Manalapan’s deputy mayor has aided efforts of municipal committees

I was surprised to read of the allegations presented at a recent meeting of the Manalapan Township Committee. The meeting took place on Aug. 22 and was reported in your edition of Aug. 29. In this article, you indicate that allegations were made regarding the attendance of our deputy mayor, Rebecca Aaronson, at meetings of the Monmouth County Agricultural Board.

Ms. Aaronson responded by indicating she had not been notified of such meetings. While I do not have direct knowledge of the agricultural board meetings, I have served for one year on the Shade Tree Commission and have for the past two years served as chairman of the Transportation Committee.

Ms. Aaronson is the committee liaison to the Shade Tree Commission and for the past year has held a similar position for the Transportation Committee.

During my association with Ms. Aaronson, I have been very much impressed with the time and effort she devotes to meet her responsibilities — which she does in an extremely professional manner.

Ms. Aaronson regularly attends meetings scheduled by the committees and, more important, has maintained a keen awareness of the issues. She has followed through in discussing issues with fellow committeemen, and following such discussion, has provided needed guidance to committee members.

This year, for example, the Transportation Committee is working on issues which will eventually have an impact on transportation in Manalapan, and I can fully attest to the fact that she has been an active participant in our discussions and has provided needed guidance to our group. She has proved to be an asset to the work of the committee, and her input is welcome.

To my recollection, she has missed one meeting due to a family conflict.

If the allegation regarding the lack of attendance at agricultural board meetings is correct, it is my opinion that the township should take whatever steps are necessary to ensure that proper notice regarding meetings is provided to the township.

This will ensure attendance and participation.

In the meantime, I believe Ms. Aaronson is fully deserving of the thanks of Manalapan residents for the time and effort she devotes to meeting her responsibilities, and an apology from those who question her efforts.

John Castellani

chairman

Manalapan Transportation Committee