No complaints when Dems are in control, air show irony, more

No complaints when Dems are in control

Here we go again. A Republican wins the Nassau County executive race, and Newsday's editorial board is complaining again about the big, bad Republicans ["An old playbook for Nassau GOP," Editorial, May 27]. The editorial begins, "From village halls to the White House, political leaders from mayor to president appoint members of their own party to key posts. It's expected, and it makes sense. Party-mates generally share the leader's convictions and are predisposed to pursue their favored policies." In the very next sentence, the editorial begins to contradict itself by telling us why what they just affirmed isn’t a good policy.

I don’t recall seeing the board’s problem with the patronage plums handed out by Democrats in North Hempstead since 1991, when the Democrats took full control of the town board. For more than a century, to the victor go the spoils.

Thomas Albanese, Valley Stream

Why is it when high-level politicians violate rules and regulations, such as Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman's violating the executive order regarding appointing members of his own party to key positions, there seems to be no consequences? I'm certain if I, a lowly peon, were to violate some government rule or order, I'd be slapped with a fine or some other form of punishment so fast it would make my head spin.
Christine Robinson, Bellmore

It seems as if the major requirement, maybe the only requirement, for holding public office and receiving a high salary in Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s government is a contribution to the Republican Party ["Blakeman hires GOP leaders," News, May 24]. What relevant experience do the appointees have, or are we, the residents of Nassau County, being asked to reward political contributions through our county taxes?

Fern Summer, North Bellmore

For once, I agree wholeheartedly with your editorial -- but I would take exception to the word "earned"  regarding the appointees' six-figure salaries. "Collected" is probably more accurate.

Joe Cesare, Copiague

Manganos not alone in seeking delays

A reader apparently has a selective memory ["Manganos have been free too long," Letters, May 24].  Former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver served less than one year of a 6 1/2-year sentence. Silver was convicted in 2015, but appeals kept him out of prison. His conviction was overturned on appeal before he was convicted again in 2018. Part of that conviction was tossed out in another appeal leading to another sentencing in July when he asked a judge not to let him die in prison. His lawyer had sought a term of home confinement, arguing that sending him to prison would worsen existing health issues or risk having him die of coronavirus. [Silver died in prison in January at age 77.]

You don't like the convicted being out on bail while appealing? Write your elected officials and have them change the law.

Michael Appice, Westbury

Delays have been proposed again by former Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano and his wife, Linda, regarding the start of their prison sentences [“Mangano judge mulls delay,” News, May 27].

Meanwhile, the start of the murder trial of Michael Valva and Angela Pollina has been slowed down, too [“Delay again in trial over boy’s freezing death,” News, May 26].

What is going on with our judicial system? It’s disgraceful.

Dolores Golini, Bethpage

Irony of air show jets and war in Ukraine

We seem to be in the realm of folly. On one page in your newspaper is a page highlighting the excitement of the Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach with fighter jets thrilling the crowds ["Excitement in the air," News, May 30]. On the next page, the war in Ukraine ["Engaged in fierce battles," News, May 30]. It is beyond ironic and sad that this type of critical hardware that Ukraine needs is so near yet so far away from it gaining access.  I wonder what they would think about these military displays for purposes of entertainment here.

Richard Silvers, Lynbrook

A road sign could have prevented tragedy

A tragic crash could have been avoided — if only the driver of the Lincoln Town Car had not been permitted to cross Jericho Turnpike and make a left turn (which is dangerous) onto the westbound side of Jericho Turnpike “Cops ID 3 in crash,” News, May 24].

A “No Left Turn” sign should be installed on Jericho Turnpike, making it illegal to make a left turn from South Third St. If installed, the driver would have needed to make a right turn and proceed on a safer route.

Joseph E. Walters, New Hyde Park