Bus camera tickets, dangers of vaping, border wall between Mexico and the US

Drivers annoyed by revelation of bus cameras

Thanks for exposing this bus camera scam (“Extensive Political Ties for School Bus Camera Company,” News, May 26). Someone earning minimum wage would have to work more than 16 hours to afford one of these bus camera tickets.

This is nothing less than theft from our poorest citizens by those who are elected and entrusted with the common good. The officials and former officials associated with BusPatrol America must be investigated and face the legal consequences.

Of course, you should get a ticket if you pass a stopped school bus where children can get on or off. A normal $50 ticket would be sufficient, but $250 is outrageous.

I received a bus camera ticket even though I passed the bus before the sign was completely out. The report stated that there was sufficient evidence to fine me. When I filed to contest it, the district sent me a letter stating that upon further investigation there was in fact not enough evidence!

I also read that almost no one disputes these tickets. How can you afford not to contest the ticket at $250 each?

There are many tickets to dispute. Ask about your court date. Make the county pay to prove you did it.

— Bridget Billings, Kings Park

With the school bus camera issue so often in the news, isn’t it time to provide the public with the facts? The most important thing would be to know how many students have been hit by a car while getting in or out. How many students are affected annually? If the public knew the numbers, we would be better able to decide for ourselves whether policies are about safety or revenue.

– Ralph Daino, Wantagh

Do not use the “safety of our children” as a cover to provide money to politicians and their families, as well as BusPatrol America. I, like thousands of other law-abiding, tax-paying drivers, was a victim of this sham. I got a $250 ticket for driving on Jericho Turnpike where, as noted by Legis. Rob Trotta, no child ever crosses that busy road.

It is shameful and obscene to use safety for our children as a way to enrich a corporation and politicians.

— Leona Miller, Smithtown

As a lifelong Long Islander, I cannot recall a single incident where children were injured by a vehicle passing a stopped school bus.

Where is the evidence that this is a major problem in our community? The evidence we do have is the political connections that have been made. School bus cameras seem to be more of a contrived problem than an actual problem.

—Roy Firmes, Farmingdale

If local politicians want to remove any suspicion that the school bus camera program is a money grab that benefits their own ends, they can donate profits from the program to our local food banks. Nevertheless, many people like me see this program as a money grab.

– Brian Wrynn, Deer Park

Vaping is addictive and carries toxic dangers

Electronic cigarettes release nicotine in aerosol form without combustion. Research findings continue to report the risks of e-cigarette use, with new findings possibly linked to vaping and heart failure (“Vaping linked to heart risk: study,” LI Business, May 19).

E-cigarettes are known to contain and emit potentially toxic substances. Many ingredients in e-cigarettes cause irreversible lung damage, and nicotine exposure during adolescence can damage the developing brain.

Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the United States. As a nurse practitioner, I am aware that patients suffering from tobacco use disorders report that they would not want access to e-cigarettes. At the age of 32, a male patient gave this testimony: “E-cigarettes are so addictive. I use it all day. I can’t put it down or stop using it.”

There is a need for additional research and investigation into the potential impact of the dangers of using vape products. Helping reduce the number of people who smoke and use vape products will save lives and improve healthcare outcomes.

–Christine Fardellone, East Meadow

Finally, do you expect Mexico to pay for the wall?

I have been reading about the experience and qualifications of Mexico’s newly elected president, Claudia Sheinbaum, the country’s first female leader (“Mexico prez seeks unity,” News, June 4).

Comparing them to former President Donald Trump’s qualifications, I believe Trump’s long-standing promise that Mexico would pay for a border wall will finally become a reality.

However, it will be built to keep Trump out of Mexico.

– Mike Ahern, West Sayville