E.B. mayor responds to criticism
William P. Neary
E.B. mayor responds to criticism
I have a long practice of not responding to newspaper letters to the editor, but Frank Coury, a constant critic, has once again presented opinions as facts and has called those who have listened to the truth "sycophants." As mayor, my skin is usually thick enough to understand the verbal dissertations, but I think by insulting those who disagree with him, he crosses the line. Once again, as has been said at countless Township Council meetings to Mr. Coury and others, here are the facts; look them up.
• The police training facility was planned because outdoor ranges are closing down throughout the state. The range East Brunswick used in South River was closed down. Police officers are required to be "qualified with weapons" twice a year. Our state-of-the-art facility was built with a $400,000 state grant and a $1 million loan. This loan will be paid off when the township sells a contaminated property that we received through foreclosure that is now being cleaned up with additional state grants.
• It has never cost taxpayers $300,000 per year. When the facility is used by numerous other agencies that pay fees, it will require an expense of $300,000 to staff and operate. However, we must budget this expense even if it isn’t expended. We do not spend it if the use is less than 24 hours per day. Frank Coury was told that in a fully written report from the business administrator and finance director. Although revenues have been disappointing, it has not lost money nor has it been subsidized by taxpayers.
• The bus contract issue is in the courts once again. I am advised not to discuss serious litigation issues, but to say this contract provides better service for lower prices and the legal fees are being covered by the rent of our facility, not by taxpayers. And we are defending the action taken by the council because we believe in the action taken.
• Personnel issues should never be publicly bantered about by the council and mayor. They have never and will never, during my term, be involved in discussing personnel promotions. The case Coury mentioned was settled; the police lieutenant he mentioned did not win.
• The open space purchases, which I am extremely proud of, had two appraisals, as required by law. The state of New Jersey and the county of Middlesex partnered with the township in saving these properties from imminent development.
• If Frank Coury has a large pothole in front of his house and failed to tell the administration that he talks to every Monday, then he was negligent in his duty as a concerned citizen. With more than 170 miles of municipal roads to worry about, his assistance rather than his accusations would be appreciated. We have repaved and resurfaced more than $1 million worth of road projects every year since I’ve become mayor.
• The unfortunate lawsuit over our rezoning is still cheaper than paying for thousands of new students or damaging our environment by adding thousands of additional vehicles on our roads and compromising our quality of life. I am sorry he disagrees with this investment.
Councilwoman Meryle Asaro voted for every one of the issues he discussed, except awarding the bus contract. She abstained, and, therefore, her vote went with the majority.
Former Republican candidate Frank Coury has written dozens of letters to newspapers. I will fight anybody to protect his right to voice his opinion. I like Frank Coury as a person and as an active concerned citizen, but to continuously harp on inaccuracies when he has been given the facts raises so many questions about his credibility. I ask the readers of your newspaper to read the articles for information and the letters to the editor with tongues firmly planted in their cheeks because political agendas usually change the presentation of information to the readers.
In conclusion, any resident should feel free to contact my office to address his or her concerns, voice an opinion or get the facts on any issue facing our community. I welcome any opportunity to hear from anyone who wants to be informed.
William P. Neary is mayor of East Brunswick