Letters to the Rockville Centre Herald Aug. 23, 2012

We can do better

To the Editor:

While watching the 11 p.m. news on Aug. 16 and hearing of the tragic loss and funeral arrangements for Lance Cpl. Gregory T. Buckley Jr., I thought of an impressive patriotic gesture that we, as the community of Rockville Centre, could use to pay tribute to him, his service to our country and to his family.

The next morning at 9:45, I was at Mayor Francis Murray’s office, requesting a meeting with him. His secretary advised me that he would not be in until next week. I asked who was in charge and was informed that he was in a meeting. I left a message, suggesting that, in coordination with the funeral home, an honor guard of our residents, holding American flags, should participate along the funeral processional route.

My specific recommendation was to use the village’s telephone notification system that we are familiar with to get people involved.

I was absolutely amazed at the lame excuses village staff members offered to avoid doing anything in a timely manner. I was very discouraged, and asked, “Where is our patriotism?” The response was that we had our flags at half-staff.

At about 1:30 that afternoon, I called the mayor’s office again, asking if a decision had been reached. The response that time was that everyone was in meetings all day. I doubt they were made aware of my request at that time.

I next called State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos’s office, and was advised that he was also not available. After I explained what I wanted to accomplish, the person I spoke to suggested that it would be necessary to contact the family for approval. I hardly agreed.

When I arrived home that evening, there was a message on my answering machine from Skelos’s office that the Rockville Centre police commissioner should be advised. Still, no decision had been reached.

Not allowing frustration to thwart my plan, the following morning I went to the Mineola flag store in town and explained what I was trying to accomplish. The lady in the store gave me an American flag along with a Marine flag and did not accept payment. Then I headed to Lincoln Avenue, and held both flags with my hand over my heart as the procession passed. There were only a few people scattered on the street.

Regrettably — and I am sad to even mention this — not one American flag or patriotic banner was on display when I drove along the processional route later, except the balloons, banners and a single flag that were posted near the cathedral.

I hope we never experience a tragedy like

this again, but if we do, I strongly suggest that those in charge be more open to a suggestion. The only work involved in this plan was to record one message.

Rose J. Terzaga

Rockville Centre

Restore our green barrier

The following is an open letter that was sent to Mayor Francis Murray.

Dear Mayor Murray:

This is the third letter that has been sent to you regarding the unacceptable condition that I and several of my neighbors on Reeve Road are dealing with at the rear of our properties. Prior to the fall of 2011, a line of trees and shrubbery provided a sight and sound barrier between my property and both the roadway to the village water tower and the Molloy College parking lot. This barrier is now gone.

Last fall, employees of the Public Works Department removed a line of some 50 evergreen trees on the Molloy College side of the roadway, and on my side of the roadway they removed lilac bushes, forsythia, trees and tree branches. Now, with a complete lack of privacy, I am forced to view cars entering and leaving the college and work vehicles driving along the roadway to the water tower.

With no coverage and complete exposure, I have concerns for the safety of my family and property. You indicated to me and a neighbor that you were going to address this problem, but to date, nothing has been done. I would kindly ask you to look into this matter and address our concerns.

Irwin I. Berg

Rockville Centre