WWW.QNS.COM RIDGEWOOD TIMES NOVEMBER 1, 2018 13
FLIP THE BALLOT &
VOTE NO ON ‘3’
The question on the ballot is to limit
terms for volunteers on community
boards to two four-year terms.
Term limits already exist for
community boards. Every two years,
every board member must re-apply
and submit a new application for appointment
to the community board.
And without exception, every year
there are openings on a board due to
attendance issues and various other
reasons people decide they do not
want to continue as a member. And
sometimes it is struggle to fi nd people
willing to serve.
Most people do not realize that to be
an eff ective member of a community
board, it takes a commitment — of time,
not only to attend monthly meetings,
but to also participate on committees
and attend public hearings. So, when
new appointments to a board are made
and they are energized, engaged appointments,
they are treasured.
Thankfully, we have, and have had,
members of Community Board 2 who
have served years on the board bringing
great skills and knowledge of the
community, past and present that have
protected and improved the quality of
life for so many.
To think that members who give so
much time and are willing to take on
tough challenges would be removed
automatically from the board aft er
eight years is wrong.
Joseph Conley, former chairperson,
Queens Community Board 2
TRUMP SHOULDN’T
GO AFTER TRANS
RIGHTS
The threat to undo protections for
trans, intersex and nonbinary individuals
in the U.S. is another example of
the rolling back of human rights by the
current administration.
It is particularly insidious in its intent
to deny equal access to education,
employment and healthcare.
It also will hurt organizations that
serve trans, intersex and nonbinary
communities – which are already
grappling with funding cuts and
the prospect of losing programs
that serve as vital lifelines. These
groups, like all nonprofits serving
the many populations targeted by
this administration, will face even
greater resource pressure as they
struggle to meet increased demand
for help.
Preserving the protections of trans,
intersex and nonbinary individuals is
necessary in a society founded on the
principles that all people are created
equal.
Katie Leonberger, President & CEO,
Community Resource Exchange
MOURNING FOR
PITTSBURGH
A massacre occurred in a Pittsburgh
Synagogue named The Tree
of Life Synagogue, where 11 people
were gunned down and six people
were wounded, including four police
offi cers.
Is there no place sacred? To hate
another human being because of race,
religion and nationality is just wrong.
These nefarious and egregious acts
must not go unpunished.
Bigotry is a disease that destroys
mind, body and soul. Part of the solution
is education and to teach children
at home and in schools that hating
people that are diff erent is wrong
but rather treat them with love and
understanding.
I off er my heartfelt prayers for all
those killed and wounded and to their
families who are grieving at this time.
In closing to those who wish to hate the
Jewish people, remember this: Jesus
and his disciples were Jews and taught
to love one another.
Frederick R. Bedell Jr.,
Glen Oaks Village
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