Dan's Papers -January 9, 2009 -

To all of those who sent in emails and letters to LIPA, a big thank you for supporting clean energy programs! I addressed today's meeting of LIPA's Board of Trustees and just wanted to give you a quick update. Hundreds of people responded to our email appeals - LIPA received about 400 letters and emails on the issue - and Long Island's solar contractors turned out in great numbers at the Trustee meeting to speak in favor of funding much needed clean energy programs. LIPA decided to increase 2009 funding for the solar program (from $8 to $12.5 million) and will also establish a small wind program and we should celebrate that victory!

On the other hand, LIPA failed to provide adequate funding for a much needed expansion of the energy efficiency program that was promised last May, when LIPA announced the Efficiency Long Island Initiative to be funded with an average of $92 million annually over 10 years. Unfortunately, funding for 2009 will remain flat at $32 million, less than 1% of LIPA's $3.8 billion budget.

LIPA's 2009 rates will now increase 3.2% - even more reason to conserve, use energy efficiency and solar energy as much as possible.

While we did not achieve full funding for efficiency, we succeeded in maintaining current funding levels and were able to increase solar and small wind funding, thanks to you and all those who worked hard on making this happen.

Sure. I care too. - D.R.

Just wanted to say thanks for the terrific column on radio in the Dec. 12 issue #38 ["Easy Listening," by Susan Galardi]. Totally enjoyed the humor and perspective... and pleasantly surprised by the mention of Steve and me about two-thirds of the way down the column (No Matter What, etc).

Steve and I often co-host a late night show on WPKN called Radio Base Camp, at the unfortunate time of 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday into Monday.

However, we'll be doing a Friday morning show from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. tomorrow and for the next 2 or 3 Fridays. (Hope that's not too predictable!) Will aim to have some nice surprises. Hope you get a chance to tune in at some point.

Thanks again for the great column ... and your support of listener sponsored radio.

I'll tune in. At least once. - SG, Managing Editor

After reading Susan Galardi's article regarding the current mental state of East End real estate agents ["Agent Therapy," Holiday Issue], I can safely say that I have never encountered an article that was a greater waste of space than this one. Yes, the market is bad, but to make the assumption that all real estate agents are such neurotic, vapid individuals is insulting and incredibly naïve. Obviously, Ms. Galardi has great disdain for real estate agents, and it is clear that the article was meant to be tongue in cheek, but to take up space in your newspaper with such negativity and drivel is a shame.

I should disclose that I am a real estate agent currently dealing with this market. Although it is hard, I prefer to look at it as a challenge. As agents in this market, we have to be resourceful and find creative ways to bring buyers and sellers together (and, yes, there are still buyers out there). If we can survive in this economy, it can only make us stronger and better agents when the market again turns upwards.

There are a lot of people out there who have real questions and concerns regarding real estate on the East End. Perhaps next time you could publish an article that actually gives your readers information and knowledge, for example a round table discussion with several real estate agents discussing the current market, this summer's rental market and where they see real estate going in the next year

Some of my best friends, including my life partner, are real estate agents - many of whom much appreciate a good laugh, especially now. For more straightforward real estate coverage, please see the weekly column, "Estate of Mind," that I created to cover the blood and guts, ins and outs of the industry; as well as real estate feature stories that I regularly assign. Thanks for taking the time to read the article.

- SG, Managing Editor

Just read ["Estate of Mind," by T.J. Clemente] in Dan's Holiday Issue. Of course the reduced rate mortgages are for those who don't need!!! (As is the way of our world these days.) [Mr. Clemente's] crystal clear article puts it all into shocking perspective.

Happy New Year. May it be one of fairness, equity, health, happiness, and peace.

I wish you all the things you don't need for '09!

- SG, Managing Editor

I found the article written by Sally Flynn on "The Rules of Shopping" to be one of the most idiotic pieces I have ever read. I especially took offense to her "rule" number 2. I really don't find it amusing or even funny to think it is acceptable to break the law and post fake handicap parking tags in your car if you don't need them, especially if you don't feel like walking across a full parking lot. Most people I know are grateful they can walk.

In case Ms. Flynn has forgotten, the young men and women in our armed forces are coming back missing limbs ... or even worse - dead! Talk about dishonoring their service.

My father is a paraplegic who served this country and served the City of New York as a Police Officer. He lost the ability to walk 28 years ago. The irony here is that he never complains when people break the law and park in allocated handicap spots without a permit. He just finds a spot. Even if it is in the back of the lot and he has to push himself through a chaotic shopping nightmare.

People may not realize it, but handicap parking spots are made larger for a reason: To accommodate lifts and other adaptive equipment necessary for their day-to-day independence.I am sure there are many handicapped people who wish they had to deal with the burden of being tired from a day of shopping rather than having to live with their injuries.

I feel sorry for Ms. Flynn. Maybe if she or a family member were faced with such adversity it would show her the true meaning of the holidays. Good Will Towards Men not "The Rules of Shopping.