Readers Write: DA election, federal convictions a good sign

The Island Now

Looking back on 2015, Nassau County had a great victory in electing our new DA. 

There are still many problems yet to be solved but now I don’t see it getting worse.

The two recent convictions by the feds sends a strong message: Transgressors beware.

Nationwide, much is chaotic. 

The Republican presidential candidates, as I see it, disqualify themselves with most every word they speak.

On the Democratic side, I see it as unfortunate that Hilary Clinton is seen by many as, and possibly is beholden to factions that are not in her best interest or those of the people.

From what I have seen, Bernie Sanders is completely independent and free to act accordingly.

Back to local happenings:

Mineola has initiated a hired traffic and parking study. I already know the answers.

This village, like many others has numerous north-south and east-west thoroughfares.

To the great majority of drivers, Mineola is only something in between where they are and where they are going. Nothing is going to change that.

As for parking, especially downtown by the train station, I have mentioned a solution for much of it which seems to have gone unnoticed.

For Mineola residents and part of Garden City, those close by can walk to the train station. 

Others including part of Carle Place have to drive and use commuter parking, call a cab or have someone drive them.

A good solution for most of them would be a system of shuttle bus routes. I heard about one up north.

One such route could leave the south train platform and head west on Old Country Road to Herricks Road, north up to Jericho, east to Mineola Boulevard, and south to the north station platform. That would be clockwise. Then take the same route counterclockwise.

Two buses working the same route would eliminate a passenger needing to ride more than half the route. 

How long could it take? Twenty minutes maximum?

The entire area served should be from Herricks Road on the west, Jericho on the north, Glen Cove Road on the east and Old Country Road on the south. Possibly more. Other routes within this area would serve it in the best possible manner.

This would greatly reduce traffic and the need for many commuter parking spaces. 

As it is, those using these spaces still need to walk to the train instead of being left and picked up at the station platform.

This should not be a money-maker for the village but a public service. The fare should not be much at all and only to cover operating expenses.

Users would have ‘shuttle cards’ like NYC & NICE with rides registered on the riders credit cards. The ability to pay with coins would be available also.

I imagine the drivers would have at least a forty hour week.

Mineola has space to serve as a depot and for servicing the vehicles.

I would be very happy not to want to bring this subject up again. It is time to move into the modern age.

I assume that the Mineola officials read the local newspapers and know what is happening. Just listen to and heed the advice of the people. That is the purpose of public office.

Charles Samek

Mineola

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