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Will LIPA’s future repeat it’s past? What can we expect 15 years from now?

A new plan to fix the Long Island Power Authority can make ratepayers feel like they’ve stepped into a time machine. Is the proposal by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo deja vu all over again? Or has he finally found a fix for the problem that have bedeviled the delivery of electricity here for decades?

VIDEO: Power politics: LIPA's broken promises
EDITORIAL: Editorial: Can Gov. Cuomo's new plan fix LIPA?

Newsday’s editorial board supports new tests. Do you?

Students in grades 3-8 will take new, more rigorous standardized tests this week. We think the new tests, which are based on the Common Core Curriculum, are a fair way to assess students — and will lead to higher individuals achievement and better schools. Do you agree?

EDITORIAL: New exams are a test for public education
VIDEO: Why are standardized tests changing?

Why do teachers have such a high job satisfaction?

Teachers are among the happiest professionals, according to a Gallup Poll released last week. Teachers ranked second only to doctors out of 14 career categories on an overall wellness index. Gallup studied 55 metrics of physical, emotional and fiscal health. At work, they looked at factors like job satisfaction and the ability to use one’s talents — but not time off. Other measurements included frequency of exercise and healthy eating habits.

These results come amidst increasing pressure on teachers to raise test scores and submit to more evaluations. Why do teachers show high satisfaction, despite the increase in stress?

MORE: Read more about the Gallup Poll

Does NY’s property tax cap make sense?

The New York State United Teachers union is challenging the state’s 2 percent property tax cap in court as unconstitutional. With some exceptions, the 2011 law limits year-to-year property tax hikes to 2 percent. Voters can override the cap by a vote of 60 percent; NYSUT says any requirement beyond a simple majority rule is unfair. The union also believes that poorer school districts will be harmed disproportionately by the cap.

Critics say the teachers union only wants the ability to keep raising salaries, which is making Long Island unaffordable, especially for retirees. What do you think?

What should the priorities of Pope Francis I be?

Catholic Cardinals today chose Jorge Mario Bergoglio to be the 266^th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. Bergoglio, a Jesuit from Argentina, inherits a church facing many challenges including a priest shortage, sexual scandals, internal management issues at the Vatican and crises throughout the world.

As a religious and world leader, what should this pope’s priorities be?

For how long in a pregnancy should abortion be legal?

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo wants to expand access to abortion in New York, calling for additional protections that would make late term abortions legal to save the life of the mother. While the governor has yet to release the details, he supports removing criminal penalties for abortion that remain on the books, instead the procedure would be regulated by health law. This action would guarantee the right to an abortion in New York, even if Roe v. Wade were overturned by the Supreme Court. Is New York setting an example for the nation or pushing boundaries too far? Should there be limits on when a fetus can be aborted?

READ MORE: Op-Ed: Cuomo emerges as women's champion

What initiatives will Barack Obama be remembered for?

In the State of the Union, the President discussed initiatives for creating jobs, strengthening gun control legislation, reforming our immigration system, providing universal pre-kindergarten education, raising the minimum wage, bringing troops home, and ensuring energy independence.  Which of these do you think will become part of his legacy? Or will it be something else?

MORE: Read the speech

How should Pope Benedict’s successor lead the church?

Pope Benedict XVI shocked the world yesterday with his announcement that he would become the first pontiff since 1415 to resign. Benedict called his choice “a decision of great importance for the life of the church.” What challenges do you think his successor will face? What are the most important issues for the Roman Catholic Church to tackle?

EDITORIAL: Pope Benedict XVI, a passionate shepherd
CARTOONS: Cartoonists respond to Pope Benedict XVI's resignation

What lessons does Nemo teach us for the next storm?

This weekend’s blizzard blanketed the region under as much as 33 inches of snow. The storm stranded drivers along many major thoroughfares and left many communities on Suffolk north shore unplowed for days. After the storm, the second major weather event in four months, questions linger about Long Island’s preparedness. Was enough done to position snow removal equipment before the storm? Should highways have been closed to keep drivers off the road? What should we do differently when the next big storm comes?

EDITORIAL: Nemo leaves questions behind

How will ending Saturday mail delivery affect you?

The U.S. Postal Service has decided to stop delivering first class mail on Saturdays. This proposal, designed to save an estimated $2 billion annually, will go into effect on Aug. 5. The money saved by the independent agency which does not receive taxpayer dollars will be used to pay for future retirees’ health benefits. Post Offices currently staffed on Saturdays will remain open, but only packages and priority mail will be delivered to homes and business. Is cutting Saturday service the best choice the Postal Service could have made to balance it books? Should Congress intervene and reverse this decision?

READ MORE: Postal Service to stop Saturday mail delivery