Re: "Growing Pains" article of Monday January 13th, Joseph Berger left no stone unturned in presenting the Monsey orthodox and chassidic community as negative.
Although we may be multiplying like weeds and changing the landscape of the county, we have contributed positively in a county that had not been left untouched by the afflictions of nearby New York City.
Among the orthodox, ultra orthodox and chassidim, we can boast of no murder, no teen pregnancy, rare drug usage, stable families, no homeless and virtually non-existent crime. Although we don't send our children through the public school system, we pay the same exorbitant school taxes as our neighbors do, and are entitled to voice opinions about fiscal responsibility. Without fancy facilities, our students score higher on standardized tests, have no drop-out or truancy problems, continue their education throughout their lives and take responsibility for their families. We offer numerous social services and provide for the care of the sick, the elderly and the poor in a manner that should be emulated by communities everywhere.
Of course there are problems within every community and group, Monsey is no exception. However, I am personally aware of a school who has made every effort to comply with all regulations, codes and official requirements. As soon as they rectify one problem area or obtain a vital document, another requirement is added, slowing down the process again. After three years of bureaucratic red tape, the school is still not permitted to use their premises and function as intended. Local enforcement snafus almost encourage the violation of certain laws and codes, causing some to choose to avoid the process altogether, operating illegally, merely waiting until they get caught.
It is true that villages were formed to try to keep us out or to stunt our growth but as citizens of the United States we are permitted to live everywhere, even in Rockland, in freedom.
Our law-abiding community has contributed much to Rockland's economy and requires less serious police protection than other areas. This is why the police can shift their concerns to our most blatant law enforcement violations - traffic.
Mr Berger's failure to emphasize or even hint at positive attributes of Monsey, characterizes him as just another
biased reporter who only did half of his homework.
Signed,
Elaine Silverberg