Suffolk sewer tax, sales tax, teacher shortage, Uniondale High School

Divergent views of Suffolk sewer tax

While the national political divide appears deeper than ever and partisan politics frequently forms the basis for governmental decision-making, it is encouraging that Suffolk County's elected officials, community leaders and environmental activists can work together for the betterment of our region ["Suffolk plan to hike tax for sewer," News, Feb. 6].

The expansion of sewers is beneficial and critical in Suffolk County but, until now, seemed like a pipedream. Sewers are critical to protect our sole-source aquifer, ensure clean drinking water and prevent nitrogen intrusion into our rivers, bays and other surface waters. Sewers are also necessary for the development of much needed housing and beneficial for economic development that enhances our tax base.

County Executive Ed Romaine and the county Legislature worked across the aisle, partnering with state Sen. Monica Martinez and Assemb. Fred Thiele, bringing together both business and environmental leaders, to propose a worthwhile investment in sewer expansion and improved onsite sanitary systems in Suffolk.

While Long Islanders continue to watch the divisiveness in Washington, as a former local public official, it's reassuring to see government function the way it should.

Christopher Kent, St. James

The writer is a former chief deputy county executive of Suffolk.

Ed Romaine’s recent proposal to raise the county sales tax by 0.125% to help pay for new wastewater infrastructure is untimely ["Good water deal in Suffolk," Editorial, Feb. 7]. Although I appreciate his the county executive's commitment to protecting our environment, it's inappropriate to levy another tax increase on our residents after the previous county executive diverted $198 million from the existing sewer fund to finance other county operations.

What’s also troubling is the county's refusal to reimburse the $198 million it took even after it received more than $600 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds. Therefore, it’s inconceivable that the county would now ask our residents to support a new sales tax when the existing sewer fund, which is also financed by a sales tax, was squandered by county officials.

The Kings Park Community Association and the Long Island Pine Barrens Society are suing Suffolk County for misappropriating the $198 million from the sewer fund. So, until Romaine chooses to fully reimburse this fund and guarantees taxpayers that it cannot be used for any other purpose, it would be foolish for county residents to agree to another sales tax increase.

Mike Rosato, Kings Park

The writer is president of the Kings Park Community Association.

Quick fix to gain teachers is myopic

The article "More paths to certification" is alarming [News, Feb. 10]. Instead of establishing meaningful standards of excellence to assure parents that their children will be receiving the best pedagogical methodologies and content knowledge available we are, instead, looking for quick fixes to address a teacher shortage.

This is similar to our current state in the Armed Forces, where the Navy has already dropped its high school diploma requirement in order to meet their quotas. The other branches may also be considering lowering their standards. This does not inspire confidence about the ability of our military to have effectively trained soldiers who can think, adapt and overcome challenging situations.

When I visit a physician, I want to know that this person is equal to and met all the requirements that his or her predecessors were required to meet based on standards of care. I can just envision taxpayers now arguing that school taxes should be lowered if new paths to certification results in less rigorous requirements than those currently in place.

Charles F. Howlett, West Islip

The writer taught social studies for 27 years.

Singing the praises of a memorable school

As an alumna of Uniondale High School, Class of 1964, I was proud to see the LI Life cover story "Bringing the wow" [Feb. 11] about its show choir director, Lynette Carr-Hicks, and the work she is doing with her students. I am not surprised.

The school has a long history of excellence in its music program since the 1960s, when I was a student who participated in the chorus under the direction of Fred Mendelsohn. Of course, it was a more sedate and traditional chorus in those days, but like Carr-Hicks, Mendelsohn was beloved by his students. He taught us to appreciate all genres of music from show tunes to the classics.

horus, though, was just part of the music department. Equally excellent were the orchestra, band, jazz band (called the dance band in those days), and drama club, which performed, in my estimation, Broadway-worthy musicals.

I have wonderful memories of my high school years, in part because of my time spent with fellow students singing my heart out in chorus.

Dorothy Malunowicz Sabatino, Deer Park