Chinatown safety
To The Editor:
Re “Chinatown happy as traffic plan is stalled for now” (news article, June 12 – 18):
The good news is there is a delay thanks in part to Councilman Alan Gerson. I don’t know if it is true that if Mayor Mike Bloomberg gets re-elected in November, this project will start the day after, as was told to Jan Lee by a city official, but this is the first time I am considering not voting for Mayor Bloomberg. I am an optimist and believe time and politicians will improve and realize that closing Park Row is not the way to fight terrorists.
Before the closing of Park Row, buses ran not only on Park Row but also on the now closed Pearl St. Life was not a battle to open Park Row but certainly more pleasant and for residents and of course for businesses, tourists and traffic. We can only hope that the delay in reconstruction will last at least until there is someone in City Hall that will consider the will and safety of those who live and work in the area.
Ora Gelberg
Mayoral control
To The Editor:
As a longtime resident and parent of a child in a school in Lower Manhattan, I’m thankful to Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and his support of mayoral control (editorial, May 29 – June 4, “Keep mayoral control, with modifications”). Thanks to this new system, we have seen the reform that was necessary to turn failing schools around. Making changes to the law that would undermine the mayor’s authority puts schools back into the hands of special interests. Speaker Silver has supported mayoral control of the Panel on Education Policy, and I believe this is the right move to keep reforms moving in the right direction.
David Rodriguez
Southbridge reforms
To The Editor:
Re “The ‘true majority’” (Letter by Geraldine Lipschutz, June 12- 18):
Sadly, the distortions and fabrications in Ms. Lipschutz’s letter regarding the recent Southbridge Towers board election distract from the most important achievements of the current board. Since president Wally Dimson and the Southbridge Rights slate have gained control, they have solidly delivered on their promise of full transparency, accountability, and responsible governance.
For too many years, the forces of corruption and greed held sway in Southbridge. This “romp” of unbridled criminality came to a halt when, in 2006, the treasurer of the board pleaded guilty to charges of fraud and conspiracy. She admitted to covertly engaging in the illegal practice of “selling” her apartment, all the while publicly objecting to legal privatization.
In this most recent election, our neighbors have affirmed the new transparency offered by our open board meetings and timely posting of minutes. The average number of votes for a Southbridge Rights candidate was double the number of votes received by Victor Papa.
Southbridge voters will not be fooled by specious reasoning. We will freely and democratically determine our own future.
Diane Harris Brown
