The Post reports that the FDNY has posted links for candidates who have felony convictions to apply for certificates that would allow them to be hired by the FDNY (“FDNY: Felons Welcome,” Jan. 27).
The story quotes me as saying that I don’t object to the exception for felons “as long as it’s applied equally” and that’s true, but incomplete. I don’t object to someone being given a second chance, depending upon the circumstances of each case and strong, verifiable evidence that the person is repentant and has exhibited this over a long period. I don’t want these certificates handed out like candy.
I also pointed out that the FDNY has never before highlighted this section of state law, but is doing so now in the midst of unrelenting pressure to hire blacks and Hispanics.
I would like to question the person(s) responsible for having this information posted to determine if they believe black and Hispanic candidates are more likely to be felons, thus accounting for the decision to post this information. If so, this is an incredibly offensive belief.
Paul Mannix, President, Merit Matters, Staten Island
Butt baloney
I routinely skirt these obnoxious taxes and buy my cigarettes from other states (“Smoke Gets in Their Eyes,” Editorial, Jan. 28).
Bloomberg and his pals have deluded themselves into believing that this drop in tobacco sales equates to less New Yorkers indulging in the habit.
He is oblivious to the reality that some people no longer patronize bars and clubs in the city due to this ban. Meanwhile, my tax dollars continue to be given to more reasonable states, local business suffers and he proclaims another “victory.”
Gregg Giovanni, Manhattan
NYers talk tax
I do not like seeing less in my paycheck either (“New Yorkers Under ‘A Tax’!” Jan. 27).
However, the “increase” is actually a return to what employees were paying in Social Security taxes prior to the holiday that began two years ago, when we paid 2 points less.
We have been hearing that Social Security will run out in the not-too-distant future. The continuation of this “holiday” would only make it sooner.
Rose Cioffi, Nutley, NJ
I wish The Post would have asked those who voted for President Obama if they regret it now.
Donna Pallante, Staten Island
School realities
I wholeheartedly agree that a moratorium on school co-locations would deprive thousands of parents of the high-quality school options they demand (“Three Stooges for Mayor,” Editorial, Jan. 24).
But in rightly taking the three mayoral candidates to task, The Post was wrong for implying that the city is divided into “good schools (i.e., charters)” and non-charter “union schools,” and the mayor creates conflict between the two.
There are many great traditional schools where committed, talented and, yes, unionized educators are giving their all. And while there are many amazing charter schools in the city, we have to admit that there are some lemons on our side of the fence as well.
What we don’t need, whether from politicians, union leaders, advocates or editorial boards, is a childish and even crude education debate. That helps nobody, least of all the students we all say we want to serve.
James Merriman, CEO, NYC Charter School Center, Manhattan