LETTERS NASSAU AND SUFFOLK Edition

• Published in: Newsday
• Main Authors: Larry Penner. Great Neck, Annette Pumo. New Hyde Park, David Gould. Lynbrook, Irving Gerber. East Meadow, Manorville, Vincent Chiarchiaro, Regina Jingles. Bronx, Jeanne Greco. Malverne, Babylon, Dawn Frank
• Format: Newspaper Article
• Language: English
• Published: Long Island, N.Y Newsday LLC 07.01.1998
• Edition: Combined editions

Don't waste any projected budget surpluses at the end of any fiscal year. (Remember that it was a strong economy in 1997 that produced higher-than-anticipated tax revenues.) No need to squander these extra funds on frivolous new programs to grease the wheels of re-election bids. Resolve to give the taxpayers and future generations a real gift. Apply any budget surpluses to reduce long-term debt by obtaining lower interest rates. I can't believe Town of Hempstead officials are about to spend $200 an hour to hire a voting-rights expert to appeal the U.S. Court of Appeals' ruling that would abolish the current at-large voting system and replace it with a six-district plan {"Hempstead Fights 6-District Plan," Dec. 31}. One district would be a rectangular majority-minority district covering Hempstead, Uniondale and Roosevelt. The size of Hempstead, its town board and its minority population, as well as the compactness of its minority population, make the formation of councilmanic districts both preferable and feasible. I would like to be assured that my councilman comes from the general neighborhood and will be responsive to the needs of Lynbrook residents. Contrary to the Republican Party's claims, this is not affirmative action for political losers. If the Republicans can put forth a candidate from the Hempstead Village area who appeals to enough voters, they can win that seat as well. Look what has happened in the Nassau County Legislature, with Republican Darlene Harris first winning then holding her seat.