Long Islanders have mixed reviews on statehood plan

Steven Gandiosi, 53 from Bohemia, owns an antiques shop in Amityville.

“It’s an interesting idea, but at a time when the economy is down and when people are struggling to pay school and property taxes and people are suffering from a loss of disposable cash; this is what he wants to spend taxpayer money on?”

“I would need to know more, but it sounds expensive. When you start something money gets swallowed up pretty quickly to establish yourself.”

What should the state bird or flower be if this comes through:

“The Long Island Duck of course! They could use some publicity just like this study.”

Melissa Smith, 38, a nursing aide from Amityville.

“I don’t know much about this, but if it’s going to bring more money to the area and make things more productive, then why not? But then again what we lose as far as tax revenue, even identity? These are things to consider. But generally if the study found it would have a positive effect, control government spending and increase quality of life issues I would fully support it.”

What should the state bird or flower be if this comes through:

“Any flower that is purple. That’s my birthstone, amethyst, and it’s royal. Not sure about the bird.”

Allise Jones, 41, an electrician from Amityville.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea and would be against it. Anytime you combine something that is not quite equal it is a problem. Isn’t Nassau County in the red? So then we would all share in their burden? That’s not fair. It would be the beginnings of more inequality from taxes to schools.” What should the state bird or flower be if this comes through:

“For the flower I would say the orchid, because it stands alone even when it’s mixed in with other flowers. I have no idea about the bird. A woodpecker?”

Jim Bueche, 50 of Hicksville, owns a cigar store in Farmingdale.

“That’s interesting. Where are they getting the money for the study and how much will it cost? But before I can make a decision I would have to know more. It’s fine to do the study because I’m sure it’s certainly not the silliest study they are doing.”

What should the state bird or flower be if this comes through:

“A turkey. There are a lot of turkeys running around.”

Pilar Santoro, 55, from Massapequa teacher at Long Island Beauty School in Hauppauge.

“It would never work. The people in Nassau and Suffolk would not allow it, they would not agree and would be fighting because each side would want their laws adopted. And for what? It wouldn’t lower taxes. It’s just a study wasting taxpayer money. I don’t think it’s a good idea. They should just fix what we have now.”

What should the state bird or flower be if this comes through:

“The duck. You go to play golf: ducks; you go to the pond: ducks. they are everywhere so why not make it official?”