It is heartening to see that New York state is holding Empire Zone businesses more accountable for creating jobs as promised.

The Empire Zone program has not been without its detractors. In 2004, then-state Comptroller Alan Hevesi criticized the state Department of Economic Development for failing to provide sufficient oversight and accountability for Empire Zones.

Empire State Development’s recent mailing campaign, which notified close to 3,000 businesses that they were not meeting job-creation goals, is a significant step toward correcting this lack of oversight.

It’s no secret that New York can be an unfriendly place to do business. Costs are high, regulations are numerous and bureaucracy abounds.

The tax incentives associated with Empire Zones are supposed to ease the financial burden for businesses and stimulate growth. But if businesses aren’t holding up their end of the bargain, the state can and should take away the benefits.

As Hevesi said, "Giving companies tax breaks is giving away real money. Empire Zone officials must ensure that the tax benefits actually create jobs and healthy companies."

Some businesses that received letters from ESD said the problems are clerical. If that’s the case, it should be no problem to clear them up.

Whatever the reason, we hope that businesses will take notice that the state is keeping a closer eye on its Empire Zones. The result should be a benefit to us all.

Take takeout in moderation

The restaurant industry is helping us carve out more time from our day by serving take-away meals that can be eaten at home or somewhere else en route to meetings, sports events or other activities.

And with children thinking that anything tastes better in a McDonald’s wrapper, the stage is set for the next generation to continue a high rate of consumption of restaurant meals on the go.

The convenience and appeal of fast-food have been parts of our modern culture, and recent reports say the trend to buy and consume prepared foods is growing.

In 2006, Americans on average ate 127 to-go meals, compared with 81 consumed inside a restaurant, according to the NPD Group, a consumer marketing research firm in Port Washington, and 37 percent used curbside take-away service.

Meanwhile, research in this month’s Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine reports preschoolers said in a study that milk, apple juice and carrots taste better if they are in a McDonald’s wrapper. The study, which shows the powerful impact of advertising, has heightened the debate on the appropriateness of marketing to children.

Whether it’s two parents working, single-parent and other family groups that have demanding and varied schedules, the evening meal is a challenge is prepare and to serve.

The greater choices offered on takeout menus are welcome, especially for consumers looking for balanced, healthful meals in a hurry.

But it still is important to create and appreciate opportunities for home-cooked meals. Whether breakfast, lunch or dinner, an at-home meal gives us a chance to sit down and enjoy the tastes of food freshly made, accompanied by family discussions around the table.