Letters: New York state Senate District 40

Likes Wagner's stance on environment

I have been a resident of Yorktown Heights for the past 31 years. I raised both my sons here. My husband and I have a huge organic vegetable garden and we love the remaining green space in our town. Since we already are subjected to constant low-level radiation from Indian Point, many residents are determined to protect our air and water quality to the best of our abilities.

We are both horrified at the thought that a Texas fracking company plans on major expansions to their current pipeline. Thank God Justin Wagner is running for state Senate so he can be a devoted voice in opposition to this proposal.

I sincerely hope my neighbors will get out on Election Day to support Justin as our next state senator.

Laura Charnis

Yorktown Heights

Wagner's position on issues being skewed

We support our fellow Croton resident Justin Wagner in the state Senate race. In addition to supporting Justin's proposals for tax relief, job creation, government ethics reform and the environment, we would like to counter some misconceptions fostered by his opponent, Terrance Murphy, and supporters.

Justin Wagner does "not" favor giving citizenship rights or free college tuition to illegal aliens. He opposes the New York Is Home proposal, aptly calling it "looney." He does support the DREAM Act, which would allow the children of undocumented residents — those who meet certain requirements as to length of residence, good behavior, etc. — to apply for the same tuition assistance programs as anyone else.

On women's issues, Justin Wagner supports the Women's Equality Act in its entirety, and Terrence Murphy does not. The Murphy campaign has luridly mischaracterized the portion of the Act dealing with abortion.

The Murphy campaign has blown a lot of smoke concerning the law firm where Justin works. Their campaign pieces make vague reference to various kinds of cases that this large law firm has dealt with. They have not been able to link Justin to any specific controversial cases, nor do they appear to know any more than the rest of us as to the legal merits of any of these vaguely referenced cases. Voters should not be diverted by this smoke-blowing from the real substance of this election: the positions of the candidates on the issues coming before the state Senate, and the candidates' visions for our state.

Loomis Mayer and Cary Andrews

Croton-on-Hudson

Wagner: serious about the environment

In the race for New York state Senate in the 40th District, there are distinct differences between the candidates, Justin Wagner and Terrence Murphy. There is also a very good reason why Justin Wagner earned the endorsement of the two largest environmental groups — The League of Conservation Voters and the Sierra Club. Just look at the positions of these candidates on the issue of the expansion of the Algonquin/Spectra pipeline.

Justin Wagner has taken the time to speak and listen to representatives from Spectra (the private company that owns the pipeline) and the citizens who oppose the expansion. He has come away from these discussions with serious concerns about the safety of expanding the route and capacity of a high pressure gas conduit through our communities populated with homes, schools, businesses, parks and a nuclear power plant. Mr. Wagner is willing to ask the tough questions and stand up for our safety and the protection of our environment.

Terrence Murphy talks about "safety first," but rolled out the red carpet for Spectra to use a Yorktown park as a staging area for the pipeline expansion, in exchange for their promise to upgrade a couple of ballfields in town.

We need leaders in Albany who will take the long view with regard to public safety and environmental protection, instead of playing "let's make a deal." Justin Wagner is that kind of leader.

Celeste Theis

Croton-on-Hudson

Wagner's environmental view right for Yorktown

The candidates for New York state Senate in District 40, Justin Wagner and Terrence Murphy, have starkly contrasting views on many issues, particularly the issue of the Spectra Algonquin pipeline expansion project.

Wagner opposes Spectra Energy's ill-advised plan to install new 42-inch diameter high-pressure pipeline across the Hudson River, only 1,500 feet from Indian Point and 450 feet from the Buchanan-Verplanck Elementary School. Spectra's plan also calls for replacement of sections of the 26-inch pipe with the much larger, more dangerous 42-inch pipe from Cortlandt to Yorktown.

Murphy supports Spectra's plan and it was stated in a Journal News Community View ("Taking the lead, or not, against AIM in Yorktown," Oct. 4) that he would vote to alienate parkland in Yorktown for a permanent "pigging" station which would introduce radioactive decay products, polonium and lead, into the air and water. Murphy stated that the pipeline needs replacing because it is "crumbling," but Spectra itself said that the pipeline is perfectly safe.

If the pipeline needs to be replaced, why would the 42-inch replacement end in Yorktown? Many jobs could be created if the entire length of the aging 26-inch pipeline was replaced if deemed necessary. Murphy's statements demonstrate he does not understand the project and has not asked Spectra the hard questions when he had the chance to do so. Murphy has chosen to side with the gas industry over the people in the region.

Voters must understand who will stand up for their quality of life and vote accordingly.

Susan Van Dolsen

Harrison