Wrong way to make roads safe
A file photo of Suffolk Executive Steve Levy, left, and District Attorney Thomas Spota in 2010. Credit: Patrick E. McCarthy
Now, on top of all the concern over the very real problem of wrong-way drunken drivers, we have an unproductive debate over wrong-way solutions.
Deployment of law enforcement resources is at the core of this dustup among Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy, District Attorney Thomas Spota and Sheriff Vincent DeMarco.
After an alarming series of wrong-way incidents, Levy announced more DWI checkpoints, more officers on patrol and the use of police helicopters. On Tuesday, Spota and DeMarco joined together to say that the sheriff's department is understaffed for its highway duties, and Spota poked fun at Levy over the helicopters.
Context: Arguing over policing is a daily ritual in Suffolk. Levy and the legislature disagree about the right number of police. Levy removed highway patrol cops from the Long Island Expressway and Sunrise Highway, replacing them with less-expensive sheriff's deputies - with DeMarco's help. Also, DeMarco, Spota and three other elected officials are at war with Levy over hiring in their departments.
But no matter how many cops we add, what are the odds they'll be at the right spot to stop wrong-way drivers? The real answer is fewer drunks driving. So let's give the tired more-cops debate a much-needed rest. hN
