Suffolk gunshot detection, LI schooling, election fraud claims, e-bikes, Macy's gift bag

Gunshot detection avoids oversight

The article about Suffolk County installing a new gunshot detection system made by Flock Safety is concerning [“Suffolk installing new gunshot detection system,” News, Aug. 2]. The company already monitors our movements with numerous cameras on our roadways.

It is alarming that public surveillance like this can be approved without legislative oversight. Is there a “waiver committee” that approved it without input from our elected representatives? This seems fine for mundane governmental acts, but to bypass the Suffolk County Legislature for something of such gravity is a travesty.

Sadly, we are watched, monitored, surveilled and have our private data marketed to the highest bidder, and we have become accustomed to it. We need to be especially alert to governmental surveillance of our travels and actions.

Ben Franklin said those who would be willing to sacrifice essential liberty for a little temporary safety deserve neither.

A rallying cry of the American Revolution was “No taxation without representation.”

Perhaps the new cry should be “No surveillance without representation.”

— Michael Cisek, East Islip

Colleges cover for weak high schools

As a professor at Empire State University, I found the article “How Long Island’s colleges give students a boost” interesting [News, July 27]. While it is admirable for colleges and universities to support their incoming students through remedial-type courses, I was surprised the article did not directly address the underlying issue — the lack of knowledge and basic skills of students who graduate from Long Island high schools.

This is especially noteworthy given the large sums spent on public schools and high taxes paid by Long Islanders.

This lack of preparation for higher education should be addressed from elementary schools to high schools to ensure that our students are fully prepared for college-level study and future careers. It is unconscionable to ignore this basic and appalling deficit.

When high school graduates have “poorly developed study habits” and are “more anxious . . . about learning and need help with basic academic skills,” they are obviously not being properly prepared for college-level learning.

Our local school boards, teacher unions, and government officials should be taking the lead on this, not forcing institutions of higher learning to resort to remedial coursework.

— Ann M. Becker, Mount Sinai

Election fraud claim needs real evidence

Republican candidate for governor Bruce Blakeman’s claim that incumbent Kathy Hochul and the Democrats will attempt to “steal” the 2026 gubernatorial election deserves scrutiny, not a free pass [“Nassau exec: Hochul, Dems will try to steal election,” News, July 30].

Blakeman offers no evidence — no specific fraud scheme, no documented irregularity, just an assertion designed to sow doubt before a single vote is cast. This is a familiar script: Allege fraud preemptively so that any loss can be dismissed as illegitimate.

New York already has robust safeguards, paper ballots, and a bipartisan board of elections. If Blakeman has proof of wrongdoing, he should present it.

What’s more troubling, however, is what fills the space where a platform should be. Rather than laying out concrete plans on housing costs, healthcare, or infrastructure, the Nassau County executive leans on borrowed rhetoric and imagery lifted straight from President Donald Trump’s playbook.

Voters deserve a candidate who runs on ideas, not imported grievance politics.

If Blakeman wants to be taken seriously, he should tell us how he’d govern — not just how he plans to explain away a November loss.

— Ken Feifer, Massapequa

Real gear needed for high-speed e-bikes

Some parents let kids ride e-bikes with only bicycle helmets or no helmets [“All e-bikes not speed demons,” Musings, July 6].

Based on the speed e-bikes can reach, riders need to use motorcycle helmets and adequate riding gear. Bicycle helmets offer little or no protection for one’s brain when traveling at speeds of more than 20 mph. These accidents are not just minor bumps leading to cuts and bruises; they can lead to long-term brain damage.

— Kevin McGrath, Northport

Iconic Macy’s bag recalls ’60s standoff

The unveiling of the giant Macy’s gift bag at the Manhattan flagship store is fascinating [“Iconic Macy’s gift bag is finally open,” News, July 30]. Congratulations to the marketing and advertising teams for such an iconic campaign.

The reveal of the holdout building also reminds one of a similar situation with the Macy’s location on Queens Boulevard in Elmhurst.

There, a homeowner stood her ground and prevented the store from taking over the entire block in the 1960s. Same company, same issue, but different borough.

— Susan McClellan, New Hyde Park