Letters to Yonkers Rising: Support and Criticism for Merante, and Praise for Bagwell Art on Waterfront

Dear Mr. Murphy,

Thank you for the article on The Enslaved Africans Rain Garden in the June 17 edition of Yonkers Rising.  I am very happy to see the public display of recognition to the numerous individuals who have been appreciated for so long, and who contributed so much to our county.  Please thank Vinney Bagwell for her research and for choosing Yonkers to display her inspiring and informative art.  Such art should be displayed throughout the city.

Dominic Sacchetti, Yonkers

Dear Yonkers Rising:

This letter is in support of Councilman Anthony Merante. He has every right to just ask the question, and to raise the issue, of whether families and their children, should attend the PRIDE festival held in downtown Yonkers last week. 
Shame on you Mr. Murphy, for taking advantage of Mr. Merante’s raising of this issue, which some us view as an important. For many of us here in Yonkers, there was no harm in his raising the issue. And no, I didn’t not attend the festival. 
Carol McKechnie, Yonkers

Mr. Murphy:

I am glad you raised the issue of Councilman Anthony Merante telling parents and young children not to attend the Pride Festival. I did attend and was pleasantly surprised to see many families with young children. I also agree with you that most families that had a problem with the Drag shows weren’t coming anyway. But it also raises the issue of whether Mr. Merante should be re-elected to the City Council, or other office in the future. I think he lost the gay vote, and a note to Mr. Merante; you may be surprised how many people have gay friends and family and are welcoming and accepting. 
    -Ralph Wilson, Yonkers