Commentary on today’s news and opinion, from readers and newsmakers.
A volunteer firefighter in Irvington has been banned from responding to fire emergencies because of a refusal to rejoin the Irvington Fire Company after a person in a leadership position within the company allegedly sexually harassed and created a hostile work environment for him. LoHud.com readers who have had experience putting out fires voice their opinion on the controversy:
“I too was harassed, overtly threatened and run out of the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department. I begged the Fire District for assistance but they ignored my pleas for assistance…I feel for this firefighter. You do it because you love it and people with agendas ruin it for all.”
—Brian Lynch
“I can assure you that the atmosphere in the fire service will never be compared to working in a library. The guys are rude, crude and very politically incorrect. We kid, provoke, degrade and annoy each other, as a peculiar show of affection for those who you will depend on, to keep you alive…It wasn’t sexual harassment, it was acceptance, as long as I laughed along with the rest, rather than running to the chief or a lawyer!”
—Tony Francis
“I have responded with and spent many hours training and drilling with Mr Kabalev. Knowing his character, professionalism and ability; I would be grateful and relieved if any in my family were in need and he was there. That my friends is the bottom line. Hang in there Nikolai.”
—Jim Pappas
New York State governor Andrew Cuomo urged residents not to side with skeptics who claim the plans for the new Tappan Zee bridge must accommodate mass transit if construction is to go forward, saying “if controversy always wins, we build nothing”. Earlier this month, county executives delayed the vote to approve plans for the bridge saying they need more information before reaching a decision. LoHud.com readers expressed concerns that the new bridge would not be adequate in servicing the needs of daily commuters:
“The thought of building a new bridge unable to accommodate mass transit is insane, at best. During commuter times, the TZ is a daily nightmare. If the new bridge could connect mass transit to already existing lines, it would eliminate thousands of cars daily, and give the new bridge a longer life span, and thus save taxpayer money in the future. Downstate counties pay more in taxes than anywhere else in the state. Why are the governor and the Feds unwilling to give us something back for the amount that we pay?”
—Pat Farrelly
“Sorry Gov. Cuomo, the bridge you propose wasn’t even up to date when your father was in office. We need a bridge to advance our communities transportation abilities, not maintain the status quo. Bus and Rail need to be part of the design and construction plans.”
—Randall Wolf
What are you talking about today? Leave your answer in the comments below.