NYS Legislators: It's time for higher standards

When campaigning for his current position, Democratic Gov. Elliot Spitzer vowed to end the corruption in state government.

He won the gubernatorial race in a landslide.

Now in office, the former State Attorney General has jumped into action not only to implement his plans, but also to keep the channels of communication and cooperation open with his colleagues and his constituents.

Too bad his counterparts in the State Legislature aren't holding themselves to the same standards.

After the removal from office of the disgraced Comptroller Alan Hevasi - the man who abused hundreds of thousands of state funds and services for personal needs - Spitzer decided to be decidedly diplomatic.

Rather than appointing a successor, he appointed a panel.

The group of experts - all former state comptrollers - compiled a short list of qualified finalists for the job. Personal judgment aside, they did their homework before picking their candidates.

But instead of even considering the recommended officers, legislative leaders went behind the governor's back, appointing Democratic Assemblyman Thomas DiNapoli of Nassau County for the job.

Not only was he not on the list, Spitzer said last week that he is "thoroughly and totally unqualified for the job."

That might just be his opinion, but it's the only one being vocalized. This isn't just a matter of partisan politics - this is Democratic infighting. Not only is it bad for the party, it's bad for the state.

If the Legislature thinks DiNapoli really is more qualified than the rest, they should at least tell everyone why. Until then, not only does Spitzer have every right to be upset, New York residents have every reason to join him.

For everyone's sake

Some simple winter etiquette to get us through until May

Amidst the throws of the winter season some would consider it the responsibility of us all to take our civic duties a little more seriously. We owe it to our fellow pupils to be mindful of their wellbeing as well as our own, making every effort to show that you care (even if it's just a little... or even if you're just faking it).

After being afforded a quality of life some only dream of - a solid education, a warm place to sleep at night, abundant food, etc. - a humble attitude is something we could all share.

It's time to break free from the egocentricity that drives our world. Here are some simple wintertime etiquette tips to get all of us on the right track; after all, we're all in this together.

??U Got a cough? Please cover your mouth. Coughing into the open air spreads germs quickly, as those in the vicinity are apt to breathe in the bacteria and viruses suspended in the air. It's best to cough into your elbow - not your hand - to prevent the spread of germs. Also, try to wash your hands regularly, especially during cold and flu season.

??U When you're sick, stay home from school. Attending class while you are sick increases the chance that you might spread it to others. Most professors are understanding of absences due to illness if you simply send them an e-mail explaining the circumstances - and if they're not, perhaps try letting them know you don't want to infect them.

??U Especially during the winter, walk or take a bus to class if you live on campus. As it is, many spaces are lost each day because people have trouble parking within the designated snow-covered spots in the parking lots. Driving twenty yards to save those few extra steps to their respective building just makes the mess bigger and spots harder to come by. Commuters can also help by exhibiting courteousness toward pedestrians crossing the street by stopping at the crosswalks when someone needs to get by - after all, it's the law.

??U If you're late for class, prepare yourself before you enter the classroom. It's nearly inevitable that the weather will hold each of us up once in a while, so it's no surprise that many students arrive late to class in the winter. If this happens to you, it's best to take your coat off and prepare whatever books you will need before you open the classroom door. This will save others from being distracted while you fumble with your belongings during class.

??U Regular hygiene is a must. We are all busy, but no one is too busy not to take a shower, brush your teeth, apply deodorant and put on clean clothes before class. It's just a common courtesy; hopefully the people around you will do the same.

With a little extra time and patience this winter, we can all survive until spring blooms together. Except, that is, for the showering part - that one's best to adhere to year round.