LETTERS: DEC cuts, science prizes, high cost of LI

Environmental agency cuts hurt all

I was shocked by the justification offered by the governor's office for the woefully underfunded Department of Environmental Conservation and deeper budget cuts ["Our environment at risk," Editorial, Oct. 26]. Gov. David A. Paterson's spokeswoman says that environmental protection is "advocating on a single special interest." I'm confused.

Special interests are those that benefit from a public policy to the exclusion of the rest of us - like when high-paid lobbyists seek laws that benefit their big-business clients. When did having clean air and clean water suddenly become a benefit that only a select few are entitled to? As taxpayers understand, but clearly the governor's office does not, protecting the environment is a "public interest."

Policies protecting the environment yield both environmental and economic benefits for the public at large. We all benefit from things like safe drinking water and breathable air. And the economy benefits from the sustainability of industries dependent on natural resources, such as recreational and commercial fishing, marine industries and tourism. It would seem that every dollar invested in environmental protection yields double benefits.

Prioritizing scarce resources is something we're all able to understand, but not if the people doing the prioritizing can't distinguish between funding "special" needs and funding "public" ones.

Jennifer Valentino

Huntington

Grasping for prizes

As a former engineering research manager, I was appalled to read that students who have not yet completed their high school education are allowed to research cancer drugs ["The great eight," News, Oct. 23].

These students should be concentrating on their fundamental education and conducting research after they have gained the mastery of technology that only a university education can provide.

Long Island school districts spend millions of tax dollars to have their students win prizes in science contests such as the Siemens Competition. That puts the school's name in the headlines and inflates the school superintendent's ego, but it does little to improve science education.

George Rand

Franklin Square

Priced out of Long Island

We are in our late 70s and have lived in our home in East Northport for nearly 52 years. Unfortunately, we have to sell our home and relocate because we cannot afford to live here any longer.

The taxes, utilities, cost of living, etc., have drained most of our savings. We are so saddened to leave our home and the area on Long Island that we love.

I wish the politicians could figure out a way to make it possible for seniors to stay in their homes.

Anne Deegan

East Northport