Newsday letters to the editor for Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2017
Voters cast their ballots. Credit: Getty Images / Michael Reaves
Parties deprive voters of choices
Voters have a constitutional right to elect the candidates of our choice, which is often denied by the Suffolk County political machine [“Cast a ballot for honest elections,” Editorial, Sept. 8].
An example was the 2013 Suffolk County election for district attorney. Democrat Thomas Spota, the incumbent, defeated challenger Ray Perini in the Republican primary and was the only candidate on the November ballot because he was endorsed by all parties. That November, my wife and I were required to write in Perini’s name, a less-than-effective method.
It was great to see Stony Brook University Assistant Police Chief Larry Zacarese win the Sept. 12 Republican primary for Suffolk County sheriff over the party’s choice, Sen. Phil Boyle. We voters have got to keep the pressure on the political parties so voting regains the importance that it once had.
Robert Hall, Middle Island
Support groups can aid addicts, families
The writer of “Addict caregivers also need care” [Letters, Sept. 19] recommends that caregivers also take care of themselves.
As a parent who lost a child to addiction, I agree that this is excellent advice. However, she omitted an important resource among her suggestions.
Self-help groups such as Nar-Anon, Al-Anon and Families Anonymous provide nonjudgmental and anonymous places for people affected by a loved one’s addiction.
Addiction can be very isolating, and simply being able to talk openly about and share experiences with people who understand offers much-needed relief. Best of all, these groups are free.
Robin Tierney, Massapequa
Fishing quotas will protect the supply
I cannot believe that people who earn a living fishing off our shores oppose quotas and question why limits are necessary [“Reeling from fluke shutdown,” News, Sept. 6].
The limits are there to protect their futures. Without limits, the waters would be overfished. Between polluted waters and overfishing, the future of the industry is in jeopardy.
June Votava, Yaphank
