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Although we will consider every submission, the publication of any
particular letter is at the sole discretion of Bellport.com.
If you'd like to submit a Letter to the
Editor, send your letter to
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Letters are posted as soon as they are
received, not just once a week, so check back often!
March 11, 2010
Response To Z.V. O'Brien's Letter
As a Brookhaven Hamlet resident, I
have resolved to go out of my way not to shop in Bellport and to make an
effort not to patronize any Bellport businesses. Bellport business owners
have come up with proactive and imaginative ways of getting through the
economic downturn. However, it should be understood that those efforts are
being undermined by the recent decisions of the Village Board. Why would any
non-resident be inclined to support Bellport businesses in light of these
newly adopted rules and policies? I completely support the views expressed
in Z.V. O’Brien’s letter.
C. Hollevoet
Brookhaven Hamlet
March 10, 2010
Response To Reggie Seltzer's Letter
I find Ms. Seltzer's letter more
important in light of results printed in today's Newsday regarding
graduation rates for minorities on Long Island. While this is just one small
metric it shows once again the sad state of this district, a state it has
been in for more than 30 years, not just the last 3. For those who have not
seen the data, South Country ranks fifth from the bottom in Suffolk and
graduation rates went down, while the vast majority of schools showed
increases in that rate.
I have been following published statistics for school districts on LI since
our son went to Kindergarten in 1987. South Country has consistently
performed in the bottom 10% of schools on LI. When this issue is brought up
to defenders of the district two arguments are usually presented. The first
is that "My son/daughter went there and is doing fine". This is true, but
also anecdotal. The real question is, of the students who are not "doing
fine" how many would have performed better, attended better colleges and
attained better jobs had they gone to school in a better place. The answer
to this is hard to quantify, except by looking at the numbers. The most
significant number to look at is the number of families in this district who
have chosen to send their children to private schools.
The second argument is that this district is saddled with a large minority,
and more important, disadvantaged population. This is true. My counter
argument is that we've known that for 30 years or more. Why not do SOMETHING
to address it? The statistics printed in Newsday today shine a bright light
on that failure.
Finally, I don't share Ms. Seltzer's hope that the School Board is the
answer. My experience with School Board members is that as candidates they
tell you what they are going to do and once elected the explain why they
can't do any of those things. The problem is bigger than any local bunch of
concerned yet unqualified citizens can handle. The days of local school
districts need to end and a large shift in the education paradigm needs to
happen if there is going to be any real change.
Rich Giannotti
Brookhaven Hamlet
March 8, 2010
South Country School Board
Let's face it the residents of the South Country School
District are not happy.
Taxes are up, quality of education is down. We've had 3 superintendents in 3
years and are looking for a new one.
Let's face it we need new faces, new thinking, new leadership on the school
board.
You can be part of the solution by volunteering to be a candidate for the
school board or by volunteering to help the candidates. Invest just an hour
and a half of your time to come to an information meeting on Tuesday March
16, at 7:00pm.
There will be information available about the election scheduled for May 19,
and petitions for anyone wishing to be a candidate. We need you. See you
there. And Thanks.
Reggie Seltzer
Bellport, NY
March 3, 2010
Regarding The Recent Village Board Meeting Recap
During the time I've lived in
Bellport, I've shopped its village stores, donated to its churches,
frequented its restaurants, and advocated the town as a great place to live.
Imagine my shock to learn that the village board has decided to issue ID
cards only to village residents for the use of the parks. Due to this
decision, I'm not allowed entry because what separates me from the "village"
is that my house sits one block in the wrong direction. If the board had
some foresight, it would have decided to implement a nominal fee to
"non-Village Bellport residents", a higher per-diem fee for out-of-town
visitors, or just a flat fee. I would have gladly purchased a yearly pass if
available and the town would have received much needed funds.
I was also rather surprised to learn of the closing of the Country Club
restaurant, more so after speaking with someone who explained that no one
ever went there because they thought it was for country club members only.
All that was needed to save this establishment was better publicity. Yet,
with another recent decision, the board has ensured that only country club
members dine there going forward. Who would use the catering facilities if
they are not allowed to dine there on a regular basis?
Honestly, does anyone on this board possess any business sense whatsoever?
If lack of revenue is an issue - and apparently it is based on the budget
problems - wouldn't it be prudent to think of creative ways to generate
money and not cannibalize its own population? By not promoting itself
outside of its own borders, but continuing to find ways to alienate its
neighboring citizens, the village ensures its own collapse.
Perhaps the board should just gate the entire village and remain in
isolation from those that could have helped it generate funds and ensure its
financial future.
Sincerely,
Z.V. O'Brien
Bellport, NY