>It’s up to all of us to educate everyone around us about the consequences of bullying

It’s up to all of us to educate everyone around us about the consequences of bullying, including using technology to taunt or to spy on others. I’m so fed up with this absurd “they couldn’t know” excuse. Violating another person’s privacy is never acceptable. No one can know another person’s state of mind; thus, taunting and other attacks can always endanger the target’s mental and physical health. Years ago, one of my high school classmates shot herself after years of being taunted by students and teachers about her appearance. It’s all too easy to push people over that psychological edge. Evidence has been mounting Ravi was already posting about Tyler’s sexual preference as early as Aug. 22. This young man knew exactly what he was doing, as did Molly Wei. I’ve taught people such as these two, and I have no patience with their cruel behavior. Posting footage of someone engaging in an intimate act goes far beyond a prank; once those images reside on the web, they’re essentially there forever. Other students asserted both spread gossip about Tyler around the dorm. For those who think such acts are simply jokes, would you want such intimate footage of your kisses broadcast on the internet? I rather doubt it.

This sort of behavior has been around since the dawn of time, but that does not make it acceptable. Every time we look the other way when someone commits a cruel act, we become part of the problem. We must all promote civil discourse and sensitivity when dealing with our fellow beings. We should not let Tyler’s tragic death be in vain.

>October 20th ,The Ridgewood League of Women Voters is sponsoring a Candidates Night for the one open seat on the Village Council

The Ridgewood League of Women Voters is sponsoring a Candidates Night for the one open seat on the Village Council, to fill an unexpired term. The event will be held on October 20, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. in the Sydney V. Stoldt, Jr. Court Room on the fourth floor of the Ridgewood Village Hall. This is being held for Village residents to gain some knowledge about the candidates prior to voting at the General Election on November 2, 2010. The candidates will be asked four prepared questions, and then the public will have an opportunity to ask questions either handwritten or by coming to the microphone. The Candidates Night will be televised on Cablevision, Channel 77.

>Village Council Elections : Readers Press on Candidates Positions on Valley

I asked you earlier for clarification of your position on Valley and you did not answer. I have heard great things about you and am leaning towards voting for you but I can’t vote for anyone who gives a gray answer about Valley.

I used to live by the hospital and, one winter, there were seven accidents near my house. One car went up on to my neighbor’s lawn and the trees caught on fire. If it had been a different time of day there could easily have been children killed.

My concern is simple, Valley is a community hospital and we are allowing it to destry our neighborrhood and endanger our kids. I have had three kids there and love having such a wonderful hospital in Ridgewood, but if it gets any larger and busier the costs to our town would outweigh the benefits. Please do not be a typical politician. Give a straight answer and stick with it. You will be rewarded for your honesty.