Here’s a selection of recent reader reaction.
From the LoHud.com forums, on news that Westchester County Police Officer Michael T. Brady, assigned to the Westchester County Airport, was arrested Sept. 12 on drug conspiracy charges; Brady, the grandnephew of the late Westchester County Board of Legislators Chairman Edward Brady, is alleged to have traveled through the airport with painkillers and drug proceeds:
“Grandnephew of county legislature’s Ed Brady? Why is this important? Ed Brady did many, many good things during his tenure as chairman and is so far removed from his grandnephew. So where’s the connection? RIP, Mr. Brady, these allegations have nothing to do with your performance.”
“What a shame. He traded his job for a mere $20,000! Remember, most police officers uphold the law. He was not one of them.”
“I suspect that The Journal News included [Brady’s family connections] in the story because there are many people out here wondering how [Brady] … got on this excellent police department? This is a well-sought- after job … [The county police] is still an excellent police department; maybe this will cause it to think twice about hiring candidates with connections.”
On news that Nyack village leaders are concerned that the Orangetown Police Department is planning to reduce coverage by reassigning Officer Neil O’Donnell and others; Orangetown police Chief Kevin Nulty said staffing will remain at the same levels in Nyack — at least two officers on patrol around-the-clock — but he acknowledged some officers will see their schedules reshuffled in an effort to reduce overtime:
“Nyack should end its contract with the Town of Orangetown for local policing and make a deal with the villages of South Nyack and Grand View. Extension of that riverfront force into Nyack is a natural, and perhaps a cheaper contract can be obtained. Certainly, the details can be improved. … Police who interact with residents, merchants and visitors in Nyack are what’s needed. Forge a better deal with your neighbors, Nyack.”
“Come on! A Nyack police department is the answer. No-brainer!”
“Nyack did [have its own police force], then they gave it up. There is a lesson to be learned there for all the advocates of consolidation.”