In order to distract the public from the abject failure of this administration, they point to the economy and how the tax cuts for the wealthy have been a benefit to everyone. Rubbish!
At the same time, tax subsidies for the wealthy have accelerated the growing concentration of wealth and income in the U.S. The disparity of wealth in this country is not only greater than at any time since the 1920s, but it is far greater than in any other major industrialized country on earth. It is not acceptable that the wealthiest 1 percent of our population owns more wealth than the bottom 95 percent. It is not acceptable that the 13,000 wealthiest families in this country earn more income than the bottom 20 million families.
Alan Johnson
Bayside
Maintenance Shortchanged Too Often
The recent heavy rain accompanied by flooding makes proper and consistent maintenance of street and highway drainage systems a priority.
Too often, city streets are flooded and roadways impassable due to clogged inlets. In some locations, debris inside the unit almost reaches up to the surface grating. In addition, runoff carries material that collects on top and further hampers drainage.
When was the last time you saw one being cleaned out thoroughly?
Adequate DOT budget/staff should be dedicated to keeping the systems in good working condition.
Queens is a borough of trees. Too often, they are planted with some fanfare and then neglected. Weeds grow up and compete for water, unpruned branches flourish, obstructing roadway signs and sight distances.
The range of weather conditions in our area also makes constant maintenance important for exposed iron and steel surfaces. They need protective painting to avoid the corrosive effects of the salt spread in the winter.
The budget for maintenance is shortchanged at the expense of capital improvements which are good photo-op opportunities at ribbon cuttings. Give maintenance its due!
Charley Tan
Jamaica
Wasting Money On A Bureaucrat
The recent appointment by the NYC Department of Education (DOE) of Brian Ellner as Senior Counselor for Community Affairs is another indication of the poor communication between parent groups and the DOE. Mr. Ellner will be paid $165,000 a year to oversee the Department’s partnerships with community groups and build support for DOE initiatives. I have no doubt that Mr. Ellner is a devoted advocate for improving our schools.
However, there are currently 32 Community District Education Councils in our city that do the same job that Mr. Ellner has been hired to do. These Councils have 11 people on them and are unpaid volunteers and are all members of their communities.
Properly used, the Councils can provide the Chancellor with the best way to effectively forge ties with community groups and inform the community of his policies and programs. Councils meet every month and provide a forum for all members of the community to hear and voice opinions on all matters effecting the education of our children.
By appointing Mr. Ellner, the Chancellor has chosen to ignore the Councils that were set up to provide what he seeks from Mr. Ellner. This is insulting to the Councils and a waste of taxpayer money that can better be used to educate our children.
Robert I. Caloras
President, CDEC26
Little Neck
