The Rochester Beacon welcomes letters from readers. As a locally focused publication, the Beacon generally posts letters on national or international issues only if we deem the contribution to be unique and/or is submitted by someone from the Rochester area with relevant expertise. Submissions are moderated by Opinion Editor Kent Gardner but not edited. Writers may be asked to expand or modify their letter for inclusion as an op-ed (see our Contributor Guidelines). The Beacon’s Comment Policy applies to all Letters submissions, which should be sent to [email protected].
Getting America to think critically
Dan Drmacich | Oct. 12, 2025
Good citizenship requires critical thinking. But today, it’s a nebulous term that’s often not clearly defined, assessed or demonstrated by students. Read the letter.
We need an education movement
Howard Eagle | Oct. 7, 2025
Real and serious efforts to help improve educational conditions for all children in the Rochester City School District must focus around key issues. Read the letter.
Uneducable or unable to educate?
Josh Jochem Porte | Oct. 6, 2025
Students have the innate skills or gifts. It’s up to you, educator, to bring out the best in their journey. Read the letter.
Don’t blame Democrats for the government shutdown
William Fine | Oct. 6, 2025
Republicans are lying because they want to take away your healthcare, and they know that is unpopular. Read the letter.
The planet deserves our best
Steven Jarose | Oct. 1, 2025
By joining with others who care about the environment, we encourage more voices to join us and be heard. Read the letter.
VRS interpreters need union representation
Kathleen C. Holcombe | Sept. 10, 2025
A union is needed to ensure that this vital communications tool retains quality interpreters and better serves the Deaf community. Read the letter.
Governor Hochul: Protect New Yorkers, call a special session
Liz Brown | Sept. 10, 2025
We can’t wait any longer for lawmakers to fight back against MAGA’s “big UGLY bill.” Read the letter.
We need to reduce light pollution
Ruby James Madden | Sept. 3, 2025
Legislation is needed to safeguard astronomical research and limit excessive light that affects wildlife and ecosystems on Earth. Read the letter.
UR should review graduate student’s expulsion
David Cay Johnston | Aug. 16, 2025
Expulsion after a declaration or threat to file a formal complaint with the appropriate government agency is an utterly unjustifiable action. Read the letter.
Seabreeze must act now: safety cannot wait until the off-season
Ian Scheil | Aug. 7, 2025
An incident at Seabreeze Amusement Park last month underscores the need for a backup safety system. Read the letter.
How taxes affect us, the American people
Justus Robinson | July 5, 2025
If we’re serious about democracy, maybe we should stop letting billionaires write the rules while the rest of us pay the price. Read the letter.
The annual animal apocalypse: fireworks and the Fourth of July
Grace Jones | July 4, 2025
I understand the appeal of fireworks, but I can’t help but wonder how it is for birds to suddenly see the sky set on fire, to hear a boom so loud it’s unnatural. Read the letter.
How is cutting health care patriotic?
William Fine | July 2, 2025
With the the One Big Beautiful Bill, Republican lawmakers are abandoning their responsibilities to serve their constituents. Read the letter.
RG&E shows up when it matters most
Patrick Fox | June 16, 2025
From investing in infrastructure, to providing assistance for those who need it most, to continuously improving our service, our commitment is clear. Read the letter.
Shashi Sinha will reverse Rochester’s decline
Joe Klein | June 16, 2025
As mayor, Malik Evans has failed to address the city’s two festering problems: crime and education. Shashi Sinha will give Rochester the leadership it needs. Read the letter.
Vote blue no matter… hold on
Jason Yungbluth | June 15, 2025
In Rochester, poverty and despair are creeping in at the edges from all directions. New government is needed. Read the letter.
There’s help for first-time homebuyers
Gypsy Malave | June 11, 2025
Though affordable housing is a challenge locally, Rochester has many resources to help first-time homebuyers. Read the letter.
The solution to Rochester’s failed anti-poverty initiatives
Michael Bloch | June 10, 2025
There is one way, and only one way, to break the poverty cycle. The answer is education. Read the letter.
Speak Up for Palestine speaks out
Jason Yungbluth | May 28, 2025
The members of Speak Up for Palestine, a group of several dozen demonstrators, are among those locally who are keeping the flame of hope alive, until America’s conscience finally catches fire. Read the letter.
Tenney is abdicating her responsibilities
William Fine | April 28, 2025
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney and her Republicans colleagues are choosing to turn a strong economy into a recession by failing to a check and balance on the executive branch. Read the letter.
The case for eliminating New York’s Board of Regents
Dennis Francione | April 15, 2025
By eliminating the Board, universities and school districts would have greater flexibility, improved efficiency, and the ability to make decisions based on academic expertise rather than political or financial motivations. Read the letter.
New York’s 340B hospitals are profiting off patients like me
Ian Scheil | April 11, 2025
We need greater transparency, accountability, and affordability, not a system that allows hospitals and out-of-state corporate middlemen to profit off programs meant for patient care. Read the letter.
Climate funding schemes defy reality
Richard Ellenbogen and Roger Caiazza | April 11, 2025
A close look at the Climate Leadership & Community Protection Act cap and invest policy and NY HEAT Act reveals wishful thinking and magical solutions. Read the letter.
The criminal justice system needs accountability
Elders and Allies | April 11, 2025
Recent events involving the Monroe County Jail, the Rochester Police Department and NYS correctional institutions highlight the need for substantial systemic change. Read the letter.
The empire’s last stand: jobs, crime, and a plan to fight back
Mark Gianniny | April 9, 2025
New York was the Empire State once; it can be again if we bring back manufacturing jobs. Read the letter.
How did the Signal group chat happen?
Frank Orienter | March 27, 2025
It is of utmost importance to understand how this breach of security discipline came to pass. Read the letter.
Conservatives should support clean energy
Rob Johnson | March 26, 2025
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney ought to use her election mandate to address climate change by working to preserve the clean energy provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act. Read the letter.
We can afford to fund a more equitable society
Steven Jarose | March 11, 2025
Let’s ask the governor to pass the Invest in New York State legislation to better meet our community’s needs. Read the letter.
Ironing over city schools’ stains
John Bliss | March 10, 2025
The stains will continue to be ignored until the students and families are treated as more than numbers. Read the letter.
Trump, Musk are looting the government, rifling through personal information
William Fine | Feb. 25, 2025
Why does Rep. Claudia Tenney praise the invasion of your privacy, the loss of government safety net and jobs and the looting of your tax dollars? Read the letter.
The real-life impact of our current government
Jane Bleeg | Feb. 25, 2025
It is critical that truth, including real stories affecting people, be spread about the processes and impacts of recent actions by our government. Read the letter.
Chappell Roan’s brutally honest influence
Zoe Levin | Feb. 18, 2025
Her unapologetic personality and raw perspectives are admired by fans and fellow musicians alike. Read the letter.
Too much social media is harmful
Morgan Monile | Feb. 6, 2025
Putting down one’s phone and paying full attention offers an opportunity for growth in relationships and learning. Read the letter.
Inner Loop North ‘replacement’ does not deserve praise
Richard Rosen | Jan. 8, 2025
As a result of the project, air pollution will be worse and neighborhood streets will be burdened with increased traffic. Read the letter.
Isaiah Santiago’s political confusion
Howard Eagle | Jan. 8, 2025
The Rochester school board member’s reaction to the recent leadership vote is riddled with contradictions. Read the letter.
Punishing the victims of the housing crisis
Matt Seidel | Dec. 30, 2024
The RPD sweep of an encampment near Interstate 490, on the mayor’s orders, made the homeless even more homeless. Read the letter.
It’s time to stop ignoring the Genesee River fishery
Matthew Chapell | Dec. 22, 2024
The counties bordering Lake Ontario receive a $60 million economic boost from tourist anglers, but Monroe County is only capturing a fraction of that. Read the letter.
Without a trace: the buried history of Rehovot and the Palestinians who lived there
Brennon Thompson | Nov. 26, 2024
The small plaque for the Israeli city of Rehovot on the recently renovated Sister Cities Bridge in downtown Rochester omits any mention of Palestine or Palestinians, as if they never existed. Read the letter.
Why does N.Y. prioritize abortion over life-changing child care?
Sarah Prentice | Oct. 23, 2024
Passage of the New York Equal Rights Amendment would increase abortion spending. Instead, the state should alleviate financial stress on mothers and children. Read the letter.
An open letter to Judge Paul Warren
Thaddeus Sendall | Oct. 18, 2024
As abuse victims, what is our offense? Apparently, standing up to try to finally get justice and being “stubborn” about it. Read the letter.
Fairport’s zoning update process is a positive step
Robert Salmon | Oct. 2, 2024
Dealing with issues such as auxiliary dwelling units will take time and require legal guidance. Read the letter.
How higher expectations can drive student achievement in Rochester
Shanai Lee | Sept. 26, 2024
To suggest that poverty means our children cannot achieve academic excellence is both harmful and disheartening. Read the letter.
Washington should boost clean energy projects
Rob Johnson | Sept. 23, 2024
The Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024 is needed to help speed the implementation of clean energy projects. Read the letter.
Opposing Fairport rezoning
John Calia | Aug. 26, 2024
Village officials have not explained how changing Fairport’s zoning code can achieve the goal of maintaining the village’s character by destroying it. Read the letter.
Beware of the slavish, lesser-of-two-damn-evils mentality
Howard Eagle | Aug. 10, 2024
In the upcoming presidential election, there is a viable choice, especially for Black voters—but not if they listen to the Black political “mis-leadership.” Read the letter.
Kudos for music coverage
Kevin Smith | July 26, 2024
The Beacon provides much-needed reporting on the real breadth of musical offerings in Rochester. Read the letter.
Why were Sandra Doorley and Marvin Taylor treated differently?
Elders and Allies | July 17, 2024
Both Sandra Doorley and Marvin Taylor were stopped for traffic violations. How they were treated reveals ongoing problems of racism and lack of accountability. Read the letter.
An open letter to President Biden
Renee A. Sutton | July 12, 2024
You have done so much for this country through your service. Now you can serve your country best by stepping aside and throwing your support behind a qualified candidate. Read the letter.
The people trying to make Jewish American life suck
Lauren Deutsch | July 7, 2024
Our fellow citizens have the power to create a hostile environment for Jews, and they are availing themselves of it. Read the letter.
Why you should support Citizen Action’s Economic Justice Agenda
Jalil Muntaqim | July 5, 2024
There is no better action item than saving children from infant mortality and ensuring released incarcerated workers will not cause harm to the community. Read the letter.
When educational equity is absent—a billion-dollar failure
Josh Jochem Porte | July 4, 2024
The fact that Rochester has the worst school district in New York State is a collective failure. Read the letter.
Message to Washington: Conservation is Conservative
Rob Johnson | June 20, 2024
Climate change can be solved not by expanding the government, but rather by harnessing the forces of capitalism. Read the letter.
I’m a crime survivor who supports Elder Parole
Tracie Adams | May 31, 2024
Older adults who have served long sentences deserve a chance to be considered, on a case-by-case basis, for release, so they have a chance to repair harm. Read the letter.
Being present: (actively) listening to children when their world is upside down
Mary-Pat Cleary and Emily Cady | May 15, 2024
Students today are bombarded with information, much of which they may not be ready to hear or internalize. We understand how each child is affected and then work to create a safe, secure, and inclusive environment for them. Read the letter.
The RCSD superintendent turnover is not the problem!
Howie Jacobson | May 6, 2024
In the Rochester City School District, each part of the system operates with a different set of objectives for success. The result: failure. Read the letter.
When you see the orange cones, drive safely
Chris Reeve | April 24, 2024 The people you see along our highways, often in an orange and yellow vest and hard hat, are people just like you. We need your help to keep everyone safe. Read the letter.
Penfield’s annual EV car show brings community together for Earth day
Jill Bellenger | April 24, 2024
Penfield’s annual event began in 2012, where the first EV charging station in Monroe County was unveiled. Read the letter.
Stop cutting indigent legal services. Please!
Bryan Hetherington, Maureen Polen, Lisa Reagan, Langston McFadden, Julia Cianca, Joan Kohout, Brian Jacek, Richard Dollinger, Eileen Buholtz, Tina Monshipour Foster, Sareer A. (Sandy) Fazili, Stephen Weisbeck, Patricia Marks | April 20, 2024
Legal services for indigent New Yorkers should not be a bargaining chip in state budget negotiations. Read the letter.
‘Good cause’ eviction could worsen housing crisis
Mike O’Connor | April 16, 2024
State lawmakers should enact balanced housing policies that address the need for more affordable housing. Read the letter.
The only path to educational reform in Rochester
John Bliss | April 16, 2024
The success at East can be replicated, but it would require the one thing that RCSD has refused to grant to anyone proposing anything out of the ordinary: autonomy. Read the letter.
Use the market to reduce carbon pollution
Robert Johnson | March 27, 2024
A carbon pricing bill with cash back to US households would harness the forces of capitalism to solve this problem. Read the letter.
Stop STAMP, save Tonawanda and wildlife
Trish Corcoran | Feb. 7, 2024
It’s time to stop abusing the Earth for profit. Please help your neighbors, the Tonawanda Seneca Nation, who have fought for thirteen years to stop construction of the Science, Technology, and Advanced Manufacturing Park adjacent to their territory. Read the letter.
Welding workshop creates joyful experience
Emma Westerhof | Jan. 31, 2024
Ironwood Studios’ class is defined by intentionality, hospitality and empowerment. Read the letter.
An urgent plea for Medicaid reimbursement reform in nursing homes
Robert Hurlbut | Jan. 21, 2024
New York’s Medicaid program, the primary payer for nursing home care, falls significantly short in meeting annual costs, exacerbating staff recruitment and retention challenges and impacting access to quality care. Read the letter.
In Buffalo Bills vino, veritas
Michael J. Nighan | Jan. 5, 2024
Why are the team’s owners stiffing New York taxpayers—as well as one of New York’s leading industries? Read the letter.
How deep is the corruption & cover-up?
Howard Eagle | Jan. 3, 2024
The leadership contest between Yversha Roman and Mercedes Vazquez-Simmons is revealing. Read the letter.
The great debate: protect our lakes
Rose Khoobyar | Dec. 20, 2023
As climate change threatens to decrease our water supply, it is critical that we maintain the integrity of the Great Lakes Compact. Read the letter.
The therapeutic benefits of community gardening
Jackie Edwards | Dec. 18, 2023
Gardening is good for physical and mental health, and working with others builds a sense of community. Read the letter.
A quarter-century fighting violence on our streets
Gary Mervis | Dec. 2, 2023
Project Exile has not only taken thousands of illegal guns off the streets but has also created a level of agency cooperation that is unheard of in other cities. Read the letter.
Why marshlands are extremely important
Brendan Malloy | Dec. 2, 2023
Marshlands, also known as wetlands, are crucial in supporting the environment and human communities. Read the letter.
Ontario County recognizes FLCC’s ROI
Joan Geise | Nov. 11, 2023
The county’s increased annual contribution to Finger Lakes Community College is money well spent. The college has an annual economic impact of $108.5 million in the county and nearly $198 million regionally. Read the letter.
Don’t overlook nuclear power as a climate solution
Grant Snow | Nov. 1, 2023
Although there are other ways of generating power that also produce little or no CO2, they may not be as reliable or as practical as nuclear power. Read the letter.
In this political climate, there’s a clear choice
Ryan Wilson | Oct. 30, 2023
Of the 13 announced candidates in the 2024 presidential race, one is clearly the best choice when it comes to the most important issue of our time: climate change. Read the letter.
Utility industry ‘fixes’ seldom go as hoped
Marty Nott | Oct. 16, 2023
Delivering higher competence and lower prices is no simple task. Could a public entity improve on RG&E’s operation? Not likely. Read the letter.
U of R should not take money from its charitable causes to fund city programs
Gail Norris | August 18, 2023
Mitch Gruber maintains that the University of Rochester should contribute more financially to its home city. But his argument undervalues the university’s research, education, and health care missions that benefit the community. Read the letter.
It’s time to stop honoring slave owners and traders
Michael J. Nighan | July 31, 2023
Renaming the City of Rochester or Monroe County is not going to happen, but giving new names to certain schools and public spaces will make clear Rochester’s commitment to the justice and morality. Read the letter.
Public power utility would not serve the interests of residents and ratepayers
By Frank Orienter | June 30, 2023
Dissatisfaction with the ownership and management of Rochester Gas and Electric has prompted a campaign, led by led by Metro Justice, to take over the utility. But the half-million-dollar public power feasibility study recently approved by the Rochester City Council is a waste of taxpayer money—because taking over RG&E would produce no financial benefit, and the ownership and operating expense would impact the poorest residents harder than other consumers. Read the letter.
Setting the record straight: a very distorted ‘news’ report about the Take It Down Planning Committee / Faith Community Alliance Coalition/RMSC unprecedented, authentic, effective, anti-racist education program
By Howard Eagle | May 15, 2023
A recent Rochester Beacon article about an anti-racist education program that Take it Down Planning Committee/Faith Community Alliance Coalition developed in conjunction with the Rochester Museum and Science Center is quite distorted and has a crystal-clear, right-wing-slant. Read the letter.
Moving forward with and to equity
By Bill Wynne | May 2, 2023
Most people want to avoid difficult conversations about how to “move from” the horrors of the dreadful, prevailing poverty and racism. A “moving forward” antiracism conversation offers a more hopeful possibility. Read the letter.
Bhutan’s dark secret: human rights violations continue
By Bijaya Khadka | May 1, 2023
Tens of thousands of Bhutanese citizens—including more than 15,000 Bhutanese Americans who live in the Rochester area—have been forced to flee their homes due to persecution and discrimination by the Bhutanese government. Read the letter.
Rochester Music Hall of Fame strays from promised mission
By Michael J. Nighan | March 6, 2023
When established in 2011, the Rochester Music Hall of Fame aimed to recognize artists with ties to Rochester who contributed to musical excellence. However, after its charter class 12 years ago, no additional artist performances have been inducted into the Hall. Read the letter.
Climate change implications for upstate and Rochester
By Frank Orienter | Feb. 15, 2023
It is prudent to behave as if the changing climate and subsequent dangerous weather patterns are human activity caused. Read the letter.
RCSD Education: thoughts on suspension
By Frank Orienter | Feb. 14, 2023
Children that violate a well-articulated code of conduct shouldn’t be removed from the school setting first because some students may desire to not be in school. Read the letter
Ongoing issues prevail at the Pines of Perinton after last year’s devastating fire
By Bill Wynne | Feb. 4, 2023
The Town and many in the Perinton/Fairport community did a great job in responding to last year’s crisis as a result of the Pines of Perinton fire but the many issues impacting the lives of the families and the children who live there remain unresolved. Read the letter.
Rochester K-12 education: What do I need this ‘stuff’ for anyway?
By Josh Jochem Porte | Jan. 30, 2023
The RCSD has failed urban Rochester kids for decades. It shows them nothing during their education journey yet expect them to be enthused, responsive and stay the course. Read the letter.
Rochester K-12 education: Our school children need ‘urgent care’ just like a fallen football player
By Harry S. Pearle | Jan. 30, 2023
We pour millions and billions of dollars into education. But too many children are still not graduating, still not succeeding in life. Read the letter.
Nursing homes are in financial crisis: Our seniors deserve better
By Members of the Alliance for Senior Care | Jan. 21, 2023
New York is dead last in what it reimburses nursing homes compared to actual costs. Read the letter.