Letters to the editor: Lose the leaf blowers
CUTCHOGUE
Lose the leaf blowers
Leaf season is coming soon, and with it the heavily polluting and very noisy gas leaf blowers.
Here on the North Fork, Founder’s Village leaf cleanup involves the use of these machines. Many residents of this community are health challenged and can be adversely affected by their use.
Leaf cleanup can be accomplished with electric blowers or with rakes — as it was not too many years ago.
And don’t forget the workers who spend hours each day inhaling the fumes discharged by these machines on their backs!
Richard Brewster
SOUTHOLD
Our republic at stake
I really understand people voting with their pocketbooks. I had three kids, a mortgage and other bills to pay, but I truly believe it is not hyperbolic to think that this election is more about the future of this democracy than anything else. So many of [Trump’s] former cabinet have come out against his ability to lead. So too, military generals and Republicans who do put country over party.
It was Ben Franklin who said we had a republic “if you can keep it.” Just a few words, so important . Democratic republics are not founded merely upon the consent of the people, they are also absolutely dependent upon the active and informed involvement of the people for their success.
Every one of us makes a choice on when we vote for the future of this country.
Rosellen Storm
AQUEBOGUE
CSA keeps farms humming
In a Sept. 19 article about Community Supported Agriculture programs, the reporter neglected to mention many of the North Fork’s largest CSA programs, including ours at Garden of Eve Organic Farm in Riverhead. In fact, we are currently the longestrunning farm share program on the North Fork, having started in 2003. We have served thousands of local families with seasonal, certified organic produce. (In the past CSA was only provided by organic farms, but now many CSA farms are conventional and not organic.)
Our members pick up at the Riverhead Farm — yes, we are still here, although we rented our farm stand to Waterdrinker. It is absolutely true that CSA member support makes it possible for farms like ours — in addition to the others mentioned — to continue farming, and we encourage those who try to shop locally to give CSA a try for that reason. If you want to keep farms existing, all of Long Island’s ’s farms need eaters to put their money where their mouths are.
Eve Kaplan-Walbrecht
RIVERHEAD
My ‘humble’ stepmom
In response to of Barbara Wasilausky’s letter (Sept. 26). I have a wonderful stepmom who, fortunately, is still in my life. Shortly after I was 2 years old my mother became severely mentally ill. As her illness became more severe, my early childhood witnessed unspeakable domestic violence against my father and older sister. I cried myself to sleep each night asking God to cure “my mommy.” It never happened and it became worse. After years of chaos and violence, my dad decided to save himself and us and divorced my mother after she was released from Pilgrim State Hospital. This was all from 1949 to 1958. There was no help for families of the mentally ill. He married my stepmom, who, I felt, God sent to me in the form of a guardian angel. She welcomed me with open arms and showed me what love looked like. She quite literally saved my life as I was a battered, traumatized little girl. Thank God she is still with me as I am now 78 and going through cancer treatment. We speak every day; she hovers over me as she did when I was little.
Marjorie Jassin
AQUEBOGUE
Riverhead: Get your finances in order
Riverhead Supervisor Tim Hubbard recently announced a $4.1 million budget increase (7.9%) for 2025,, piercing the 2% state tax cap — the highest increase in 13 years. This budget also spends a remaining $1.75M fund balance — which, if included, is actually a $5.9 million increase ($11.1%) from 2024.
We need to get our spending under control, and the proposed 2025 budget is not the way. The proposed increase is not aligned with inflation, which has only been 2.5% over the past year.
The police department had a budgeted level of 88 officers four years ago, and is now 100. We need to examine the efficient deployment of our dedicated police officers and work on trying to get back to a level of 88 officers.
Salary increases are well over inflation. For example, the supervisor and seven other officials are recommending increases between 5% and 9%. Let’s align those — and increases for other town employees — closer to 2.5% inflation The number of town staff also continues to grow. Let’s prioritize essential services for the town and the resultant needed staff, attaining a budget that only grows 2%Taxes in Riverhead Town are already too high at $11.10 per $1,000 of property value. Neighboring towns such as Westhampton Beach, Remsenberg, Speonk, East Quogue, Hampton Bays average $6.60 per $1,000, and Mattituck is $6.50 per $1,000. We’re double the property taxes of neighboring towns.
It’s time to do something to get our budget under control. Perhaps professional help is needed. A proposed budget with such a large increase, at a time of 2.5% inflation is going the wrong way. We can do better. Let’s take another look at the 2025 budget.
Bob Klein
RIVERHEAD
On the new dispensary
A marijuana superstore will contribute to our local community much like a sawmill contributes to a forest.
Sterling Churgin
SOUTHOLD
Abortion isn’t the only issue
Recent letters leave one wondering why the only issue of concern in this election is abortion. It’s very clear that the abortion issue will be decided by the electorate when it is put to a vote.
It is very concerning that there are more important issues to consider before choosing a candidate. Our food, building materials, autos, insurance, electricity and gasoline have become totally unaffordable to half the population. Two of the candidates are determined to take parental rights away. The VP has been instrumental in allowing illegals to enter our country. We no longer have a country because we have no borders. Our country has become dangerous as many criminals and gang members have entered the country. Our schools are being inundated with people who don’t understand the language and in many instances are hampering the education of our children. Kamala Harris will not close the border if elected. The decision as to who is the better candidate is evident. These four years have been a nightmare putting us on the brink of World War III. The previous administration gave us prosperity, safety and an economy that was not out of control.
Rosemary Terryn
LAUREL
The signs are a sign
I have been reading the police blotter each week and have noticed reports of political signs being vandalized or stolen. Interestingly, it seems mostly Democrats’ signs are being targeted. One can only assume that it is Trump/LaLota supporters doing the vandalizing. Have Donald Trump and his supporters forgotten that we live in a country where people are allowed to express their opinions, political or otherwise, without fear of their property being vandalized or stolen? Donald Trump has said he will punish anyone who disagrees with him. It seems the punishment has started before he has even been elected. Make no mistake, a vote for Donald Trump or Nick LaLota shows that you condone or even encourage this type of behavior.
We should all love our neighbor, even if we don’t always agree with them. That is why I will be casting my votes for Kamala Harris and John Avlon in November. Decency matters.
Sarah Mehta
LAUREL
Happy harvest for P.O.
A big thank you to Schmitt’s Farm Stand in Laurel for donating and decorating the Laurel post office. Years ago, the postal service would really go all out with the fall harvest decorations, but as with every business, cuts are made and budgets are lower. This post office hasn’t decorated their front porch a long time — until Brooke, the manager of Schmitt’s, decided to go across the street and decorate. It took her a couple of trips with her gator and after a few minutes had the place looking like it did back in the day. Schmitt’s Farms and their employees really know the meaning of community involvement and we appreciate the time and effort they put in. Thanks again Schmitt’s, you really are holy!
Joe O’Donnell
Postmaster, USPS, Laurel branch
SOUTHOLD
A friend I’ll miss
I first met Dave Hewitt when I was 8, shortly after he opened his store OnTrack Books. It was down the road from my house and I was eager to spend my summer somewhere I could leaf through Mad Magazines and EC Comics. Over the years we developed a strong and unique bond. Many of my younger days were spent sitting in a worn-out folding chair while he worked from behind the counter and WLNG played on his radio.
He always treated me with respect and dignity, so rarely afforded to children. He took a genuine interest in what was important to me, he’d seriously discuss politics at length with me, he’d share stories from his life, and we’d laugh at each other’s jokes. I wound up being able to spend more time with Mr. Hewitt than any of my grandparents and always felt supported, welcomed, and appreciated by him.
The last time I saw Mr. Hewitt, he was closing his store. We spoke for only a few minutes — but he still pulled up a chair and took the time to sit and chat. For the past few years I had hoped to reconnect and thank him for the impact he had on me as a young boy. I had begun writing letters, but I never got the opportunity to give him a proper acknowledgment.
Learning of Dave’s passing, I appreciate every moment he shared with me and I will miss my friend dearly. He truly shaped me into the person I am today and his kindness left an incredible impact. I’m sure I will continue to think of him t often.
Thank you, Mr. Hewitt.
Anakin Mignone
MATTITUCK
A tribute to Bev
Bev’s Book Beat, run by Bev Wowak, who recently retired from Mattituck-Laurel Library, was an extremely valuable program. We were so fortunate to have a librarian who truly promotes a love for engaging in literacy of all genres.
Her book discussions offered several options to suit a variety of readers. We had a Book of the Month discussion where Bev selected a book from her research. At the Literary Café we discussed books that we’d read individually to provide each other with lists of books to read. We also had the Book Challenges; Bev selected a particular genre and we read several books of that type Bev communicated with all of us several times a month through email and developed packets with a wealth of information. Most recently, she intrigued us as the author of “Murder in the Library,” challenging us to solve three murders that she created.
Bev cultivated an environment that goes beyond discussing books. We became friends who enjoy reading, stimulating conversation and, most important, humor.
All the libraries on the East End offer book discussion groups. I expect them to continue these programs. But not everyone is replaceable. I hope Mattituck-Laurel Library will encourage Bev to stay on or work with her to develop her an option to continue “Bev’s Book Beat.”
Kathleen Burke
MOUNT SINAI
America’s war on opioids
As former chair of Suffolk County’s Addiction Prevention and Support Advisory Panel, I know firsthand that the war on opioids is not even close to being over, even as we see a slight decline in death rates. We need to see this epidemic as a real war that our adversaries are waging against us and use military force to stop the needless deaths of so many Americans. Those actions include sanctions on China, a hard crackdown on drug cartels and the border, and a united nationwide front to address the carnage of the drug epidemic.
That means putting some of the proposed $850 billion in military spending toward our own internal war on opioids. In addition, Big Pharma, who created this war through legal means, should be held accountable and liable. The Supreme Court recently ruled that the Sackler family, owners of Purdue Pharma that produces OxyContin, cannot be shielded from liability. This holds the Sackler’s accountable but also puts $6 billion in settlement funding, targeted to address the opioid epidemic, in jeopardy.
I often ask: Why is it taking so long to stop overdose deaths? Americans are dying inside our borders thanks to adversaries who are funneling deadly drugs that have killed more Americans than multiple U.S. wars. In 2023 alone, over 100,000 Americans died of overdoses, including 366 from the powerful opioid fentanyl in Suffolk County.
Let’s stop wasting time and focus on making our country stronger and safer. We can end this war by finding effective strategies to identify drug dealers, providing services for those who need addiction and mental health support, and educating our kids on the dangers of opioids.
So much money has been made in legal and illegal opioid drug sales, but no money can replace the lost loved ones who did not know they were casualties of America’s war on opioids. It’s time to end this war.
Sarah Anker
Ms. Anker is the Democratic candidate for New York State Senate District 1.
