U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Holtsville Ecology Site and Animal Preserve, rabid raccoons, NYC congrestion pricing

Modernize Academy before it’s too late

The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point is rightly described as a national treasure and a crucial element of national security “Hard times at the Academy,” Editorial, Dec. 22].

America cannot succeed in a foreign conflict without highly trained Merchant Marine officers carrying out our military sealift by transporting supplies, troops, weapons, tanks, and fuel to war zones.

The editorial highlights the dangers of continued neglect of the Academy’s infrastructure. Founded in 1943, when compared to the four other federal service academies, it is woefully outdated. This neglect is emblematic of a broader lack of preparation for potential conflict with China. While China aggressively builds its massive, 5,000-plus merchant fleet that would be nationalized in wartime, the United States has allowed its own fleet to dwindle to fewer than 100 and also faces a critical mariner shortage.

In 2021, as a USMMA alumnus, I joined a group of volunteer construction experts in forming the Maritime Security Infrastructure Council to develop a desperately needed comprehensive infrastructure modernization plan. Our detailed “Full Speed Ahead Plan” has garnered bipartisan support in Congress.

Long Island Reps. Tom Suozzi and Andrew Garbarino have introduced bipartisan legislation seeking a 10-year authorization to implement a plan consistent with the council’s comprehensive recommendation. Just recently, Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, also an academy alumnus, introduced sweeping maritime security legislation that included nearly identical language to the House bill.

Time is not on America’s side. We must modernize not only the USMMA but also our entire sealift capability before it’s too late. Thanks to Congress for sounding the alarm.

— John D. Cameron Jr., Rockville Centre

Children lose out if zoo is shut down

I’m an animal lover. I was, naturally, upset by the incidents pointed out at the Holtsville Ecology Site and Animal Preserve [“Towns should not run zoos,” Editorial, Jan. 8].

I accept that some of the animals would be happier and better cared for in more natural environments. I hope that Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney’s investigation finds that, although some animals need to be relocated, most are well treated and the zoo remains open.

Children learn to enjoy animals that they can see in person. If they do not have that opportunity, they may never have the appreciation that comes from seeing live animals. The site’s losing money is irrelevant. Town services that have little income are still necessary.

It would be sad if the zoo closed or if all the animals were placed elsewhere.

— Jim Intravia, Medford

Rats! I had raccoons in my own backyard

It is befuddling that now that someone unfortunately was bitten by a rabid raccoon in Massapequa Park, and another was caught and tested positive for rabies in West Hempstead, that the Nassau County Department of Health claims it should be notified regarding dead, sick or abnormal animals “Rabid raccoon caught after it bites Nassau resident,” Long Island, Jan. 5].

After seeing raccoons walking through my backyard — in Massapequa Park — during the day several times over the summer, I contacted Nassau County’s Department of Health. I was politely told that the county does not deal with raccoons although they understood my concern that this animal was not exhibiting normal nocturnal behavior.

I was advised that if it was a rat problem they could help but did advise me that I may call a wildlife trapper on my own and at my own cost. The county went further to actually send a “Notice of Visit” representative months later to look at my yard and leave me with a pamphlet on “Controlling Rats” even though I again explained we do not have rats, but we do have daytime raccoons.

I guess I went about this all wrong. I needed to get bitten for the county to pay attention.

— Vicki Appel, Massapequa Park

Nothing to celebrate about congestion tolls

Metropolitan Transportation Authority chairman Janno Lieber was joined by supporters and politicians as he held a cheery ceremony unveiling the new $9 Congestion Relief Zone toll sign shortly before it took effect [“Congestion pricing makes it through its 1st rush hour,” News, Jan. 7]. Celebrating this cash grab is totally out of touch with the people.

New Yorkers who must commute to work every day will suffer greatly financially as will businesses in Manhattan.

The only place I want to see “Congestion Relief Zone” signs are in the colds and flu aisle of my pharmacy.

— Maureen Beyer, Woodmere