Street psychiatry in Albany County will provide a much needed safety net

We commend Albany County for a street psychiatry program launched as a pilot program last week and urge support to make it grow and flourish. The psychiatry program is the next step on the progressive path that Albany has chosen to stop the triple scourge of mental illness, drug addiction, and homelessness.

Preservation of the Pine Bush provides a lesson in democracy

Since our democracy is a government of the people, her account provides a useful lesson on how messy democracy can be. Jackson’s story is one of citizens pushing for preservation, sometimes suing the government, so that, ultimately, preservation was embraced by the government.

Our children cannot find their way without the freedom to read a variety of views

by Melissa Hale-Spencer

Breathing is essential; we cannot live without it. So, too, is reading essential for a democracy; a democracy cannot survive without an informed citizenry.

Celebrate Juneteenth to make sure our history doesn’t disappear

This is a question each of us should ask ourselves: What have I done to make things better? Write us with your answers; maybe we’ll start a movement.

We shall overcome someday

When Pauline and Henry Fowle Durant founded Wellesley 150 years ago, higher education for women was a radical idea. “Women can do the work,” said Mr. Durant. “I give them the chance.” He said he wanted to prepare women for “great conflicts, for vast reforms in social life.” In this current era of great conflict, vast reforms are still needed.

Play time is essential to students’ learning

While we support Senator Skoufis’s bill to study recess practices statewide — it will raise awareness about its importance and the lack of equity — we see irony in legislating play. Not only is it unenforceable as is evident in the states that have adopted such legislation, but, if it is to work, the school districts implementing it have to see and embrace its value or the law will be eschewed.

Railroads are blasting past human health concerns

The Goliath of big business, motivated by profit, should not be allowed to trump the public welfare that the David of small government is entitled to. The Federal Railroad Association should see to that.

A town’s essential services should be a sure bet, not a gamble

People are willing to support essential services — like those provided by McKownville’s volunteer firefighters or the sheriff’s paid emergency medical technicians — with their taxes. So, while cutting taxes may seem like a clever political ploy to gain votes, it can have disastrous results as it has in Berne.

We the People must create a government that is a force for good

We urge our readers to think of our opinion pages as your living room — a place where you can share your thoughts and gather momentum as we work with our neighbors to create a government that is a force for good — helping those in need while also protecting our health and environment for future generations. Pick up your pen; it’s mightier than the sword.