The Rochester Beacon welcomes letters from readers. 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].
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.