In Our Opinion: The public's business

With the city of Northampton deliberating over the best way to conduct public hearings on the proposed regional landfill expansion, Councilman Bob Reckman sent an email to his colleagues on the City Council detailing recent discussions he had on the issue with City Attorney Janet Sheppard.

Gift ban complicates biotech effort

BOSTON - Gov. Deval Patrick, House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi and Senate President Therese Murray are taking a road trip to San Diego next month for a major biotechnology conference. The way things are shaping up, they could end up as the proverbial skunks at a lawn party.

The government's code of secrecy

The Bush administration recently announced it will allow select members of Congress to read Justice Department legal opinions about the CIA's controversial detainee interrogation program that have been hidden from Congress until now. But as the administration allows a glimpse of this secret law - and it is law - we are left wondering what other laws it is still keeping under lock and key.

Longtime commissioner deserved reappointment

To the editor:

In follow-up to the May 7 Gazette article concerning the Southampton Conservation Commission appointments:

Capital fund will stabilize property taxes in Pelham

To the editor:

Successful fund drive

To the editor:

I think the whole community will join me in congratulating John Ebbets, United Way of Hampshire County CEO, and his great team on their successful fund drive.

The financial information was also appreciated.

Kay Sheehan

Florence

In Our Opinion: Worth noting

Providing universal care

The state's effort to broaden its universal health care program is now focusing on more than 30,000 residents who would easily qualify as being among the "working poor." These are people who have jobs but do not make enough money to be able to afford the insurance coverage offered by their employers. This is a problem that should be addressed, but it will likely prove costly.

Rules of order

Any elected official who enters the arena of ideas shouldn't be too
surprised to encounter a little rough-and-tumble. While there are
limits to what is acceptable in the public forum, an elected official
should anticipate the possibility of having to throw a few sharp elbows
now and then.

Why the American elm is vanishing

Throughout the last several decades, the American landscape has been transformed by the loss of millions of American elms (Ulmus americana) to Dutch elm disease. Many an "Elm Street" across our country is now without a single elm.

Alternatives to the elm

While there are many tree species to select from, among the elms, the following alternatives should be seriously considered. Many different elms are planted on the grounds of Smith College. Maps of tree locations can be printed in the reception area of Lyman Plant House.

A new approach to saving energy

Can we really go "green" to achieve big-time energy savings? For one solution hidden in plain sight, look outside at the streetlight closest to you. Energy-wise, it's probably a Neanderthal - burning significant power dusk to dawn, based on old technology, its glow polluting the night skies.