In today’s column, I wrote about the Happy Rosh Hashana greetings sent from Mayor Phil Amicone of Yonkers to about 4,100 city families. As I reported, not a few of the recipients weren’t actually Jewish, but they had Jewish-sounding last names—myself included.

Incidentally, it didn’t escape anyone’s attention that the mayor’s correspondence was sent out on city letterhead and that the pre-sorted postage was provided by the taxpayers. So at the rate of 21 cents per letter, the cost was $861.

There’s nothing new in this. Not long ago, my son received a congratulatory note from state Sen. Nick Spano, R-Yonkers for making his college dean’s list. Spano, who is running for re-election in Novermber in what is expected to be another close contest against County Legislator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, didn’t pay for the stamp.

Nor does he pay for all the Happy Birthday letters he sends out to older constituents, even people he’s never met and probably never will meet. Older people, remember, tend to vote more than people in other age groups.
Here’s the form letter he mails out to a White Plains resident on Oct. 5:

“Dear ….
“I would like to extend my warmest greetings to you and wish you a very Happy Birthday!

“As you celebrate your birthday, please consider that there is no substitute for your life experience. Our community continues to need the advice, support and involvement of residents like you.

“I wish you all the best on this special occasion and again, please accept my regards for a wonderful birthday!

“As always, please know that I am here to serve you. If there is any way that I can be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to call me.

“Sincerely,

“Nick Spano
“Senator”

Touching, ain’t it?