To the editor,
Borough President Markowitz’s irrational animus towards artist Leni Schwendinger’s acclaimed Coney Island Parachute jump design puts him squarely in the same ignoble tradition as Rudolph Giuliani’s 1999 attack on the Brooklyn Museum’s “Sensations” exhibit and Jesse Helms’s 1990 crusade against the NEA (“Marty: Pimp my ride!” Feb. 16).
The Parachute Jump “controversy” offers proof positive, yet again, that politicians make the worst art critics.
Mark Kramer
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To the editor,
As an avid reader of The Brooklyn Paper, I would like to offer my congratulations on your well-deserved “Editor of the Year” award (“Editor of the Year!” Jan. 12) as well as my sympathies about Gersh Kuntzman’s broken ankle/search for a better orthopedist (“My ankle is having an affair,” Feb. 2).
I have a similar story about Dr. Tom Lyon that occurred four years ago. My elderly aunt broke her ankle and was scheduled for surgery at Lutheran Medical Center by a one of the prominent doctors in Bay Ridge.
About one hour before the scheduled surgery, my sister and I were informed by a nurse, not by the surgeon, mind you, that he would not be available to do the surgery. After I strongly insisted on speaking with the “replacement” surgeon, a very unassuming young man approached us and identified himself as Dr. Tom Lyon.
We spoke for a few minutes, trying to find out a little about his background. He then finally and very humbly informed us that he was the chief of the Orthopedic Trauma Unit at Lutheran Medical Center, explained the procedure he was about to perform, and reassured us that he didn’t expect a problem.
Needless to say, we felt relieved and appreciated the fact that not only was the chief of the trauma unit operating on our aunt, but that he took the time to explain the procedure in simple terms and with respect. The operation was a success and my aunt was on her feet again.
I have since recommended Dr. Lyon to many people.
Also, I have taken the liberty of attaching my resume and would appreciate it if you would keep it on file in the event that a position becomes available in the future.
And one more thing: I wish Gersh a speedy recovery so that he can make the trip to Ponte Vedra Beach to pick up his award on Feb. 21.
Louise Sahadi, Bay Ridge
Editor’s note: As this issue went to press, Kuntzman was, indeed, in Ponte Vedra Beach — though given his broken ankle, he claims to be having a miserable time.
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To the editor,
While our Constitution is under a constant threat of being annulled by the current president, I found it beyond shameful that my congressman, Rep. Ed Towns was cross-examining Roger Clemens.
I need not go through the litany of issues that this ineffectual Democratic Congress hasn’t taken up, but seeing Towns’s picture in the Daily News last week in connection with these hearings steamed me so much that I had to stop reading and count to 10.
In case Rep. Towns wasn’t aware, East New York, Fort Greene, Bedford-Stuyvesant and Ocean Hill have the some of the highest sub-prime mortgage rates, along with the highest murder rates, black male incarceration races and HIV/AIDS case rates in the city.
Ask those people about Roger Clemens’s alleged steroid use and you’ll get a hardy laugh and a suggestion on how you can amuse yourself in private.
The mediocre representation that the 10th Congressional District has tolerated since the Ronald Reagan’s first term has made our voice virtually silent in Washington.
Our congressman has amassed no significant clout after 25 years on the Hill, and it’s safe to say that he never will.
Ed Towns should do the good people of Brooklyn a favor and retire — today! New blood is warranted in this disadvantaged district.
If re-elected, get ready for Towns’s hearings on who sold Amy Winehouse crack!
Terrance Knox, Fort Greene
The writer is co-president of Lambda Independent Democrats of Brooklyn, a gay and lesbian political club.
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To the editor,
Your story on the new parking meters on Seventh Avenue showed a true lack of understanding of what’s happening in this neighborhood (“Meter seething on 7th,” Feb. 16).
Our elected officials are busy running for other offices and/or campaigning for those running for national offices — and while the cat’s away the people get you know what.
Our other official, state Sen. Eric Adams, is spending all his time and energy trying to get a pay raise for a part time job.
My theory is that the new Union Market supermarket had a lot to do with the city decision to install these meters, but my main problem is with Community Board 6 and its decision to not let the public know.
Richard Schoeller, Park Slope
Taking its ‘Toll’
I know you’ll be providing full coverage of the Toll Brothers just-unveiled plan for 626 units along the Gowanus Canal between Carroll and Second streets, but in the meantime, I want you to know that many, many nearby blocks will be affected by such density.
There will be hundreds more units in the Gowanus area. Is anyone planning for where these people will shop/eat/send their kids to school/ride the train/park their cars/or even walk?
Please wake me from this nightmare! How can our tiny neighborhood sustain this kind of insane development?
Triada Samaras, Gowanus
The writer is co-founder of Carroll Gardens Coalition to Respectfully Develop.
