Raises at the top while retirees get suckered?

In Manhattan, the recent City Council proposal to significantly boost their own salaries has stirred discontent among retired municipal employees. These former workers are receiving a mere 1.8% increase in their pensions, amounting to just about $18 monthly. New Mayor Zohran Mamdani and incoming Council Speaker Julie Menin are urged to reconsider this decision. Adding to the controversy, the Council has stalled on Bill 1096, introduced by Councilman Chris Marte, which aims to guarantee lifelong Medicare-based health care for city retirees.

Concerns are mounting that Menin’s priorities may lean towards strengthening ties with insurance industry lobbyists. Many believe she will collaborate with municipal labor leaders, such as Michael Mulgrew, Henry Garrido, and Henry Nespoli, to push another version of Medicare Advantage onto city retirees. This move is seen as a ploy to distribute $600 million in so-called savings by reducing retiree health benefits. Critics argue that a portion of these savings could be redirected to give raises to labor leaders, who would, in turn, use union jobs as patronage tools.

The pressing question is when the Council will refocus on their fundamental duty of serving the public with integrity, rather than prioritizing self-preservation. Taxpayers across New York City should be alarmed by these proposed salary hikes. It’s disheartening to see New York City, a Democratic stronghold, spearhead efforts to privatize retiree health care, allegedly for the benefit of unscrupulous politicians and corrupt union figures. Gerard Rosenthal

Consistent credo

In Margate, Fla., addressing the op-ed titled “Make NYC a global model of Jewish-Muslim cooperation” (Dec. 9), Zohran Mamdani’s attempts to distance himself from antisemitic accusations are met with skepticism. His past, from Bowdoin College onward, shows a strong affinity for the BDS movement, which calls for the dismantling of Israel and its Jewish community. His stance on BDS has been consistent since his college days. Richard Sherman

Unfriendly territory

From San Francisco, there’s partial support for the idea in the op-ed “Bring the Winter Olympics to NYC & Lake Placid” (Dec. 4). The 1980 Lake Placid Winter Olympics were legendary, bringing to mind Eric Heiden’s historic speed skating victories and the U.S. ice hockey team’s miraculous triumphs under coach Herb Brooks. Yet, the prospect of New York City co-hosting the Olympics raises concerns. Recently, the city’s leaders have received backlash for blaming a synagogue after it was targeted by anti-Israel protesters. Organizers must heed lessons from the troubled 1936 Berlin and 1972 Munich Olympics to avoid repeating past mistakes. Stephen A. Silver

Meet them where they are

In Manhattan, the City Council Committee on Aging has finally held an overdue oversight hearing on social isolation among older New Yorkers. At Selfhelp Community Services, this growing issue is a daily challenge. Many seniors live alone, disconnected from vital social networks, which can lead to depression, cognitive decline, and health issues, making it difficult for them to stay in their homes and communities. Programs like Older Adult Centers and Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities are essential, but modern solutions are necessary, particularly for homebound seniors. Our Virtual Senior Center, offering live interactive classes and events, exemplifies how technology can bridge gaps when mobility or weather restricts outdoor activity. New York City must adopt a hybrid model of in-person and virtual engagement to ensure all seniors remain connected and valued. Stuart C. Kaplan

Still holds up

North Brunswick, N.J.: I loved the Voicer who took me back to classic “The Twilight Zone” times that are now eerily relevant. Remember Anthony, the little petulant kid in the “It’s a Good Life” episode who would wish you into the cornfields if you didn’t tell him he was a good boy? Ea A. Mingo

Ego boosting

Scarsdale, N.Y.: I really enjoy watching President Trump’s televised Cabinet meetings, especially when he goes around the table and has each of his secretaries humiliate themselves by trying to out-fawn one another. One suggestion: If he split the meetings in two sessions over two days, he might be able to stay awake a bit longer. John Kern

Lawless enforcers

Manhattan: To Voicer Nancy L. Brenner: ICE fled to New Jersey. New Yorkers stood their ground as the First Amendment allows. Protesters knowingly took the risk of being arrested to make a moral point. How can we allow anonymous, masked and armed individuals to sweep people up randomly and without regard for their asylum, green card or citizenship status as long as they’re Brown or Black? ICE violently arrests and detains people without legal authority — that is, without judicial warrants — and traps them in detention centers where they are not able to contact lawyers. Who’s doing the intimidation you speak of? Who’s illegally detaining people? Who’s doing the trapping? Gabrielle Shatan

Not looking good

Portsmouth, N.H.: I’m 76, and for once in my life, I’m glad I’m on my way out. I have never seen the America I loved so much be destroyed this way. The Constitution is now nothing but a piece of paper that can be put in the trash. What gets me is that this un-Supreme Court is not only allowing this stuff to take place but condoning it. I’m on my way out, but I pity the young. I kept saying it can’t get worse, but every day, something else evil is revealed. God help America and the future of our young. Elizabeth Smith

Not to be missed

Clintondale, N.Y.: What a disgrace that the only mention of Dec. 7, 1941 in your paper was by Voicer Ophelia Paolino. Not one mention anywhere else. Just a reminder that Sept. 11, 2026 will be the 25th anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Center. Russell Provost

Hemorrhaged talent

Rye, N.Y.: In 1977, Mets general manager M. Donald Grant broke the hearts of every Mets fan when he traded away the most beloved Met ever, Tom Seaver, in what came to be known as the Midnight Massacre. Grant continued his penny-pinching ways, continuing to dismantle what had been a successful team. Fans stayed away in droves, and it took years for the team to recover. Not to compare Brandon Nimmo to Tom Seaver, but Nimmo is the rare type of player that real Mets fans cherish. Now we have lost Edwin Diaz and Pete Alonso, two more fan favorites. Grant, already known as “that SOB” in some circles, went down in history as the most reviled Mets GM ever. Mr. Stearns, Mr. Cohen, are you trying to top him? Mike Niss

Tear-jerker

Denver: While shopping with my wife recently, I spoke to the approaching store manager about how we were filling our cart with gifts for children whose parents are in prison. The manager responded softly, “Oh, that’s nice. Others shopped for my kids while I was in prison.” In that moment, my 73-year-old heart was touched, and I felt compelled to hug her. Mike Sawyer

Happier holidays

Ithaca, N.Y.: Ho, ho, hello there! Santa Claus here, writing in between wrapping sessions and sleigh tune-ups. After a few centuries of cookie overload and overheated reindeer, I’ve decided it’s time for a jolly good change. I’m going vegan this year! That’s right, I’ll be swapping butter-laden cookies for compassionate, cruelty-free treats. Vegan chocolate chip, oat-ginger snaps, anything festive and animal-friendly — leave them out and I’ll be elfishly grateful. And please pair them with plant-based milk. My doctor says dairy is “snow” good for me. As for my beloved reindeer, they’ve earned a long, happy retirement at a reputable animal sanctuary, where the only thing they’ll be pulling is fresh hay. I’ll be upgrading to an electric sleigh — zero emissions, full holiday cheer. Let’s make this the season of kindness for all beings. After all, nothing says merry like spreading compassion across the world! Warm wishes, Santa. Eric C. Lindstrom