Bee H e a r d

(Editor's note: Call The Bee at 632-0390 and record a one-minute comment on our Bee Heard line. It gives readers an opportunity to comment quickly and candidly on items of local or regional interest. Callers do not have to identify themselves and no callers' names will be used. In the interest of fairness and good taste, The Bee will not publish derogatory or insulting comments. All comments are by our readers and are subject to editing.

.I had to laugh when I heard Satish Mohan on the radio being interviewed about how he paid for

his own furniture in town hall. Well, nobody in town hall is getting furniture bought for them in this day and age.

.Why would Supervisor Mohan want to cut the Amherst bike patrol for next year's budget? The recent tragedy in Clarence, as well as the rape and murder of Linda Yalem and three other victims in the '90s on the Amherst Bike Path, should not warrant this action. Bike patrol was instituted for the sole purpose of providing safety on the bike path, which has itself been proven invaluable. Do residents know that Supervisor Mohan did not appear at the 9/11 Memorial service on Main Street to acknowledge the police, firemen and first responders' duties and appreciation? Instead, Dr. Mohan is planning to cut protective services.

.Regarding to the expansion of Daemen College: They have asked the town for a variance in their contractor's plans not to provide parking for over 150 cars. Can anyone tell me why Getzville Road, Meadowstream Drive, Elmhurst and Woodbury must be turned into a student parking lot? What is wrong with all the green space in front of Main Street for Daemen College to utilize?

.In response to the comment in the October 11 issue that kids need to learn to have fun without sex, drugs and alcohol, we had a

program in this town to address just those needs; it was called D.A.R.E. Thanks to Supervisor Mohan, that program was cut, and we will no longer be addressing those needs with our children.

.I read with interest in this column the editor's note that all firefighters in Amherst are volunteers and none receive a salary. It is of interest to note that they will, for each year served, receive a pension paid for by taxpayers of $20 per year to accumulate for the years served. If a volunteer has 30 years of service and started at age 25, s/he would then at age 55 receive a total of $660 per month pension, so even though they are volunteers, they are paid for their service. .I agree with the caller about

the drinking fest at Williamsville South Homecoming weekend. It's happening at the all the schools. It's absolutely ridiculous, especially for those parents who allow parties at their homes. Although they do not provide alcohol, they turn the other way when alcohol is brought into the house. They are jeopardizing my children's lives as well as yours, and this has got to be stopped. The drinking age is 21 for a reason!

.I find it amazing, after all the so-called reports of Tom Reynolds in the media, that none of the Washington newspapers had one item about it! Talk about making a non-story into a story! I guess the media had a slow news day, but it's too bad people can't think for themselves.