Letters to the Editor

Muddled river view

Several years ago, the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation hosted forums on waterfront development, which included area boaters who assembled to discuss ways to entice more boaters, just as in Baltimore's Inner Harbor. But it becomes more obvious as time goes by that SugarHouse Casino, in particular, wants nothing to do with boats or boaters. ("SugarHouse's plans to expand," Oct. 25). Among forum suggestions were projects involving SugarHouse and condos on the river. Several times, participants questioned why the original SugarHouse plans did not include slips where boaters could dock and visit the casino. If the casino, as stated, now wants to "engage the river," then there should be plans to accommodate boaters. Waterfront officials should insist upon it.

Tony Williams, Bensalem

Wrong way on jobs

The headline on Assemblyman Troy Singleton's op-ed should have been something about driving jobs away ("Helping to keep jobs in New Jersey," Oct. 28). Singleton touts his support of the Economic Opportunity Act as an effort to keep and grow jobs. Yet this legislation amounts to nothing but a Keynesian-style corporate welfare bill that will do nothing to make our state more prosperous and grow jobs. Even the uber-left New Jersey Policy Perspective group opposed this bill on grounds that it would not help our state's economy or grow jobs.

Mike Proto, Americans for Prosperity: New Jersey, Bogota

Santorum fanfare

As much as I respect the thoughtful, intelligent, and perceptive remarks of George Will, I was astonished by his defense of Rick Santorum ("Santorum fights on," Oct. 28). Will defends a shameless advocate of pro-life writ large, a man who has linked homosexuality to both incest and bestiality. It is offensive for Will to applaud Santorum for "gallantry and dignity in his steadfast determination to tack against the prevailing wind." There is nothing gallant or dignified about the manner in which the former senator has vilified those whose sexual orientation he finds so appalling and offensive. Surely, Will can find public servants whose gallantry and dignity warrant our collective gratitude, while Santorum's homophobic and xenophobic intolerance deserves our collective condemnation.

Peter C. McVeigh, Oreland, pmcveigh@comcast.net

Shared abundance

Many of us are planning the menu for our holiday feast, and we will spare no expense toward that end. And, of course, we will continue to fight for our favorite social causes the very next day. But how about taking a Thanksgiving challenge? To do so, serve a simple spaghetti dinner, and donate the money saved to prevent others from starving. And remember to thank God that you have spaghetti, and are smart enough to help others.

Joseph Carducci, Pittsburgh, carducci@hotmail.com

Candidly, it's safer

Let's set the record straight on the outlook for Abington Township's soon-to-be-launched red-light safety camera program ("Do red-light cameras pay their way?" Oct. 25). AAA and others are passing judgment before the program has gotten off the ground, unfairly comparing Abington to Philadelphia. As executive director of a coalition supporting safety cameras, I've seen firsthand how well-run programs in smaller communities can be successful in reducing red-light violations and improving safety. In small-town Linden, N.J., a recent analysis found crashes were reduced by 15 percent to 33 percent at all intersections with red-light cameras. In Florida, countless communities have seen benefits, with even greater safety improvements. Before jumping to conclusions, let Abington traffic officials do their jobs and implement this lifesaving technology.

David Kelly, National Coalition for Safer Roads, Washington