that, 56% of those costs go to salaries and benefits. School taxes have always been a volatile issue on Long Island. Although numerous options have been discussed in the past on ways to reduce crushing taxes, progress has been limited. Whatever happened to consolidating school districts to reduce costs? Why can't pay freezes be initiated during this economic misery? Until concessions are made by school districts, the average homeowner will continue to be overwhelmed with financial pain. Many will be forced to contact the local real estate and put their homes up for sale because they no longer can afford to meet the demands of teachers and administrators who look the other way and have no mercy during these frightening times. Is this the Long Island we really want?

Consolidation of districts would eliminate duplication. -D.R.

I've been thinking, people are just like a family book. Like myself, as I said, I'll be 73 this summer.

When I was a young person, well there wasn't any modern electronic machinery. No TV until I was about 10 years old. I guess I listened to the radio and read a lot. There was a peddler by the name of Harry. He had a flat bed wagon pulled by horse. My grandmother purchased fruit and vegetables from him.

I sometimes wonder how I manage especially without the cell phone. I'm starting to feel that I don't communicate.

No so ... what I recommend is writing. Mail things, old photos, old stories, newspaper clippings of famous family relatives, and the not so famous relatives. Perhaps a little box of interesting items you no longer need, or a funny card to brighten up someone.

They will enjoy receiving it. Why? You ask. Because someone is thinking of you and them. Guess what? Soon you will be communicating. Soon you will be building bridges or connecting with your family again. I include this in my family fun category.

If you get together, have a "Pizza Party", that seems to work out.

PS: To all moms or caretakers: Happy Mothers Day! To all dads. Call for the pizza.