Letters: When will Mangano discuss speed cams?
Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano's campaign committee — called Friends of Ed Mangano — spent $56,000 on food and drink from Jan. 15 through July 14, 2014, according to a financial disclosure report. During the same period last year, the committee spent just under $24,000 on food and drink. Credit: Newsday / J. Conrad Williams Jr.
With all the attention being paid to the school-zone speed cameras, I hear nothing about working with Albany to change the minimum speed limit, which is 15 mph ["A pitch on speed cams," News, Nov. 30]. I have seen several school zones posted 15 mph.
Let's be real. It's about time the state Vehicle and Traffic Law was amended to raise that minimum limit to 25 mph. This is 2014, not 1930.
Bill Blaschuk, Melville
Since the introduction of speed cameras near some Nassau County schools, public outrage has been widespread. Some county Democrats have called for suspension of the program. But where is the person responsible for this program, County Executive Edward Mangano? He seems to have vanished.
Mangano has not addressed the issue with his furious constituency, nor has he agreed to consider rescinding the flawed program.
Instead of having the decency and courage to address the speed-camera issue with the people who elected him, Mangano has chosen to hide behind John Marks, the executive director of the Nassau County Traffic and Parking Violations Agency.
Marks appears determined to insult residents' intelligence by insisting that the goal of the program is to make roadways safer. We all know this isn't true. The cameras have been placed for maximum revenue.
We recently organized a town-hall meeting at Cantiague School in Jericho to address the speed camera placed on Cantiague Rock Road. Our concerns were the same as every other community's: The school zone has always been safe, the signs alerting drivers to the cameras are unsatisfactory, and the real goal is to raise revenue. Our panel included Marks, state Assemb. Charles Lavine (D-Glen Cove) and county Legis. Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury). Mangano was invited but declined to attend.
Several times we have asked for a meeting with Mangano to discuss the issues. He hasn't even acknowledged our requests.
Gary Strauss
Ellen Meister
Helene Konsker
Jericho
Editor's note: The writers are the organizers of the Cantiague Rock Road Speed Zone Fairness Coalition.
