Up on the Board: Sexual assault in the military, and drunken bus drivers
The editorial board is appalled that the head of the Air Force’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office has been arrested … on a charge of sexual battery. Meanwhile, sexual assault in the military is increasing. What’s needed is a change of culture. Would it help to have more women in the chain of command? Or have top brass lose their jobs when an incident like this happens? NY Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand has made sexual assault in the military her issue. We think she needs to do more to solve the problems.
The board thinks it’s ridiculous to spend $100 million to install ignition breath alcohol detectors in school buses – as is proposed in the State Senate. Following four arrests of intoxicated drivers, we think companies and school districts need to hire and oversee their people better.
We'll also be looking into the recent court decision upholding local bans on fracking upstate. Albany has moved slowly on the controversial natural gas drilling method. This has opened the door for activists to try home-rule techniques to stop the industry from setting up in their towns.
The board is befuddled by objections to additional bike racks in New York City. We’re taking a closer look at what made some West Village residents file a $3 million lawsuit.
Finally, we’re concerned about reports of unfairness in the search for a new president for Nassau Community College. This is too important a post for petty politics to play a hand.
If you have an opinion on any of the above, simply fill in a comment in the section below, or email letters@newsday.com.
Up on the Board is the editorial board's blog about what we just discussed at our weekday morning meeting. These meetings are where we talk about the news of the day and hash out our positions for the opinion sections of Newsday, Newsday Westchester and amNew York.