Naming fascist names
To The Editor:
Your reviewer’s piece on “Fateless” – well-written though it was — contained an important error: The Hungarian fascists were called The Arrow Cross, not The Iron Cross (arts article, Jan. 13 – 19, “A different kind of survivor’s tale”). The Romanian fascists were called The Iron Guard.
Ann Cantor
Liquor’s defense
To The Editor:
In your recent editorial “Reform at the S.L.A. might have to wait for a new governor” (Jan. 27 –Feb. 2) you write that news of the recent nomination of former police Chief Daniel Boyle as chairman of the State Liquor Authority “came as a huge letdown to residents of Downtown Manhattan” because, as you argue, only a chairperson from Manhattan could represent the concerns of Manhattan residents on the three-member board at the authority — I couldn’t disagree more.
Chief Boyle is a dedicated public servant who has spent over 31 years in law enforcement, and he uniquely understands the concerns that all New Yorkers have regarding quality of life, and public health and safety issues. As chairman he will work to make certain that licensees fully comply with the Alcohol Beverage Control Law and that license applications are approved in accordance with the law, after all the facts are in and a thorough review is conducted, regardless of whether they’re in Manhattan, Montauk, or Massena. Protecting the public health and safety of all New Yorkers is the mission of the State Liquor Authority, and it will certainly remain so under the new chairman.
Your article’s accusation that the State Liquor Authority “repeatedly ignored and abused the 500-foot rule” is simply false. The 500-foot rule hearings we regularly conduct provide us with valuable information and suggestions that ultimately help us to make the best decisions when evaluating a license application for approval. We view these hearings, and the helpful advice provided by community boards, as a vital part of our review process.
Since my appointment to the S.L.A., I have personally reviewed many of the letters received by the community boards and have directed staff to bring all major concerns to my attention. I have also directed increased enforcement efforts, zeroing in on licensed establishments that may be violating the A.B.C. Law. The S.L.A. will summarily suspend the most serious violators of the A.B.C. when there is an imminent threat to public health and safety, and I have and will continue to recommend to the board that such suspensions occur when warranted.
We remain committed to ensuring the public’s health and safety, and part of how we accomplish that effort is by partnering with law enforcement and community groups from around the state. We look forward to building on those important partnerships, so that we can continue to best the serve the interest of all New Yorkers
Joshua B. Toas
Chief Executive Officer, State Liquor Authority
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