New York State's climate goals, school active shooter drills
A reader questions Gov. Kathy Hochul's authority to “pause” congestion pricing because she thinks it’s politically expedient. Credit: AP/Julia Nikhinson
Gov should follow climate mandate
Gov. Kathy Hochul isn’t just missing the first climate goal [“Hochul says New York won’t meet 2030 climate goal,” News, July 28]. She and her agencies have been blowing through legislated deadlines all along.
Hochul talks about our climate goals as if they are something we wish and hope for, not something for which the state has a legislative mandate and a fully realized climate action plan. She seems to have a surprising lack of respect for legislated mandates, and maybe a not-so-surprising concern for politics.
Similarly, what authority does she have to “pause” congestion pricing, to hit a reset button because she thinks it’s politically expedient?
Dragging our state’s feet on planet-saving initiatives despite legislative mandates causes one to wonder whether she has fallen prey to fossil fuel powers. Record heating from burning fossil fuels has put us in uncharted territory.
There’s no going back to rethink the need to transform to a renewable energy economy.
— Amy Posner, Lido Beach
Ease students into learning new drill
As a former teacher, I believe it’s essential that school drills continue “School drill concerns,” News, July 28]. After kindergarten students have participated in two fire drills, the teacher should notify the parents that they are beginning discussions about the “new” type of drill in class so parents can provide input at home about “active shooter” drills.
Next, assign upper-grade buddies to each student with a brief meet-up. Finally, have the buddies arrive before the first actual drill to participate and provide guidance and comfort.
The children will have settled in to fire drills and be aware that another type of drill exists. It would be irresponsible to let the children be completely unfamiliar with the concept of classroom safety.
— Kathi Letscher, Holbrook
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