NY Freedom of Information Law, basketball legend Bill Walton
Basketball Hall of Fame legend Bill Walton in 2022. Credit: AP/Charles Krupa
What is Nassau hiding from us?
The state’s Freedom of Information Law, or FOIL, is a mechanism where a free press provides us, the public, with the whole truth.
In November, Newsday’s editorial board asked for information on opioid overdose deaths in Nassau County. The request was denied twice “Still waiting on public records,” Editorial, May 28]. Why? What does Nassau have to hide?
The medical examiner’s office can withhold, or “redact,” the names and revealing information from autopsy records. We can protect the innocent while providing vital information to the public.
I don’t always agree with Newsday’s editorials, but this time, the board is spot on. Nassau County officials need to be up front on this issue. They owe it to the loved ones who lost someone, the individuals in recovery, and the public at large.
— Larry Lamendola, Wantagh
A special moment with a sports legend
Around 1994, I had returned to Kennedy Airport when I saw men gathered around a tall individual at the luggage carousel. I quickly recognized basketball legend Bill Walton [“ ‘Truly one of a kind,’ ” Sports, May 28].
I phoned my son Kevin, about 13. Suddenly, Walton is in front of me. I said, “Hi, Bill, would you mind saying hello to my son, Kevin?” Without hesitation, he took the phone and walked around chatting with Kevin.
Finally, Walton returned with my phone. “You have a really great son in Kevin, Ron,” he said. “I enjoyed talking with him.” I thanked him, and Walton and his entourage got his luggage as I got mine, and we all left.
Walton got into his waiting car and asked if I needed a ride to mine. I thanked him and said it was nearby.
Well, I had trouble finding it. A car pulls up by me. Walton had asked the driver to pull over and said, “Hey, Ron, need help finding your car?” I then spotted it in the next row, so I thanked him again. He smiled, gave me a thumbs up and pulled away.
What an amazing fellow.
— Ron Baumbach, Bethpage
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