To the editor:

I was just perusing the [National Public Radio] website with particular interest in the Chebeague Islanders’ desire for self-governance, something we on Roosevelt Island have been trying for since George Pataki became our governor, almost 12 years ago. We are [New York] City property leased for 99 years to the State…it has been a nightmare of favoritism for the jobs given to folks with no city/town management expertise whatsoever, who are supposed to manage, maintain and develop this community. We pay city, state and federal taxes but Pataki has cut off any and all state moneys from our small community.
Check us out at www.nyc10044.com.

Sherie Helstien
Roosevelt Island, NY