“Pols push for mixed martial arts in New York” (Terrence McCullen, May 2) is great news. Mixed martial arts is a rapidly growing sport already legal in other states. It rivals both wrestling and boxing in fans and attendance for events. Why should we miss out on the jobs, economic growth and new tax revenues? If Governor Andrew Cuomo, State Senate Leader Dean Skelos, [...]
The city’s executive budget has been released. It proposes a cut to Queens Library of $29.6 million, part of a proposed cut to libraries citywide of $100 million. If that proposal were to become reality, the impact on library service hours and the number of job layoffs are unthinkable. Our representatives in City Hall and [...]
BY SETH TAYLOR Earlier this year, Councilmember Julissa Ferreras announced a “New Deal for Roosevelt Avenue,” a holistic seven-point plan that aims to revitalize what is widely known as one of New York City’s most bustling, yet uncared for, commercial corridors. Among the seven points is the creation of a “better business environment.” To accomplish [...]
On the northeast corner of Northern Boulevard and the Clearview Expressway in Bayside is a green area where the Soldier’s Monument proudly stands. The monument commemorates the sacrifices that our brave men and women made serving in the armed forces during wartime. Unfortunately, this green area is frequently littered. Recently, I picked up a bag [...]
“Go for a Ride” (Andy Altamirano, April 25) concerning expansion of ferry service to Astoria makes sense. Our waterways are an underutilized natural asset which can offer significant transportation alternatives for thousands of New Yorkers. Most of our existing public transportation and roadways are already operating at or above capacity. New ferry services can be [...]
As chair of the City Council 19th District blood drives, I would like to thank the 29 concerned northeast Queens residents who volunteered to give the gift of life during our blood drive in Whitestone on Saturday, April 20. Thanks to modern techniques, the precious platelets which last just a few days may have [...]
BY PETER SMERGUT The word “autism” conjures up many images and emotions. We have all witnessed the pandemic growth of this disability and it is hard to keep track of the incidents among newborn. Whether you subscribe to the 1/88 births or the more recent 1/50 births, the facts are clear, this is an extraordinary [...]
As former elected officials from Queens County, we have had the opportunity to work very closely with Republican Party Chair Phil Ragusa. We have known Phil for over 30 years and in our experience, he is one of the most honest, diligent, decent and forthright people we have had the pleasure to be associated with [...]
As the city of Boston and the nation continue to cope with the aftermath of the horrific bombing that took three lives and injured countless others,some critically, it is important for all of us to be supportive of Bostonians. We are all Americans and are all in this together. The terrorists want to be able [...]
It is now time for the Catholic Church to stop living in its 1939 Emerald City fantasy world and allow its priests to marry. There is absolutely no logical reason why this should not happen. In other Christian and Judeo denominations, men who are clergy are permitted to marry. Being married does not lessen one’s devotion [...]
