LETTERS: Evaluating Albany, Gulf 'blame game' and more

Let's evaluate our politicians with a test

It seems that many people think it's a good idea to have test scores of students be a major factor in evaluating teachers' performance "Performance by students to count," News, April 12]. It might be better to have our politicians pass a test to remain in office.

Some possible questions: Have you passed a budget on time? Have you worked in a bipartisan manner with other members so that the people are not subjected to constant bickering and finger-pointing? Do you uphold the principles of democracy upon which our nation was founded? If the answers are no, then they should not be eligible to run for office again.

Sheldon Wald

Oceanside

'Blame game' will follow Gulf spill

Someday our government will get serious about alternative energy. Following the Gulf disaster, I am waiting for the blame game to begin as Democrats and Republicans initiate the pointing of fingers at one another . It certainly doesn't help to know that the only way alternative energy laws are going to pass is to have "compromises" on offshore drilling and nuclear energy.

The Gulf region is blackened, peoples' livelihoods are ruined and sickened animals wash up on our shores. The hearings will begin: congressional theater punctuated by the usual outrage from the very people who have done little to ameliorate the possibility of oil spills.

Gail Inzerillo-Latella

West Sayville

Huntington's sixth secret to success

Joye Brown recently wrote about five key secrets that make Huntington's downtown area work "Why Huntington works," News, May 3]. I wholeheartedly agree with her five secrets, but I feel a sixth should be added to the list. A vital role in this success story is played by our local officials. Working with the Business Improvement District, the Chamber of Commerce and village business leaders, Supervisor Frank Petrone and the Huntington Town Board provide the enthusiasm, support and leadership necessary to create a thriving downtown.

To take one example, parking was a challenge for Huntington village. With the help of business leaders, Petrone and the town board acted quickly to secure and redevelop two key properties, adding much-needed parking. At one of the new lots, Councilman Mark Cuthbertson brought in a professional artist to work with local teen artists, who transformed a blank wall into a decorative mural.

Local businesses working together with local elected leaders is truly the sixth secret of Huntington's success.

David Walsdorf

Huntington

Editor's note: The writer is vice chairman of the Huntington Chamber of Commerce and serves on the board of the Huntington Business Improvement District.