Letters to the Editor

wading river

Reckless congressman

Enough is enough. I’ve just about had it with the ringing endorsements of our left-leaning liberal Democrat congressman, Tim Bishop, which I now find peppered on this page weekly. My favorite however, was last week’s endorsement which labeled the Conservative Republican candidates (which, by the way, are in the middle of a heated three-way primary which is why the roadside signs are appearing at this early stage in the game) as not able to represent CD-1 (the First Congressional District) simply because they may not have resided here as long as Bishop. So, let’s set the record straight.

Claiming that Bishop cares about Long Island and CD-1 is just about as hilarious as claiming that the liberal controlled New York State Legislature knows how to balance a checkbook. Congressman Bishop voted for a $1 trillion spending bill, nicknamed a “stimulus,” which he failed to read. Then, as if that were not enough money spent, about a month later he voted for an $800 billion liberal wish list, called an “omnibus” bill. But the congressman felt that that still was not enough government rammed down the throats of the citizenry of this great nation. He then voted for yet another bill that he did not read, an overreaching Healthcare Bill, which we are currently learning is going to cost billions (yes, with a B) more than the original CBO estimates.

But no, that still was not enough reckless behavior by the congressman; he felt the need to throw CD-1 under the bus yet again, by signing onto Henry Waxman’s “cap and tax” bill, which would undoubtedly cripple our beloved North Fork farms and vineyards to the point of near bankruptcy, a concept that this Congress should know all too well.

So, if CD-1 has the same genetic makeup as San Francisco, then I would wholeheartedly agree that yes, he has done a stellar job of representing Long Island. But, if the electorate of CD-1 envisions themselves as something other than a rubber stamp for the Obama, Pelosi and Reid agenda, then the congressman has been nothing more than a dismal failure. This year the Republicans have a couple of excellent conservative candidates, with some real world experience, like actually working in the private sector in order to meet a payroll. Please familiarize yourself with their platforms and vote wisely.

Brian Mills

CUTCHOGUE

U-pick, you pay

Your article concerning the state of the U-pick scene (“Bad apples alter U-pick scene,” July 15) contains a few inaccuracies, specifically relating to Wickham’s Fruit Farm.

I have been picking and purchasing from their stand for over 30 years. When we went this year to pick blueberries, we were told about the new club membership and that there would be benefits. But when we asked what the benefits were, we were told they hadn’t come up with any yet.

Fine, if you have to charge an additional fee, just do it and don’t make any excuses. Also, you cannot just pick and pay. First you pay — and, at least for blueberries, more per pint than you pay for local blueberries at other stands — and then you pick. So you are paying extra for the privilege of picking them yourself.

I am supportive of local agriculture and buy almost all my fruit and vegetables from local stands, but the attitudes of personnel and policies at some local farms, Wickham’s being one, have dramatically deteriorated in the last few years.

I now only return to Wickham’s if I can’t purchase similar fruit and produce at some other farm stand.

Gary Comorau

Wading River

More than irritating

I would like to comment on Mr. Hermsdorf’s lengthy article about the so-called boundaries of the Long Island Sound beachfront homes.

As an owner myself (the end of Creek Road by the boat ramp), we are burdened daily by an endless stream of beachgoers with their families, umbrellas, coolers, chairs, barbecues, children and pets. The noise and trash they produce is more than irritating. This goes on daily and weekends. It is worse than Coney Island. One cannot leave the driveway because all the beachgoers park wherever they want.

You really need to stay home to police your property. They think nothing of helping themselves to your outside furniture or faucets and, of course, they have no problem defecating in the beach grasses. There are no lifeguards here and the creek can be very dangerous; I personally witnessed a drowning of a fishermen myself some years ago.

I am familiar with the writer’s property. His home is way up on the top of a bluff, not within walking distance for the beachgoers. So I suppose he is not bothered by irritating trespassers who think of this as their private beach. Considering no one can really say just where the division line starts and ends for the taxpayer, it amazes me just how bold people are about knowing just where this mean high water line is.

I have been here over 30 years and, frankly, I am trying to enjoy my later retirement years in some sort of peace and quiet, but individuals think nothing of infringing on your turf whenever they please, day or night.

Some days I feel like offering them a piece of the $18,000 tax bill I pay to live here.

Doris Zinna

MILLER PLACE

Don’t blame others

People who take responsibility for and learn from their failures become successful and contribute great things to our community, unlike people such as the organizers of the Riverhead Blues Festival this year, who blame their own failure on other people rather than accept the responsibility themselves. It’s time to grow up!

P.S. The fireworks were great!

Robert Lanieri

Editor’s note: Mr. Lanieri is the president of the Riverhead Chamber of Commerce, though he is not writing on behalf of the chamber. There were no fireworks this year; the Blues Beat journal published by Times/Review Newspapers mistakenly indicated a show was scheduled.

Riverhead

Festival thanks

The Vail-Leavitt Music Hall board and I would like to thank those who supported us during last weekend’s 12th annual Riverhead Blues and Music Festival. In a year which brought unexpected threats and setbacks to many of us, we are grateful to those who make a positive impact in our community.

Over 5,000 fans and listeners enjoyed great music, food and atmosphere, helping to keep it as one of Riverhead’s most unique events. Although the festival fell short of its financial goal, it was more importantly maintained for the benefit of our charitable local historic nonprofit theater.

To achieve our new fundraising goals, the Vail-Leavitt will be presenting a series of special benefit performances along with other new programs beginning this fall. Meanwhile, “Original Voices at the Vail” enters its third year ¬­– the longest running venue of its kind in Suffolk.

Find out more about our programs and keep updated through our website at vail-leavitt.org.

A final, special note of thanks to Riverhead’s own — workers in the electrical, buildings and grounds, police and administrative areas. It is a privilege to work with such a dedicated and professional group to make our event successful. Thank you all!

Bob Barta

president, Vail-Leavitt Music Hall