We have lost another former president, Gerald Ford, and that brings sadness to many that knew him. There are many in New York who may not have fond memories of him due in part to the fiscal difficulties of the 70's not to mention The Daily News headline on its front page which read, “FORD TO CITY: DROP DEAD,” which, in fact, he never said. My memories of him are that he was my Commander-in-Chief while I served in the Navy from 1972-1976. I had the great pleasure to have shaken his hand when I was in Washington. Here is a man who only wanted to be a good president and who asked his fellow Americans to help him achieve that goal. President Ford loved his country and its citizens and for that, I salute my former Commander-in-Chief. May he rest in peace.
Frederick R. Bedell Jr.
Bellerose
At Last…
Hearty congratulations to newly appointed executive director of the Metropolitan Transit Authority Elliot “Lee” Sander. Finally someone who rides the rails and is hands on. We are very pleased to have someone from our area that will see first hand the every day problems people who must use public transportation have from time to time. Welcome Aboard.
Sylvia & Ira Bailen
Bayside
More “Unfinished Business”
Please consider adding the following items to your excellent December 28 editorial “Unfinished Business.” When will City Comptroller William Thompson, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn and Council Finance Committee Chairperson David Weprin and colleagues deal with issues of interest to Queens residents and taxpayers?
Comptroller Thompson announced that the city's municipal debt had grown to $55 billion dollars. The per-resident capital debt of $6,800 makes the Big Apple number one nationally. Each year a greater percentage of the city budget goes toward debt payments rather than funding essential services such as Police, Fire, Sanitation, Education and Social Services. When will our officials develop plans to reduce this long-term debt now, rather than later?
Since being elected in 2001, Councilmember Weprin has publicly called for weekend library hours and the construction of an additional police precinct to assist the overwhelmed 105th Precinct. The Little Neck Public Library is still closed on Saturdays and there is no shovel in the ground for construction of a new precinct. When will Weprin finally deliver on these two of his many campaign promises?
Larry Penner
Great Neck
Mugged By Tow Truck
What happened to reader Kristina Finch's 91-year-old grandmother is totally outrageous. In essence, this elderly woman was mugged by a tow-truck operator. The tow truck operator knew who stepped out of the car before towing it. Cowardly muggers always scan their prey before pouncing, and they always choose easy targets such as the elderly or infirm.
Laws need to be enacted to regulate the out-of-control tactics of tow truck operators, whom I consider a species of criminal. I fully encourage Ms. Finch to institute a civil action, and I thank her for bringing to public attention the disgusting behavior of Redmont Realty Corp. I personally will never again shop at Key Food or at the Whitestone Shopping Center. There are plenty of other places to shop where civility and intelligence still exist.
Frederick A. Pereira, M.D
Flushing
Saddam's Execution
Saddam Hussein's execution may finally give closure to all the Iraqi citizens that lost loved ones and who were tortured and victimized during his savage regime. For here was a man that was evil incarnate. Justice in this case was rendered by the new Iraqi justice system which is a victory for democracy and for the people of Iraq. This will not end the violence, but is a process that will bring Iraq closer to its goal of being a self-governing body. It is that goal which we all hope and pray will finally be realized by all Iraqis who desire freedom.
Frederick R. Bedell Jr.
Bellerose
Drug Co-Pay Cap In Contract
Thanks for covering the news, good and bad, so that your readers can know what’s going on around them. Too often being fully informed means getting upset and puzzled about why educated adults can’t get the basics right when it comes to running a country or a city.
For a change, there's cause to celebrate! City Hall and the United Federation of Teachers behaved a like a pair of mature servants of the taxpayers. They settled a new contract in record time and record common sense.
I’m a UFT member, which means that I'm also a taxpayer. I want both the city and my union to act responsibly. Because they did, they achieved something wonderful together that your readers should know about.
Thanks to the new teachers' union contract with the city, there will be a $1,000 per family cap on annual drug co-pays for UFT members. I have a large family with, unfortunately, some long-term illnesses, and this new benefit is an answer to my prayers. It’ll help not only financially, but help give peace of mind and stability to my family.
Prescription costs for all people need to be brought under control. People don’t choose to need drugs. I hope that the leadership shown by the UFT and the City of New York spreads to other employers and labor groups.
Ron Isaac
Fresh Meadows
Letters To The Editor
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