Congratulations to Jim McHugh for stating the facts, and having the courage, to express what is correct politically, and to dispose of what is politically correct!
His letter to the editor captioned “Islamic Center ignores neighbors” (NHP Herald Courier, Friday, May 10, 2013) justifiably points a finger at what many of us have identified as two of the issues facing New Hyde Park and surrounding communities: First, the lack of a realistic and coherent policy in the building and municipal codes in the Town of North Hempstead, and second, a feeling that enforcement of building standards already codified in the town regulations is applied on a discriminatory basis.
Having known Jim McHugh for close to 20 years, I have worked with him on many occasions when he has dealt with situations that affected not only his New Hyde Park neighborhood, but the good and welfare of the entire North Hempstead community.
As a local political organizer and one-time candidate, as leader of and contributor to the Parks Civic Association, a participant in other local civic associations, and as a patriot and God-fearing citizen, his thoughts, words and deeds were always for the people.
He has always spoken of tolerance and equality under the law, but it appears that there are those who would minimize the need for this ever-present diligence, and his occasional calls-to-action drawing attention to important issues.
I commend Jim for his assessment of the Islamic Center issue, and agree wholeheartedly with his comments regarding the position taken by the NHP Herald Courier.
Eric Spinner
New Hyde Park
