LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 10/25

From the Oct. 25 edition of the Register-News

By:
Stupienski has

what town needs

To the editor:
   
In my opinion, of the three candidates running, only Ray Stupienski has demonstrated the community commitment, integrity and leadership skills that Mansfield needs on its Township Committee.
   During the past eight years, Ray has served as chairman, vice-chairman, secretary, and/or member of the township Recreation Committee; served as a member of the township Planning Board; served as a member of the township Planning and Development Committee; created advertising space via the town hall field mural and the team sports directories which raise thousands of dollars per year for township recreation; initiated changes in the town’s land use ordinances that closed a loophole and allowed placement of the new elementary school on its current site and co-founded the Northern Burlington Instructional Athletic Association (NBIAA) to better coordinate recreation with the neighboring towns.
   Even while doing all this, he also has served as a dedicated head coach of multiple T-ball, baseball, softball, football, and/or basketball teams each year.
   I hope the voters of Mansfield will leave political parties and popularity contests behind and instead will base their choice on what really matters — a record of continual service, unquestionable integrity and proven leadership in the community. This is the record of Ray Stupienski.
   I urge the citizens of Mansfield Township to vote for Ray Stupienski for Township Committee on Nov. 6.
Kurt Fenstermacher

Columbus

Resident explains

writing absence

To the editor:
   
A few of my acquaintances have asked me why I have not yet written any letters to the editor regarding the current campaign for Bordentown Township Committee.
   It is nice to know that my letters are being read. The short answer is that I do not have the time this year. Each letter takes me about two hours to write, edit and correct.
   By profession, I am a mainframe computer programmer working for a consulting company. I have two consulting assignments. The first consists of designing and writing COBOL and CICS programs.
   The second requires that I learn a programming language called JAVA.
   For someone with 25 years experience in COBOL and CICS, this is not an easy task.
   As many of you know, I also run a small mail order business dealing in collectibles. I bought this business in July 1999. It has grown faster than anticipated with clients all over the world. Most of my non-working time is spent in this business, not that I am complaining.
   By the way, this is the reason I no longer teach the mathematics component of the GED program offered by the CE/R and do not regularly attend the Township Committee meetings.
   So for this election cycle, I must take a pass on the letter writing.
   All I ask is that you properly research each candidate’s positions on the issues and vote for the candidate who you feel will do the best job.
   I am quite sure you know which candidate I will support this year.
Sid Morginstin

Bordentown Township

Resident finds

letter ‘interesting’

To the editor:
   
I always enjoy reading letters written by Mr. Pinto (such as his letter Oct. 18) as they are interesting — perhaps not factual, but interesting.
   Maybe a little background information will clarify my position concerning Mr. Pinto and provide a little insight into his character.
   Two years ago, I defeated Mr. Pinto in the Democratic primary. After my victory, Mr. Pinto came to me and said "I wish you the best of luck in the November election and I mean it."
   In October, he published an extremely derogatory letter about me finalizing his remarks by stating that I should find a rock and crawl under it. Support like that nobody needs.
   He inferred that Mr. Shea was not appointed to the Planning Board because of Mayor Patel. The appointment of Mr. Patel and Mr. Dubay was approved by all of the committee members, including Mr. Shea.
   What is your problem? It is strange that you made no comment when Mayor Patel supported Mr. Shea for mayor, deputy mayor, Planning Board and your appointment to the Planning Board.
   The Transfer Development Rights (TDR) program has been controversial since it was introduced to be part of the township’s master plan. Since then advocates — both pro and con — have been extremely vocal and opinionated in support of their position.
   Again, you are ignoring the facts. The concept of TDRs was not removed from the master plan but returned to the Planning Board by four committee members — two Democrats and two Republicans. Mr. Shea voted no.
   The attorney, responsible for the TDR program in Chesterfield Township, who is known throughout the area as an expert on planning for farm land preservation and TDR, stated at a public meeting that "Mansfield Township is too developed for the TDR program and should continue its farmland preservation program."
   Currently, Mansfield Township has about 2,500 acres in the program. Additionally, Lumberton, a model for the TDR program, is revising its program, as its mayor stated, "TDR has not stopped development; In fact, it has escalated development." Not a glowing recommendation for the TDR program.
   Mr. Pinto would like to depict himself as a good citizen by identifying his volunteer work with various government agencies. However, good citizens pay their fair share of taxes.
   Mr. Pinto recently purchased a 6-acre property and has applied for farm assessment tax Q Farm Designation. He will be paying about $90 per year in property taxes instead of about $3,000. The farm assessment program was established to assist working farmers by lowering the tax on their farms, not for a DEP employee to use the "loophole" to avoid paying taxes.
   Is this ethical? Ethics should be a prime concern when serving on government agencies.
   Mr. Pinto’s letter is nothing but a political ploy to attack Mr. Patel and gain support for Mr. Stupienski. Why don’t you just say it that way, Mr. Pinto. Be a man for once!
   Before you vote on Nov. 6, consider the person who possesses the following characteristics: honesty, courtesy, respect for individuals, humility and inclusion of all residents of Mansfield Township in planning for the future.
   A vote for Dalpat Patel is a step in the right direction.
Arthur R. Puglia

Vice Chairman

Mansfield Township

Planning Board

Be informed, ask

questions and vote

To the editor:
   
I would first like to address this letter to those people who have been defacing and removing the signs of two candidates for Township Committee in Mansfield Township.
   Much time, effort and money go into planning a campaign to be elected to the Mansfield Township Committee. By removing and defacing signs, you are thwarting the democratic process of our country. You will not prevail.
   Signs are only one small piece of evidence of the desire of my husband, Ray Stupienski, to serve the township that he has worked for and has come to love in the past 14 years.
   He has been the driving force in establishing two debates for the residents of Four Seasons, which will be hosted by the Four Seasons Civic Association and held Oct. 30 at 8:15 p.m. in the clubhouse; and the entire township, hosted by the Mansfield Area Senior Citizens group, on Nov. 2 at 7:30 p.m. at the Grange on Atlantic Avenue.
   A debate at Homestead already took place Tuesday. All candidates have been invited to all debates. Please come hear the candidates discuss the issues at one of the debates.
   A special invitation to all residents of Mapleton: This past Saturday, my 10 year-old daughter and I spent a gorgeous afternoon walking through Mapleton and delivering invitations to an Open House at the home of Ethel and Herman Johnson (5 Clement Court in Mapleton) tonight, Oct. 25 from 7 to 9 p.m.
   Many of these invitations did not reach you because they were removed before you received them. Ray’s sign was also removed from the Johnson property at about the same time.
   The open house will be an informal way to meet Ray and talk about your concerns and issues facing our township. You are cordially invited to attend and we hope to meet you there.
   Please take some time in the next 10 days to meet with the candidates so that you can make a wise decision in choosing a future committeeman.
   Read the literature from the candidates, be informed, ask questions and come vote on Nov. 6.
Susan Stupienski

Mansfield Township