LETTERS: Islip pesticide ban is welcome news, and more

Islip's pesticide ban is welcome news

The new ban on pesticide use on all Town of Islip property, as well as the required use of organic landscape products at Islip Town properties, is a positive initial measure that will go far to protect human, animal and environmental health .

As a longtime Islip Town resident and a lifelong organic gardener, it is gratifying to see this progressive code implemented on the local level.

Gail Marquardt Black

Sayville

Fines hurt consumers

I find it laughable when I read that the government levies huge fines on companies for misconduct "$24M record fine," News, Aug. 27].

Even after years of appeals, if these fines are paid, where does the money go? The companies then just raise rates for their goods and services, which are picked up by the consumers. Our taxes do not decrease from the revenue collected by the government for these fines. It is a vicious cycle and I, for one, am tired of it.

Arleen Farina

West Babylon

Quality football alive, well on Island

I must take exception to the comments attributed to former New York Jet and Hofstra football star Wayne Chrebet following last Wednesday's Jets practice at Hofstra . Contrary to Chrebet's assertion, good quality football didn't disappear from Long Island with the departure of the Jets and the demise of Hofstra's football program.

In Nassau County, C.W. Post, which finished last season with five wins in its final six games in the tough Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference, is set to be one of the top teams in the conference this year.

Within sight of Hofstra's now-empty football stadium, Nassau Community College annually fields one of the top junior college teams in the nation, with many alumni going on to play at nationally recognized programs after graduation. In Suffolk, there is, of course, the improving team at Stony Brook University.

George Maccarone

Wantagh

Civil servants aid all

I applaud the letter writer for his response to all who blame civil service pay, benefits and pensions for the economic problems in New York State .

Many of us received small or no raises for years. Our industry is open to everyone who is qualified, and I'm sure there are some out-of-work public relations professionals who looked down upon us then, but who now wish they took our tests. Civil service jobs are the backbone of society, providing the essential services that many people take for granted.

Joseph Guidice

Smithtown