SECTION: NEWS; Pg. 020

LENGTH: 727 words

HEADLINE: Letters to the Editor

BODY:
Cambridge responsible

As mayor of the first city in the commonwealth to pass a Responsible Employer Ordinance, I must respond to your editorial ("Irresponsible ordinance," Oct. 9).

It is imperative that municipalities and state and federal governments act as leaders on issues of prevailing wages, good benefits and employment training. While ensuring good wages and benefits, the Responsible Employer Ordinance provides an opportunity to better integrate apprentice programs with our workforce development efforts and offer job training and employment security.

I am proud that we have taken the lead in this matter and I am confident of the effectiveness of this law and I would encourage other cities and towns to pass this type of ordinance. - Anthony D. Galluccio, Mayor, City of Cambridge

Justice by the rules

Robert Jakubowicz' column "Police, FBI use informants because the system works" (Oct. 8) is a disgrace.

If "the system works" by obtaining convictions based upon the testimony of criminals, then we are indeed in trouble.

Since the U.S. system of justice has been in place, prosecutions and evidence have been based upon good investigative means producing credible evidence. This evidence was gathered by officials who were trained to accumulate it in a way which more often than not withstood the attacks of lack of credibility. If jurors must decide based upon testimony of multiple murderers, it will indeed warrant public distain that treachery connotes. The use of criminals to inform is not a "pervasive law enforcement tool" but is subversive to law enforcement.

- J. Albert Johnson, Boston

Peace's fatal wound

I have long been a proponent for Palestinian self-determination and land for peace. Today, I find my heart hardened and willing to explore a violent military solution. I don't know whom the Palestinians and the rest of the world think they are fooling; certainly not their greatest allies of the past.

It was not long ago when stoning was the preferred gruesome method of execution. Throwing rocks may seem benign, but there is no question that it is deadly force. Ask any prosecutor.

- Steven M. Gottlieb, Brookline

Hub housing crunched

Regarding the housing crunch in Boston, Gov. Paul Cellucci was wrong to say "the free market got us into this situation, and it will be the free market that gets us out of it." The free market is not the cause of the crunch, and is not being allowed to fix it.

Rents are inflated for many reasons. Landlords were not allowed to ask market prices for so long that the end of rent control inflated prices somewhat. This is what temporarily happens when government deregulates any industry.

At the same time, government loans to landlords 20 years ago were finally paid off.  Once the loans were paid off, landlords could rent at whatever rate they chose to. Boston also makes it virtually impossible to create new housing. Linkage fees are charged. This extortion leads to the inflating of all the other units. Or the developer may just go elsewhere.

This delay in building leads to increased prices in urban areas because supply is limited but demand is high. If more units were added, the supply would not be as valuable. Demand could be met. Rents would level off. That is how the free market works.

- Jacqueline Goreham, South Boston

Other hang-ups

If cell phones were a substantial, contributing factor to an increase in motor vehicle accidents, how is it the insurance industry has not towed the rope for new laws banning their use while traveling ("Drivers' cell phone safety questioned," Oct. 12)? And who ever said it's safe to stop in a breakdown lane, as is suggested for using the phone? If another intrusive, feel-good law makes its way into the books it will negatively affect business, emergency reporting and the family. To facilitate all those who have to communicate while on the road, we'd need a double-wide breakdown lane.

And because there may be other dangers in the car next to you, this law must include a clause to thwart those map and newspaper readers, lipstick and mascara artisans, and the cigarette and bubble gum junkies. Then they'll need to hire more cops for enforcement and more lawyers, and judges and jailers. Hmm, now I get it. This is good for the economy. How could I have been so blind?

- Stephen F. Foley Jr., Plymouth

LOAD-DATE: October 16, 2000