LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, April 5
By:
Doody is applauded for years of leadership
To the editor:
As an active practicing physician who has been on the staff of The Medical Center at Princeton longer than anyone else, I feel qualified to comment on the change in hospital administration. In 1960, there were only 45 physicians on the medical center staff. Today, there are more than 500 staff physicians. In that same time frame, there have been only two chief administrators John Kauffman and Dennis Doody.
I have seen the growth from a small community hospital to a medial center that is dedicated to meeting the needs of the community. Mr. Doody has had a definitive role in the expansion of the hospital within its limited physical site. At the same time, he has acknowledged the justifiable concerns of the immediate neighbors.
Improvements at the Merwick unit, Princeton House unit, as well as the same-day surgical center, occurred during his tenure. Home care and hospice programs are unheralded but important assets in our community. The obstetrical floors at the hospital were modernized to meet the current needs and wishes of the expectant patients. Our close association with the obstetrical service of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania has been encouraged by Mr. Doody. The hospital has expanded the radiology and radiation oncology departments to reach the highest standard and attract the best physicians in this specialty.
As physicians, we are often not aware of other aspects of hospital management. Hospital administrators must balance the needs of patients and physicians against the reality of reimbursement, HMOs, Medicare allowance, limited length of stay and clinic coverage for the medically indigent.
Dennis Doody has done an admirable job over all these years and I hope he continues to advise and influence the growth of The Medical Center at Princeton.
William F. Besser, M.D.
Ewing Street
Princeton
Doody is a man of devotion, courage
To the editor:
Goodbye, Dennis, and thank you!
I have been associated with The Medical Center at Princeton for 47 years, during which time I served on the Board of Trustees, was president of the Medical Staff and chairman of the Ob-Gyn department for a quarter of a century. During those years, Jack Kauffman and Dennis Doody were the administrators/presidents of the Hospital.
The Princeton community was fortunate to have two men dedicated to their needs in a time of explosive challenges in medicine. Mr. Kauffman was recognized for his abilities inside and outside Princeton and served several years as president of the American Hospital Association.
You have recorded in your news article (The Packet, March 26) the changes that were initiated by Mr. Doody. What you could not know was the extent of his devotion to the medical center. There was never a November Nite, Hospital Boutique or June Fete that Dennis and Nancy did not attend. Every important hospital meeting saw Dennis. There were 14 nights that he sat through the Planning Board’s review of the plans for the parking garage which is now full. There were meetings in which assurances that had been given to the hospital’s expansion were revised, revoked, reinstituted. Dennis went to them all.
His door was always open to me to discuss whatever problems I wanted to run by him. He sat through every meeting of the Quality Improvement/Performance Committee, of which I was chairman, and was able to assist calmly, judiciously, a tough job for a non-physician.
His presentation to the Planning Board as recently as last Wednesday was described by one attendee as "intelligent, thoughtful, fair." He is a man of devotion and courage.
We will miss you, Dennis.
David J. Rose, M.D.
Lambert Drive
Princeton
In the Middle East, all lives are precious
To the editor:
I am encouraged that President Bush, Vice President Cheney and their team have begun finally to engage the process for an Israeli-Palestinian peace. Too many innocent Israelis and Palestinians have been killed or wounded by the violence.
However, simple demands by the United States that Palestinians stop the violence will not be sufficient to achieve a durable peace. Israeli violence against Palestinians must also cease. All lives, both Israeli and Palestinian, are precious.
Although the Israeli deaths and injuries caused by Palestinian suicide bombers and snipers generally get wide press coverage, Israeli violence takes a far greater toll on Palestinians. For example, the Israeli Center for Human Rights (B’Tselem) has reported that 794 Palestinian civilians have been killed by Israeli forces in the Occupied Territories since Sept. 29, 2000. Of these, 189 were children less than 18 years old. The Palestine Monitor has reported that, between February 28 and March 9 alone, Israeli forces killed 135 Palestinians. Forty-four percent of Palestinian deaths in recent months were due to shootings in the head, neck or chest, including 35 people shot from behind. Another 37 percent died as a result of scattered gunshot wounds throughout their bodies. Since September 2000, approximately 60 percent of Palestinian deaths were inflicted by live ammunition. Approximately 78 percent of those killed were civilians.
The United States shares complicity in these Palestinian deaths and injuries because of the vast amounts of weapons and ammunition that are supplied by the United States to Israel and then used against Palestinian civilians. Frequently, these armaments are labeled as "Excess Defense Articles" and provided to Israel free of charge. For instance, between 1994-1999, the United States provided the following "Excess Defense Articles" to Israel: 64,744 M-16A1 rifles; 2,469 M-204 grenade launchers; 1,500 M-2 .50 caliber machine guns; and .30-caliber, .50-caliber, and 20mm ammunition.
Israel also uses helicopters and F-16 fighter jets extensively in the Occupied Territories. Apache attack helicopters have been used to disperse Palestinian demonstrators and have targeted residential areas in Hebron, West Bank. Cobra attack helicopters were allegedly used in Israel’s attacks on Palestinian radio stations, President Arafat’s headquarters and Palestinian Authority police and security buildings. United States-supplied F-16s have repeatedly bombed targets associated with institutions of the Palestinian Authority.
The United States could make a significant contribution to peace in the Middle East by enforcing U.S. conditions on weapons transfers to Israel. According to Section 4 of the Arms Export Control Act, U.S. arms may only be used for purposes of "legitimate self-defense." In the 35 years since it occupied the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem, Israel has demonstrated a persistent pattern of ignoring basic human rights and standards of international law. If we in the United States wonder why so many in the Arab world seem to hate us, we might begin by examining the U.S.-Israel relationship.
Members of Congress should urge President Bush, when demanding a halt to Palestinian violence, to place corresponding demands on the Israeli government. In particular, the President should insist that the Israeli military stop using U.S. weapons and munitions against Palestinian civilians.
Let us rededicate ourselves to the promotion of justice and the pursuit of peace.
Judith Johnson
Cherry Valley Road
Princeton
Pray for those who die in name of hate
To the editor:
April 8 is Yom Hashoah or Holocaust Remembrance Day. On this day we remember the 6 million Jewish victims of Nazi Germany during World War II. The word holocaust, or the Hebrew translation shoah, means the complete and utter destruction by fire. This is what happened to the Jews during World War II. How did it happen?
In 1933, Adolf Hitler, a madman, rose to power and became the chancellor of Germany. Under his leadership, the Nazis killed more than 6 million Jews. They also silenced many non-Jews who either spoke out against them or tried to help Jews. Innocent men, women and children were beaten, tortured and killed in concentration and death camps.
The Nazis have no more power but hate of this type lives on. We have seen it throughout history. Only recently did Osama bin Laden launch an attack against the United States on Sept. 11. Not only did he kill Americans, he killed many other people of different nationalities as well when the World Trade Center was attacked. He hurt people who just wanted to make a decent living and support their families. He destroyed property, and upset both the world and the American economy. In other words, he hurt millions and millions of people all because he hates.
Also, the Palestinians hate the Israelis. They will use their children as human shields when outside. They glorify suicide bombers and, indeed, encourage people to take such action. Families are rewarded for such sacrifices. This is madness and this is all in the name of hate. The Palestinians want to get rid of all the Jewish Israelis. They want the land for themselves. They will kill people of their own kind who oppose them or their method of attack, namely suicide bombing.
If you have a white cloth and you do not add to it, it will always remain white. If, however, you sew colored ribbons, buttons and other trim to it, you can make it into something beautiful.
We are all different, from our immediate and extended families, to our friends and neighbors.
Let us say a prayer in our hearts for all those who die in the name of hate. Let us fight hate with what we can. Let us teach our children not to hate, but to try to understand any and all differences.
Elana Tenenzapf
Marblehead Drive
West Windsor
Proud of Bush, proud of Israel
To the editor:
I am writing to express my appreciation and gratitude for President George W. Bush’s policy in response to the crisis in Israel.
Despite intense pressure from European allies, the president has steadfastly supported Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s campaign to destroy Palestinian terrorist centers. Last week’s attacks on worshipers attending Passover seders, resulting in the death of 25 mostly elderly Israelis, demonstrated to the world that peace cannot be born in the womb of terror.
Israel has now acted with the necessity of a sovereign state to defend and protect its citizens. By his support, President Bush has recognized that Israel’s first mission must be to guarantee the safety of its citizens, both Jewish and Arab. President Bush’s continued support of Israel’s military campaign is essential to ending the reign of terror that has gripped the Middle East.
Israel has remained patient in the face of attack upon attack by suicide bombers over the past 18 months, since it offered the Palestinian Authority control of almost all of the West Bank and a part of East Jerusalem. Yassir Arafat rejected this offer, walked out of the Camp David negotiations and spurned the chance to build a national home for his people.
Arafat instead chose to oversee the killing of more than 400 Israelis, a campaign of murder directed indiscriminately at children, mothers, civilians and the elderly. Palestine under Arafat has emerged as little more than a dictatorial fiefdom ruled by terrorist cells. Any "nation" that takes pride in the wanton murder of hundreds of civilians by suicide bombers lacks not only a claim to sovereignty but to any pretense of decency or humanity.
President Bush has recognized that only unambiguous American support for Israel will deter terrorism and lead, ultimately, to peace. As an American and a Jew, I am proud of our president and proud of Israel.
Bruce Afran
Cuyler Road
Princeton
Re-elect 3 incumbents to Princeton board
To the editor:
Last spring, due to increased responsibilities at work, I decided not to seek re-election to a second term on the Princeton Regional Board of Education. I felt a little guilty at the time because everyone was saying such nice things about me when it was the two colleagues in my board "class" who had decided to "re-up" (they were re-elected without opposition). This year’s entire group of incumbents Jeff Spear, Barbara Prince and Frank Strasburger are all seeking a second term.
What accounts for this sudden recidivism on the part of board members?
To anyone who watches board meetings on Channel 14 (and they are almost impossible to avoid completely unless you handle a flicker with the reflexes of Billy the Kid), the answer is clear. This board is composed of an immensely talented group of people who enjoy their service. They work hard. They listen to each other and to the community with patience and respect. They grapple with issues intelligently and thoughtfully. For the sake of harmony, they’re even willing to laugh at each other’s jokes.
During the three years the present incumbents have served on the board, a district in crisis became a district capable not only of luring an extraordinary superintendent but also of reaching consensus on a plan that addresses the major capital needs of all our schools for decades to come and with a significant portion of the costs being borne by the state as a result of the board’s moving forward decisively once a plan was agreed upon.
The incumbents seeking re-election did not do this by themselves, but they are each extraordinarily dedicated individuals who have played a vital role on the boards that have done these things.
They deserve re-election. I do not say this lightly, particularly because one of their challengers is a law school classmate of mine I won’t say how long ago for both our sakes whom I like and respect enormously.
But I believe very strongly that when community members work hard at a voluntary position and do an excellent job, there needs to be a compelling reason not to re-elect them. Not only is there no such reason but there is a particular advantage in having experienced, knowledgeable board members in place at this time as the board seeks to implement the capital plan safely, efficiently and effectively while discharging all its other responsibilities as well.
My endorsement of my former colleagues is not meant to reflect negatively on their challengers in any way. But for the reasons mentioned above, and my belief that the current blend of varied talents, perspectives and personalities on the board serves the district very well, I hope that each of the incumbents is returned to office.
Walter Frank
Riverside Drive
Princeton
Reward incumbent for diligent work
To the editor:
Princeton Regional Board of Education member Barbara Prince is a model of the kind of educated citizen our schools should be turning out: one who, when confronted with an issue, becomes like a detective, making it her business to explore all its facets. She thinks critically and evaluates possible solutions to our problems with a broad interpretation of "best interests" (including financial) in mind.
Sometimes circumstances cry out for change, and sometimes for stability. The current school board has been working harmoniously and effectively so that now a massive, long overdue construction project is about to begin. Although it is commendable that three non-incumbent candidates are willing to serve on the board, we question the value of taking the time to bring them up to speed on the rationale behind all the decisions that have already been made after lengthy collaboration and deliberation.
The teacher-contract negotiations currently under way would also be hindered if Barbara Prince had to leave the negotiating team.
Now is the time to reward those who have worked diligently on our behalf with good results. Please join us in returning Barbara Prince to the school board. The polls are open on April 16 from 4-9 p.m.
Barbara Abramson
Prince William Court
Sandy Friedlander
Woodside Lane
Princeton
Re-elect Strasburger to sustain momentum
To the editor:
We want to publicly thank the hard work of Superintendent Claire Sheff Kohn, the Princeton Regional Schools administration and the Princeton Regional Board of Education. After witnessing years of turmoil, it is a delight to see our leaders implement changes with such overwhelming community support. Let’s do all that we can to sustain this positive momentum!
On April 16, we encourage you to vote for incumbent Frank Strasburger for the borough seat on the Princeton Regional school board. Frank provides continuity and, above all, diplomacy. Frank, formerly chairman of the school district’s $81.3 million renovation and construction project, currently serves as vice president of the school board. Frank’s background as an educator and minister affords him strong interpersonal skills which help to facilitate discussions of school board issues. He has strong relationships within our community and has done a marvelous job of soliciting community support for the school district’s renovation project. Frank spearheaded the effort to partner with our community institutions Princeton University and the Princeton Theological Seminary successfully acquiring financial support and use of their athletic facilities.
Frank has a vested interest in the community. He has three children in the Princeton Regional Schools and serves as an associate rector at Trinity Church. He worked for 11 years as the Episcopal chaplain at Princeton University. Frank cares about our children, our schools and our community. We are lucky to have such a strong candidate. Please give him your vote!
Kristen and Bob Callahan
Prince William Court
Princeton
Neighbors back Prince for re-election to board
To the editor:
As longtime residents of Princeton Township, where our children attended school, their mother taught music and as neighbors to Barbara Prince and her family, we bring special insights to support her re-election bid to the Princeton Regional Board of Education.
She is a wonderful neighbor and a devoted mother and wife. As a school board member, Barbara has been a voice of moderation as well as action. She has greatly contributed to a more constructive and deliberative board, which stands in stark contrast to the fractious and indecisive boards of years past.
Barbara is an extremely thoughtful and persuasive thinker. Gently persistent and constructively curious, she has been able to meld effectively expert opinion with the views of her constituents, which she unhesitatingly considers the families especially the children of Princeton. Her agenda is simple: Find ways to improve the education of all Princeton students in ways that best utilize the scarce resources of the community. She thoroughly studies complicated issues and does not flinch to act. She is a doer who has contributed in the best collegial sense to the success of the board and the quality of life in Princeton.
She deserves re-election to the board and the heartfelt thanks of the community for a job well done.
Randy and Joan Zisler
Magnolia Lane
Princeton
Bocarsly backed for Plainsboro seat
To the editor:
Pat Bocarsly is a candidate for the Plainsboro seat on the West Windsor-Plainsboro Board of Education in the election to be held on Tuesday, April 16. Based on her years of volunteer service, leadership, dedication to the community and professional experience, I believe she deserves every Plainsboro vote.
For the past 12 years, Pat Bocarsly has volunteered to serve in several school organizations the PTA/PTSAs, the WW-P Education Foundation, the K-12 Science Curriculum Committee and the Middle School Transition Committee. She has an excellent understanding of our schools and its curriculum from kindergarten through grade 12, in part because her three children have attended no less than six of the schools in the district. Pat and her husband, Andy, are also committed to serving the community; she has been a deacon at her church for the past several years, while Andy is a longtime coach in both the local travel and recreational soccer leagues. As a professor at the UMDNJ, New Jersey’s medical school, Pat has extensive experience in teaching, research and administration.
Pat Bocarsly’s success as a team player is evident in her active work in volunteer organizations. Her participation in a broad range of activities in our school district reflects Pat’s sincere belief in the importance of community involvement in our schools. Pat’s professional training, her career in higher education, her commitment to excellence and her personal integrity are characteristics that will serve her extremely well as a school board member.
As a former president of the West Windsor-Plainsboro school board, I believe that Pat offers the personal qualities, professional skills and commitment that will serve our district best. Please join me in voting for Pat Bocarsly on April 16.
Linda E. Lam
Hilltown Court
Plainsboro
Smith will give continuity to board
To the editor:
The West Windsor-Plainsboro Board of Education needs someone with the highest degree of integrity who is open-minded on all issues until all relevant facts are developed. One who will make decisions that seem to be a consensus of the community as a whole.
One who will give continuity to the board’s past practices and policies.
One who will balance the needs of students, staff, parents and taxpayers.
For this reason, I am supporting Steve Smith for re-election to the WW-P Board of Education. Will you please do so as well?
Richard A. Harbourt
Conover Road
West Windsor
Awesome candidate deserves election
To the editor:
We are writing in support of Pat Bocarsly for the Plainsboro seat on the West Windsor-Plainsboro Board of Education. Pat is one of those people of whom we stand in awe. She is a wife, mother, health researcher, professor, and yet with all of her responsibilities, she has been active in school district activities such as the PTA. She is an intelligent, passionate and caring person.
But most important, she is the type of person who can hear all the various voices in the school district and sort through the many opinions, and occasional real facts, to come to a reasonable solution for our many current problems. As a parent with children who have passed through every grade level in the system and with one at each end of that spectrum, she is sensitive to the needs of children and parents. As a medical school professor, she is aware of the duties and burden put on today’s teachers. As a researcher and administrator of research programs, she knows the responsibilities and burdens of the school district administration and the school board.
As 17-year residents of Plainsboro, who moved to Plainsboro because of the great schools, and who have known Pat for many years, there is no one we can recommend more highly than Pat Bocarsly for the Plainsboro seat on the WW-P school board.
Bill and Janet Thompson
Thoreau Drive
Plainsboro
Historic treasure merits state support
To the editor:
The public and the press should know that an historic treasure, the state-owned Rockingham Historic Site, is closed down. This means that the thousands of visitors and school children who enjoy coming to Rockingham each year will now be turned away. Reason: State funds that had been set aside for the site have been frozen or used for other purposes. Worse yet, in its present condition there are about six months left before the building will deteriorate beyond repair.
It is unthinkable that such a valuable civic and educational asset, located in New Jersey, the Crossroads of the American Revolution, and in Franklin Township, Somerset County, the crossroads of New Jersey, will be allowed to disappear. Among worthy state projects, none is more deserving or more sorely in need than Rockingham.
Gordon D. Griffin
President
Rockingham Association
Kingston
Reinstate funds for Rockingham
To the editor:
As a person who moved to New Jersey as an adult, I live in amazement that state leaders have never realized the value of the history that has transpired here. This indifference is exemplified by the sad condition of one of our most important historic buildings Rockingham.
Why do they not realize the importance of this real treasure? Yes, Washington, who spent only one night at his own Mount Vernon in the entire eight years of the Revolutionary War, did gratefully accept the offer of brief lodgings in the homes of many New Jersey patriots. But, there are only a few places that served as his headquarters. One of those is Valley Forge, which is a national site. Another is located in Morristown another national site. Rockingham was his last headquarters at the very end of the Revolution. He received word of the Treaty of Paris while he lived there. He wrote his farewell address to his officers. He lobbied Congress to pay those officers who were sent home without pay for the last two years of their service. If this house were located in such history-savvy states as Virginia or Massachusetts, it would be publicized like Williamsburg or the Old North Church. But New Jersey has never capitalized on its history.
As it stands now, moved to a new location very close to the original site, Rockingham is in serious jeopardy. This is a real treasure not only for the people of New Jersey but also for the people of this country. Although $1.8 million has been transferred to the Treasury Department to pay for restoration, as your excellent article states (The Packet, March 26), those monies are frozen and the house stands idle and unattended. I urge anyoneinterested in our history to contact the governor and ask him to reinstate the funds.
Marilyn W. Crane
Princeton Avenue
Rocky Hill
Act now to stop cruelty to animals
To the editor:
In the United States, animals raised for food production are commonly kept under heinous and inhumane conditions. Modern factory farms treat these animals as commodities, or "food production units," not as the living, feeling beings that they are. Egg-laying hens are packed into battery cages so small that the birds cannot even spread their wings, and the sensitive ends of their beaks are sliced off without anesthesia. Sows are confined in gestation crates barely 2 feet wide, and forced to endure open sores and extreme boredom. Newborn calves are chained by the neck in crates only 22 inches wide, and fed an intentionally iron-deficient diet to produce the pale, anemic flesh sold as veal. These are only a few examples of the harsh farming practices which are becoming more common in New Jersey.
Scientific evidence clearly demonstrates that these intensive confinement systems cause animals to suffer immense physical and mental anguish. More humane alternatives are available, however these abusive farming practices are still considered legal. In fact, farm animals are specifically excluded from the federal Animal Welfare Act and are not protected under most of New Jersey’s anti-cruelty laws. Therefore, these intolerable practices not only continue, but are spreading throughout the state.
Battery cages for hens, gestation crates for pigs and veal crates for calves have all been outlawed in European countries. The United Sates, as a civilized and progressive nation, should follow this lead and illegalize such cruel and inhumane treatment.
New Jersey stands ready to be the first state in our country to institute legislation protecting farm animals. In 1995, the state Legislature amended its anti-cruelty statute, and, in 1996, enacted legislation requiring the New Jersey Department of Agriculture to produce "standards for the humane raising, keeping, care, treatment, marketing, and sale of domestic livestock." Unfortunately, this cannot be enforced as the standards have, six years later, still not been drafted. These standards for humane treatment are desperately needed to prevent more of the great and unnecessary suffering that farm animals are currently forced to endure.
New Jersey citizens can do much to help ban cruel factory farm confinement. In her March 22 letter to the editor ("Farm Animals Deserve Humane Standards"), Lara Frank Heimann urges area residents to attend the Factory Forum and Rally to be held on April 7 and 8 in Trenton. I also encourage everyone to participate in these historic events and support anti-cruelty legislation in New Jersey.
Another way to augment this effort is to contact state legislators. Ask that they write to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture and have it draft the humane standards for farm animals. Request also that they support Assemblywoman Loretta Weinberg’s legislation, A-1948, to prohibit cruel veal production in our state. For more information, visit www.njfarms.org or www.farmsanctuary.org. Please help in eliminating cruel treatment on factory farms and guiding America toward a more compassionate approach.
Melissa Cavagnaro-Wong
Deer Run Drive
Montgomery
Adult community is good use of site
To the editor:
At a joint Planning Board and Township Council meeting, Calton Homes representatives presented their proposed active-adult development conceptual plans on the Baker Farm property. After hearing the many concerns raised by the board and council, Calton Homes stated its intent to modify the plans to address these concerns. The Planning Board endorsed the concept for a Planned Residential Retirement Community on Baker Farm.
Our association supports this project and is looking forward to an earnest effort by the Planning Board and the council to bring it to a successful conclusion that will prove to be beneficial to all residents. The positive results that will accrue are certainly hard to dispute:
*An estimated increase of $2 million in tax revenues, of which $1.5 million is in school taxes with no offsetting costs.
*No increase in student enrollment, permanently, thereby eliminating a need for future school expansions.
*Well-designed homes in a price range comparable to the fast-selling active adult homes in our township.
*Increased customer base for our local merchants, helping to insure their staying here and not closing stores as has been occurring at the McCaffrey shopping plaza.
The planning and traffic consultant retained by the township agreed with the above and added that the location is well-suited for such a development and allayed any concerns about future traffic problems.
Those opposed to this project are concerned about density and traffic and open space. Whatever happened to the well-touted concern for ratables, property tax containment, keeping our senior and adult population from leaving West Windsor?
*Density Calton Homes has offered to re-examine its plans with a view toward reducing the number of homes in the project.
*Traffic As previously stated, the consultant saw no problems of any significance.
*Open Space We perceive open space to be the major overriding issue and has taken center stage. All previous attempts by the town to acquire this property have failed. Let’s move on!
We are requesting that the Planning Board and Township Council objectively examine this proposal and lend their support to do everything possible to have this project come to fruition. Our organization is strongly in favor of having Calton Homes build this active adult community. The alternatives could be far less attractive, i.e. light manufacturing plant, warehouse, office buildings, residential homes that will increase the student population, thereby resulting in unfavorable tax consequences.
Joseph M. Dantone
President
Village Grande
Civic Association
Pinflower Lane
West Windsor