Public employees contribute greatly

It's really a shame to see the relentless attacks on public employees, because they have contributed so much to the common good and fabric of society ["Morally wrong on public workers," Letters, Jan. 24].

The media seem to focus solely on what public employees cost the various municipalities, school districts and libraries they work for, but no mention is ever made of the other side of the coin. There is no balance to the debate, no discussion of the critical need for highway crews to clear snow from the roads, the perpetual environmental benefit of sewer construction projects in Nassau County, the significant contributions of clerical and custodial staff in school districts, or the considerable value of the programs and services provided by Long Island librarians.

Both sides of this issue must be discussed if we are to have an honest debate.

Rich Impagliazzo

Commack

Editor's note: The writer is a communications specialist with the Civil Service Employees Association, Long Island Region.