(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.

.Until laws are changed and police are more proactive enforcing and stopping people from walking in the streets, Amherst homeowners are pretty much going to refuse shoveling sidewalks.

.I'm wondering whatever happened to the Citizens Advisory Committee that was appointed by the supervisor last year. I understand they have been meeting for the better part of a year, met with various department heads, but there has been no report released and no information on their findings. Amherst government is functioning.

.I'm a longtime resident of Eggertsville. Winter is a great time to see how the rat population is growing. The tracks in the snow tell it all. They travel from my neighbor's unused garage, across my front porch, two doors down to feed at my neighbor's house, who insists on feeding birds, squirrels and, of course, the 20-50 ducks that fly in every evening. Totes will help, but until the rat feeding stations are stopped, rats will always be h e re .

.I know there is a problem with rats, but on my street alone every garbage day I see innumerable garbage cans with no lids, with plastic bags flying around the street. I have two very large plastic garbage cans and the covers are held on by the handles of the can. Never do I put garbage out without a cover and it cannot blow away because of the handles holding it down. Maybe we should have somebody look around a bit and take a survey as to how many people are violating this. I don't feel I need a tote, because of my two very safe garbage cans.

. The youth board at their new youth center on Sheridan Drive will be sponsoring a St. Joseph's Table Luncheon on Sunday, March 18. However, they will be selling alcohol at this function. I am appalled that one of the first functions to be held at this new youth center is going to feature alcoholic beverages. (Editor's note: This event is not sponsored by the Amherst Youth Board nor the Amherst Youth Foundation. It is sponsored by Bing's Restaurant and the Joe Lang Foundation as a private fund-raising event.)

.Three cheers for Mary Bobinski for all she's done in the 30 years in her position, and especially for her efforts in saving the Williamsville Library! We really appreciate everything. Bravo, and thank you, Mary!

.In response to the caller who thinks we need one superintendent for Amherst, Williamsville and Sweet Home Districts, I can't speak for Amherst or Williamsville, but I am an involved parent in the Sweet Home District, and I've seen Mr. Geoffrey Hicks in action since he's been our superintendent. He's involved in disciplinary procedures, academic intervention procedures, budgets, construction decisions and many school board activities. I have personally seen him in our high school hallways making his presence known to the students. Above all, he will listen and meet with parents on an individual basis about concerns we may have. As I see it, all three districts, and our students, would suffer if we consolidated administration. Mr. Hicks earns every penny he is paid.