Don’t let just anyone install gas appliances
Manhattan: For more than 60 years, New York City has required licensed master plumbers to perform plumbing work, including installation of gas stoves. Improper plumbing work can cause fires, explosions and toxic water contamination. Licensed professionals — with years of rigorous training and testing — must perform this important work. It is illegal for any unlicensed individual, including superintendents and delivery workers, to install gas appliances. The recent bill, Intro. 429A, passed by the City Council, has not changed any of that.
The only major change is that licensed plumbers can file a report when installing residential gas appliances instead of applying for a permit and requesting an inspection. Eliminating permit and inspection fees incentivizes homeowners to follow the law while saving them time and money. The recent piece by Conor Norris and Edward Timmons (“Veto Council bill: A plumbers’ gift,” op-ed, Oct. 11) is misguided, inaccurate and reckless. With no regard for public safety, the authors suggested that anyone can illegally install gas appliances, and that Intro. 429 will unnecessarily increase costs. That couldn’t be further from the truth, and encouraging unlicensed New Yorkers to perform such work is just criminal.
In 2015, the East Village gas explosion that killed two innocent men and destroyed several buildings was caused by illegal plumbing work. Three people were later sent to prison. At the time, it was a wake-up call for homeowners to only hire licensed professionals to perform this work. For the sake of our city, New Yorkers need to stay awake. April McIver, executive director, Plumbing Foundation City of New York, Paul O’Connor, business manager, Plumbers Local 1, John DeLillo Jr., executive director, Master Plumbers Council
Lagging in Albany
North Babylon, L.I.: It’s on Gov. Hochul to obey the All-Electric Buildings Act that she signed rather than delay implementation or even go full President Trump and sign an executive order to overrule the democratic decision of the state Legislature. A court already found that the state isn’t in compliance with its Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, especially by Hochul’s refusal to introduce cap-and-invest to pay for renewable projects. She’s stalling on every front, claiming affordability issues. Electric buildings — first small ones, then larger ones, with significant exceptions for medical facilities and restaurants, among others — are cheaper to build and cheaper for residents to live in. They protect residents from the toxins from gas appliances, saving money on medical care. Where’s Hochul’s affordability argument now? Alexa Marinos
No pipeline
Sleepy Hollow, N.Y.: I’m not from Staten Island, but I’ve been following the misbegotten revival of the Williams fracked gas pipeline, and Staten Islanders are right to rail against it. You don’t have to be a dedicated environmentalist to know clean water when you see it, or an energy expert to see how gas bills will rise as ratepayers cover the cost of the pipeline. At the same time, though, Staten Islanders are opposing the sensible option: a battery energy storage system that supports the grid by releasing power at peak times. People’s fears about battery storage are completely out of date. The state fire code has been updated to cover how to handle the rare battery system fires, and when fires do occur, they are contained, with no toxic fumes emitted nor danger of spreading to nearby structures. We need battery storage to power renewable energy. Norman J. Sissman
Limit capacity
Brooklyn: The New York City speed limit of 15 MPH for e-bikes is not likely to have much of an impact on safety. As it is, a very small percentage of e-bike riders pay attention to traffic laws. The worst offenders are those who, ironically, ride in bike lanes — they fly through intersections as if the pavement under the bike lanes were a special gift to them from the city. The only way to curtail e-bike speeding is to focus on sellers and manufacturers. It should be illegal to sell an e-bike in New York City that’s capable of going over 15-20 MPH. Violators should be sentenced to 12 hours of sitting in front of, and staring at, a stop sign. Josh Greenberger
Dirty habit
Bronx: Why do these pitchers keep licking their fingers? Didn’t their mothers tell them not to put their fingers in their mouths? So disgusting. Ralph Canzone Sr.
Front-page faux pas
Brooklyn: While I appreciate the reporting of the sudden, shocking death of NYPD Det. Alicia Stone, the fact that she passed away after cosmetic surgery in Colombia surely did not warrant front-page coverage (“Finest dies after surgery,” Oct. 27). Neil S. Friedman
Killing at will
Swarthmore, Pa.: The Trump administration, via a statement from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has announced that an additional 14 suspected drug smugglers have been killed, the latest batch in the Pacific. Trump and Hegseth now act in the capacity of judge, jury and executioner. Despite lacking even an iota of solid proof of wrongdoing, or any due diligence or legal process, they’re meting out the most severe penalty possible. Of course, like much of what this president does, it’s almost exclusively carried out as a performative act to demonstrate how strong and tough he is. The truth is that the most dangerous flow of illicit drugs into the U.S. is fentanyl manufactured in China and smuggled in through Mexico. These killings demonstrate that Trump has little regard for doing things rightfully or legally, even taking human life. It’s time for the American people and the media to denounce this travesty of justice. Ken Derow
Huckster’s hideaway
Edinburgh, Scotland: Who does Trump think is going to defend him in his upgraded paranoia bunker under the vulgar ballroom? Top military leaders have been purged or resigned (embarrassed by Hegseth or worried about orders they may be given?) as boats in international waters are bombed with no reason or purpose. Two U.S. aircraft have just been downed in the South China Sea. Military families are increasingly using food banks during the mad government shutdown. And if he’s not considered just who might want to make the huge sacrifice of being in a confined space with the orange bloater, Trump could contemplate Hitler’s bunker-under-ballroom scenario. How much good did it do him? Amanda Baker
Space needed?
Lords Valley, Pa.: Trump tore down part of the White House to put in a big ballroom. Did he buy new pants for the same reason? Leonard Stevenson
Harm and concern
Ashburn, Va.: Trump is refusing to negotiate over the current government shutdown, and the eventual chaos will alienate some. Who will be hurt, and does Trump care? 1) Federal workers and contractors, and no, he doesn’t care. He’s firing them anyway. 2) Those relying on federal aid, and no — Trump figures they’re mostly Democrats anyway. 3) Small community airports and hospitals — yes and no: Trump is a bit concerned, but he figures rural voters will stick with him for cultural reasons like immigration and killing alleged drug smugglers. 4) White voters living paycheck to paycheck: same. 5) The military: He’s concerned, but he hasn’t yet figured out a way to keep their checks coming. 6) Those concerned about democracy. Trump sees no personal benefit in it. Sure, he’s taking a risk, but he’s a natural risk-taker. He’s good with it, especially since he’s rich and won’t be adversely affected. Mike Barrett
Divided opposition
Jamaica: It is truly sad when Democrats agree with the Republicans about the shutdown, which is happening so that Republicans can extend the subsidies for the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare. You can’t trust the Republicans because they are too busy giving up their authority to a person who only cares about himself, not We the People. Those Democrats who can’t hold the line need to be voted out. They are not helping their constituents. God bless America! Charlene Black
Term-limited
Jamaica: Before we even start thinking about a third term, let us remember Earl C. Michener, Republican congressman from Michigan, who introduced the bill that eventually became the 22nd Amendment in 1951 to limit the president of the United States to serve only two four-year terms, all because President Franklin Roosevelt, a Democrat, was elected to a fourth term. A Republican made this a law! The precedent was set! Carol Grant
