Don't reduce points for driving violations

I am delighted that the state police are cracking down on reckless driving on the Southern State Parkway ["Boost in enforcement on Southern State Pkwy.," News, April 25].

Most drivers on that parkway know that the constant speeding, tailgating, lack of signaling, excessive lane changes, and, of course, driving under the influence not only lead to death and injury but are also racking the nerves of those of us who have to drive that strip of highway.

I beg state troopers to let no one go, no dismissing Police Benevolent Association cardholders, no excuses. If you drive like that, you get pulled over, and you get a ticket.

Most important, when these people are in traffic court, they must not be allowed to plead down to equipment violations and other infractions that have no points associated with them. The Department of Motor Vehicles makes its decisions on whose licenses get suspended based on points. Insurance companies base premiums on risk, determined by points.

We must hit these people in their pocketbooks.

Ted D. Gluckman, Rockville Centre

I'm confused. State troopers are hunting down aggressive drivers only through June 12? Aren't they supposed to hunt them down every day? Isn't that what dozens of Newsday readers have been seeking for years? Stop aggressive, speeding, and impaired drivers.

How many deadly, tragic accidents do we read about every week? When was the last time we saw any police on the side of the road speaking to a driver?

This shouldn't be treated as a gift from the troopers or the state. This should be what's expected every day. Many lives depend on it.

Judith Hanson, Northport

Why did this boost in parkway enforcement take so long? After years of editorials, articles and interviews with "experts" bemoaning the Southern State's design flaws, the issue's main causes are finally being addressed: dangerous, aggressive, distracted, and drunken driving.

Mike Baard, Merrick

Ask fed candidates about pardons

The presidential pardon power has a lot in common with pain control medication. Both can come in handy in relieving specific instances of distress brought on by the judicial or biological systems, respectively, that have gone awry and cry out for corrective action. But both are also subject to abuse when dispensed arbitrarily and without regard to side effects that are potentially more devastating than the malady they were designed to remedy.

That's why, as the editorial board suggests, it's time for Congress to seriously consider refashioning the presidential pardon power ["Trump abuses pardon power," Editorial, April 26]. Pardons should become a more certain instrument where justice can be colored by mercy instead of its being a cynical vehicle for the soulless expediency that fuels even further disrespect for the law.

Among the first steps in this process would be to ask congressional candidates whether they would support a constitutional amendment to reform and restrain presidential pardon power.

Chuck Cutolo, Westbury

What's behind 13% district tax levy plan?

A school district seeking a 13% tax levy hike should raise more questions than answers across Long Island ["13% tax levy hike sought," News, April 24].

A school superintendent develops the school budget and ultimately serves as chief financial officer. Taxpayers fund the $250,000-plus superintendent pay packages and demand accountability.

Sadly, the spending of additional school funds to complete a forensic audit doesn't address the culpability of district administrators who fail at gaining residents' trust and confidence. South Country Central School District educators who retire and are Medicare-eligible are reimbursed their full Medicare Part B payments.

Retirees also garner thousands of dollars in vacation and sick-day payouts upon retirement. Can school districts continue to fund termination pay at the expense of student needs? Taxpayers also foot the lucrative tax-free pensions and health benefit packages, which are not often available to tax-weary homeowners. Hopefully, the truth will come out, leading to systematic changes.

Joe Campbell, Port Washington

NUMC trauma center did quite well by me

After reading about Nassau University Medical Center's neurosciences unit, I give high praise to its trauma center ["Inside NUMC's failed push for new unit," News, April 26]. I had brain surgery three weeks ago and recovered in the trauma center for six days. The care was wonderful, attentive, and concerned.

David Morrison, Plainview