Just Sayin’: Democrats must get young people to vote

Democratic pundits debate on TV how to win this fall’s elections. These deliberations typically revolve around whether the party should move to the left or the center in its ideological leanings.

This is the wrong discussion. Rather than focus on broad and often amorphous ideological debates, a more explicit discussion needs to be had about specific steps to take to engage voters and have them actually cast ballots. Simply put, we need to get young people to the polls. Midterm elections have notoriously low turnout, and young voters are among the least likely to vote.

In the most recent nonpresidential federal cycle in 2014, the Census Bureau found that only 23 percent of voters ages 18 to 34 voted. Compare this with those 45 to 64; just under 50 percent voted.

The question is, what measures will Democrats take to get passionate young voters into the voting booths this November?

Peter Fishkind, Roslyn Heights

Help cancer patients get to treatments

It’s estimated that 110,800 New York residents will be diagnosed with cancer this year. For many, difficulties getting transportation can be a barrier to treatment. The American Cancer Society operates a program, Road To Recovery, that can be lifesaving.

Volunteer drivers donate their time and can provide as many or as few rides as they want. All drivers must have a valid driver’s license, good driving record, access to a safe and reliable car, computer access and proof of car insurance.

As the staff leader for the American Cancer Society’s Road To Recovery program on Long Island, every day I hear of patients needing rides to and from treatment. When cancer hits, patients shouldn’t go without treatment for the lack of a ride.

Barbara Messeder, Hauppauge

Indoor drag strip would get racers off streets

I would like to propose an indoor, one-eighth-mile drag strip for people who enjoy racing street cars.

I enjoyed working at the Islip Speedway in the 1960s. A new facility would get racers off the streets, and those who own and operate the facility would make money and pay taxes. This facility could have exhaust fans, acoustic tiles for noise abatement and be near a main highway. I suggest building it near Long Island MacArthur Airport because it’s already noisy, and the area is industrial and has easy access.

At this facility, there would be no spectators. A racer could drive in, show paperwork such as a driver’s license, and pull up to the starting line.

Michael Lewandowski, Patchogue