Suffolk Dems, political civility, oil heating prices, red light scofflaws, Ducks stadium

Losing streak calls for a new Dem era

I appreciate Mark J. Grossman’s perspective [“Suffolk Democrats needed a debate,” Opinion, Sept. 24]. While I don’t align with his support of Suffolk County Democratic chairman Rich Schaffer, I agree with several points he raised. Though Schaffer prevailed, the 43% of the weighted vote for Kathryn Casey Quigley shows the appetite for change.

Casey Quigley’s leadership brought new members into the committee, many of whom overcame petition challenges and won primary elections in their election districts.

We are striving collectively to become a party that no longer relies on backroom deals, cross-endorsements, and patronage systems, but that wins elections in all areas of Suffolk County.

Grossman noted the importance of the debate during the chair election and how “broad and restless the Suffolk Democratic coalition has become” and rightly observed that this is “not a result that permits anyone to dismiss the challenge or the people behind it.”

I look forward to growing our committee ranks, engaging voters, and turning the Suffolk Democrats — a party that has been losing seats for more than a decade — into a winning movement we can be proud of.

— Shoshana Hershkowitz, South Setauket

Civility once was the political norm

I find it interesting to see people clutching their pearls over the cordial meeting of President Donald Trump and Mayor Zohran Mamdani, which pundits have called a “bromance.” “Trump-Mamdani bond might hurt Blakeman,” News, Sept. 27].

It’s sad how far we have fallen. People seem to forget there was a time when politicians could be respectful to one another and even form friendships despite differing political views.

Former President Ronald Reagan and former House Speaker Tip O’Neill come to mind, as does the cordial relationship between former President Barack Obama and the late Sen. John McCain. It is unfortunate that this is so rare that it makes headlines.

Maybe if there were more of it and less blind party loyalty, we would have more people voting on issues and the candidate, not just the party. And maybe we could have our politicians working on problems that affect Americans instead of slinging mud at someone just because that person is not on their team.

— Mary Frances Jeffrey, Manhasset

Oil-heat homes face a frosty price tag

Since Long Island has just experienced a very warm summer, it may not be surprising that less attention has been paid to the price of home heating oil while the price of gasoline has dominated local and national news [“Heating oil prices soar,” News, Sept. 23].

More than one-third of homes in Nassau and Suffolk counties heat with oil. So when the colder weather sets in, there likely will be sticker shock surpassing that of filling up our cars with gasoline because the average price of home heating oil averages nearly $6 a gallon. This means an average fill-up of 200 gallons would cost almost $1,200. Blame whoever you want for heating oil prices but get ready for an expensive winter if you heat your home with oil.

— Charles Akalski, West Babylon

Stoplight scofflaws get no sympathy here

A Shirley resident is eligible to receive up to $360 in red light administrative-fee refunds, indicating she had 10 tickets [“Bumps in road for Suffolk red light refund plan,” News, Sept. 25]. To me, that shows disregard for state traffic laws about red lights.

Everywhere, the basic rule is the same: Stop on red, go on green. With a record like hers, I wonder how many red lights she has run through where no cameras were present? I suggest she pay attention to the basics we’ve all learned.

— Robert Livoti, Center Moriches

Ducks stadium needs better lighting, audio

I attended the Long Island Ducks’ championship game, which was fun and featured a great team [“Mighty Ducks capture Atlantic League title,” Sports, Sept. 26].

Unfortunately, when the team was presented with the league trophy, I couldn’t decipher any announcements. It sounded as if the audio was coming from only one speaker, even though many speakers are mounted throughout the stadium.

Also, when we walked back to our cars, we had to cross a small area that was dark. Some families had to walk through it with small children and carry infants.

I love going to the stadium in Central Islip. You can grab a beer and a pretzel, watch a game, and be back home in 20 minutes. I just wish I could hear what the announcer is saying and walk to my car safely on a lit path.

— Vicky Salzone, West Babylon