Letters: New York Gov. Cuomo should know about Ellis Island
New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo delivers his third inaugural address on Ellis Island in New York harbor on Jan. 1, 2019. Credit: AP / Richard Drew
Potential presidential candidate Andrew M. Cuomo chose to use his gubernatorial inauguration on Ellis Island to promote himself as pro-immigrant, while condemning President Donald Trump’s stand on immigration [“Cuomo rebukes Trump,” News, Jan. 2].
I hope while he was there, he toured the museum. He would have learned that not all those who passed through Ellis Island were allowed to enter the country. To gauge whether they would become a burden to the government, immigrants were asked several questions, including whether they had money and work prospects, whether they had been in prison, and whether they were healthy. If they didn’t meet the standards, they could be sent back to their country of origin.
To hear Cuomo, you might think that everyone who sailed into New York was admitted with no questions asked.
Judy Riccuiti, Bayville
I found it comical and ironic that a Democrat lectured us about demonizing our differences. There are Democrats who call everyone racist, sexist and other names when their policies are rejected. Remember, it was Cuomo who said America “was never that great.”
Ron Berbert, North Babylon
Will my street ever be repaved?
As a resident of the Town of Hempstead, I was delighted and surprised to read that the Town of North Hempstead actually paves its roads — and attends to their maintenance [“Paving a new way to save roads,” News, Jan. 1].
I have lived in a home in Merrick since 1974. In 44 years, my street has never been repaved, except for a 60-foot stretch that collapsed after superstorm Sandy.
I have seen many unsightly patches overlaid by utility workers, mainly near sewer manholes. Shortly after being “repaired,” the manhole covers rise to form moguls that would test a NASCAR driver.
Patches are temporary. The patch material eventually disintegrates, leaving a significantly larger crack or pothole.
There is a painfully obvious solution: Resurface all town roads more frequently than once every 44 years (and counting).
Paul Seader, Merrick
