Committee, school board rightto send mercury notice

To the editor

   I am writing in response to a letter to the editor which appeared in the May 24 issue of the Beacon from Jim Homoki. In this letter, Mr. Homoki stated that the flyer announcing the public hearing on the mercury stockpile at the Somerville Depot resembled campaign literature because it stated a position (to get the mercury out of Hillsborough) and had the names of the Township Committee members on it.
   He also stated that the flyer was not an impartial notice and complained about the Board of Education permitting this to be sent home.
   Perhaps Mr. Homoki does not understand the seriousness of the mercury in our midst. Why must a flyer concerning such a serious risk to our community be impartial?
   Do we expect township officials to approve of the presence of mercury? How did he so completely miss the point?
   What is the point? Simply put, this is truly a David and Goliath situation where the township of Hillsborough is up against the Department of Defense of the U.S. government.
   It will take the concerted effort of the Township Committee and the stalwart and cohesive backing of the community to rid ourselves of this threat to our health and safety. It is important that every resident voice their concerns loudly and clearly to the U.S. government representatives and that we not quarrel amongst ourselves over trifles.
   I applaud the Township Committee for the work they are doing to ensure the removal of the mercury. As elected officials, and residents of thecommunity, they are working hard to do what is best for Hillsborough.
   I also applaud the concern of the Board of Education and their efforts to support township residents on this matter by assisting in notifying residents of the meeting.
   The Board of Ed is obviously concerned about the health risk to thechildren of the community.
   In his letter, Mr. Homoki expressed concerns about the civics and government lessons our children may receive in school. I would suggest that the most important civics and citizenship lesson parents can give their children is to take an active role in the discussion about the removal of the stored mercury and to attend meetings, with their children.
   This is a very clear demonstration to our children that we are concerned about their health and their future, that we have a right to voice our opposition to government actions that threaten the safety of citizens and that our voices can and will be heard.
   This civics lesson would show the children true democracy at work starting with the outrage of ordinary citizens. That’s the beauty of our constitution and our form of government.
   It can and often does really work.
   This is quite possibly, the most serious health and safety threat that our town has ever faced. It is my belief that Hillsborough residents recognize this and are willing to work together, with the local officials, to resolve this situation and get the mercury out of Hillsborough, if only we can stay focused, ignoring superfluous distractions.
   I know that I, and many of my friends and neighbors, will not rest easy until the mercury is removed.

Charlene Walker
Hillsborough