The Rev. Jesse Jackson, CN Guidance and Counseling Services, universal pre-K, ICE

Keep Jackson’s hopes as his legacy

The Rev. Jesse Jackson’s powerful platform challenged America to keep hope alive socially, economically, and politically. Jackson fought a good fight, the forward faith against the evil trinity of racism, classism and sexism [“Icon of Civil Rights Movement led life of crusades,” News, Feb. 18].

Let us all rededicate and reconsecrate our lives in the forward fight that health care is a human right. Let us continue to organize, mobilize, and strategize to protect voting rights throughout America. Let us act now, as we continue the forward faith for diversity, equity, and inclusion, and jobs, justice, and freedom, in loving memory of Jackson’s life and legacy.

— The Rev. Arthur L. Mackey Jr., Roosevelt

Crisis aid works if we get transparency

Nassau County residents should commend the county and CN Guidance and Counseling Services for establishing a 24/7 facility that will get $12 million over four years from the opioid settlement fund, offering mental health support and substance use disorder assistance [“A community alternative for people in crisis,” Opinion, Feb. 13].

In 2019, before fentanyl’s devastating impact, I took my daughter to the emergency room, seeking help to return her to rehab. The overnight ER doctor dismissed our request, highlighting the need for services like CN Guidance, which I am grateful exists today.

This investment is money well spent, and it’s crucial to remember that the $12 million is not taxpayer money. However, questions arise about the nearly $100 million remaining from Nassau’s opioid settlement fund.

Residents, however, feel uninformed about the fund’s allocation, necessitating transparency and accountability. Identifying the other agencies involved is essential.

County Executive Bruce Blakeman should proactively address the settlement money, formally announcing each allocation. This is not only a duty to his constituents but also a tribute to those who perished in the opioid crisis.

— Larry Lamendola, Wantagh

Universal pre-K needs planning, real support

The editorial “Time for pre-K for all LI children” [Opinion, Feb. 13] rightly highlights both the importance and complexity of expanding universal prekindergarten across Long Island.

Ensuring access and funding that reflects true demand requires coordinated planning, regional support, and a true mixed delivery model. This includes school district classrooms, community-based organizations, and child care providers across multiple modalities, including family child care, group family child care, and center-based programs.

Recognizing this need where we were among the lowest in enrollment and funding a decade ago, the Long Island Regional Technical Assistance Center (LI-RTAC) for Pre-K & Early Childhood Education was formed — the first state-funded technical assistance center dedicated specifically to supporting universal pre-K expansion.

Through a partnership with Nassau County, Western Suffolk and Eastern Suffolk BOCES, the Child Care Councils of Nassau and Suffolk, the Early Childhood Professional Development Institute at The City University of New York, and Choice for All, LI-RTAC helps districts and providers navigate expansion, strengthen mixed delivery partnerships, build workforce capacity, and provide professional development and technical assistance ensuring all learners are supported.

Long Island has the momentum to build the infrastructure needed to achieve universal access. With sustained investment and coordinated regional leadership, we can ensure every child has access to a universal pre-K seat, regardless of ZIP code.

— Jacob Dixon, Roosevelt

The writer, center director of LI-RTAC, is also CEO of Choice for All, a human services nonprofit in Roosevelt.

Cover both sides of stories on ICE actions

To me, some headlines recently have been soft. Consider “ICE takedown video shows LI man’s head hitting wall” News, Feb. 17]. That sounds like he was walking along and, oops, he hit his head on the wall. Say what apparently happened: Masked U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents grabbed the man and pushed him headfirst into a brick wall.

— Dominick Turturro, Levittown

One can only feel sympathy for the law enforcement agents having to deal with another immigrant who entered our country without legal permission resisting arrest.

Nothing is more maddening than watching these immigrants taking advantage of our laws and generosity.

— Dan McCally, East Islip

How many ICE agents have been injured in the line of duty that Newsday has not mentioned? These agents are trying to keep our communities safe from immigrants who have entered our country illegally.

Occasionally, these arrests don’t go according to plan. Alex Pretti and Renee Good were two Americans who interfered with federal agents and would be alive today if they stayed out of the way. ICE agents are threatened daily by fellow Americans. Let’s read about that.

— Charles J. Brown, Levittown