Knowing what happens in Howell is not always easy

A recent News Transcript article brought out that John Rihacek, Howell’s Planning Board attorney, submitted two bills for the same matter and was now asked to reimburse the township. Another time, he was paid $5,700 for a $3,000 voucher.

It immediately brought to mind Township Attorney Richard Schibell offering at a public meeting in November 1997 to have his firm pay for an investigation into the STOP flier, with no municipal funds being spent.

According to the newspaper report, Mr. Schibell then submitted vouchers to the township for November and December which contained bills for working on the investigation. His bills were paid by the township.

This administration has made it extremely difficult, if not impossible, and expensive, for residents to obtain public records. Has part of the reason now come to light? Perhaps this is only the tip of the iceberg.

Howell residents will never know under this administration because, apparently, it is their philosophy that "We, the people, have no right to know."

Carol Chirico

Howell