For me, civic involvement is about accountability, transparency, honesty and integrity in the political process. Elected officials are not royalty and need not be revered. They are paid handsomely for their services, have the best medical insurance available and receive generous pensions — all provided by taxpayers. Comment.

The pattern emerging has become transparently clear. The governor pushes for reform, in this case the once-a-decade redistricting of legislative lines, and threatens a veto if the state Legislature fails to act. The Legislature’s public face supports the governor’s call for reform and avoids publicly challenging him. Comment.

A few weeks ago, I attended an event at the Gurdwara Sant Sagar, a Sikh house of worship in Bellerose. The event was organized by the Creedmoor Civic Association for community residents to learn more about the gurdwara and the Sikh community. Comments (2).