Letters-Sept. 30, 2004

Fire Department

thanks help
To the editor:
   I wanted to offer special thanks to an amazing committee who worked for months to make the 5 Alarm Firehouse Community Clambake such a success — Debbie Closson, Elizabeth England, Jim Hamilton, Mandy Knechel, Dana Kurtbek, Mark Leray, Karen Rissmiller, Rich Roy Jr., Ron Siwy, Brian Snell, Ron Tillett Jr., Nate Waldron, Tim Graber and consultant Robin Larsen.
   A special round of applause goes to volunteers who served the 400 guests — Joan Arkuszewsky, Ed Closson, Ed Ferry, Kathy Ferry, Michael Kownacky, Pam Resnek, Sharon Resnek, Pam Baker, Andrew Closson, Girl Scout Troop 400 (Katya Kurtbek, Sarah Baker, Katelin Tucker, Lila Hertz, Olivia Immordino, Bryanna Hartpence and Emily Schroeter) , Mr. and Mrs. Bill Blyand and to all the volunteer firefighters who worked so hard.
   Additional thanks go to businesses and individuals who assisted with ticket sales, offered parking space and facilities and donated linens, décor and supplies — Dresswell’s, Homestead Farm Market, Lambertville City Hall, Elite Linens, Sneaky Caterer, Gary Schulcoff, Weathervane Restaurant, Richard McDonough, Sandy Hanna, the Kalmia Club, Heller’s Seafood, Barbara Coe, Walker’s Wine and Spirits, Rosemoon Signs & Designs and Bette from Plassiflora.
   A standing ovation goes to the chefs who prepared dinner for the sellout event — Hamilton’s Grill Room owner Jim Hamilton, executive chef Mark Miller, John Lasley, Bette Bennett, Ralph Smith, Barney Cooke, city Councilwoman Cindy Ege, Bill Gill, Pineville Tavern owner Andrew Abruzzese, Rick and Kathy Buscavage and Chef Ryan Jameson from Dish Catering.
   Our heartfelt gratitude goes to major sponsors Lisa James Otto, Lambertville Democratic Committee, Wachovia Bank, Heller’s Seafood, Catelli Brothers, Nonesuch Farms, Solebury Orchids, ShopRite of Flemington and Giant Market.
   More thanks go to additional sponsors David Rago Auctions, Lambertville Sewerage Authority, Niece Lumber, Luggage Factory Outlet, Van Horn Funeral Home, Homestead Market, Larsen Designs, Finkles, LFO Inc., Joseph Jingoli & Son, Clemens Family Market, Hydrangea, Minno & Wasko, Orleans Home Builders, Cifelli’s Sunoco, The Medicine Shoppe and Bear Apothecary.
   And, finally, we thank all the community members who supported the Lambertville Fire Department by attending. The event was sold out well in advance.
   Anyone who was unable to attend but would like to make a donation to the Lambertville Fire Department may send a check to the department at P.O. Box 494, Lambertville, 08530. The department is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization, and all donations are tax deductible as allowed by law.

Chris Daul has

better record
To the editor:
   In his Sept 23 letter to the editor supporting Delaware Township Committee candidate Jim McCue, the author leveled unsubstantiated and blatantly false claims about Chris Daul.
   Chris is and has been a volunteer in Delaware Township, working to limit development in the township through his continued service on the township’s Environmental Commission and as an advisory member to the Planning Board.
   I urge all residents to check the meeting minutes of these committees during Chris’ tenure. You will see very clearly Chris has consistently opposed attempts to expand development in our township, working closely with Democrats and Republicans on important issues that shape the future of our town.
   And Chris’ qualifications for Township Committee are not limited to his efforts to control unwanted growth. He is a former chairman of the township Environmental Commission, treasurer of the Sandbrook Historical Association and a member of the governor’s School Board of Overseers.
   Let’s hope Mr. Hall’s letter is the first and last attempt to use our town as a proving ground for big-time political sniping. That kind of campaigning smells more of Trenton than Sergeantsville. This is not the time, and Delaware Township is not the place to wage a partisan battle; the issue of overdevelopment and its impact on our taxes is far too important.
   Chris’ blend of leadership, his vast knowledge of environmental, land use and financial impacts on municipalities and record of local civic service make him uniquely qualified to serve us. I urge you to look at the official records of both candidates’ public service, speak with them directly and make an informed decision about who will best guide the future of Delaware Township.
   I have done that, and that’s why I’m supporting Chris Daul for Township Committee.

Flip-flop,

flim-flam
To the editor:
   I am mystified by the seeming hold this Bush-made myth has over part of the electorate.
   Let me address what is touted as the "strength" of Mr. Bush: "steady." It is no strength but a weakness of monumental proportions to be the leader of the free world and be unable or unwilling to assess, evaluate and re-evaluate world situations, let alone one as explosive, complex and wrong-headed as the one we have been cattle-tied into in Iraq.
   What do you do with a leader who doesn’t "second-guess" himself, who doesn’t read the papers, who listens only to those who agree with him, who sleeps easy at night?
   Who insists on saying Pollyanna-rosy things about a world that, despite his simplistic understanding, insists on being complex ?
   For example, Tuesday, Sept. 21, he referred on the radio to the democracy and security the people of Iraq are enjoying. That day, among other explosions and deaths and insurgent actions, an American citizen was beheaded in the chaos and anarchy of Iraq. Since then, more heads, more kidnappings, more explosions.
   To add insult to injury, this picture he would paint of unmoving steadfastness isn’t even true, unless you count his unflagging, overriding desire to engage his country and his people in a war of his own. Bush has changed his positions many times. But his changes are not impelled by mature reflection and intelligent reassessment made with the help of quality advice from impartial experts.
   The Bush changes are propelled by political cynicism. That qualifies as a swindle or cheat in which you persuade a person to buy worthless property. Yes, a "flim-flam."
   For those that think he’s just an average Joe who would be fun to have a beer with, I say try to get into his club and see if he’ll have a beer with you.
   But for the president of my country and the leader of the free world, I demand more than a beer-drinking fun fellow. Give me someone with brains and an understanding of complexity and nuance.
   This has become a very complex world.

Lambert Lane

residents ‘blessed’
To the editor:
   We consider ourselves lucky to live in Lambertville and on flooded Lambert Lane.
   This may appear to be a mixed blessing. But where else can help come from so many sources to provide safety, a sense of well being and emotional support? We are blessed.
   And among those blessings are Bruce Currie and Niece Lumber. Not your average box store, but a truly local business.
   I called Bruce at home Saturday night. He arrived with 11 young men and two trucks of sand bags. His volunteer help then placed sandbags from 17 to 41 Lambert Lane, saving many homes from total loss.
   Gratitude is minimal, but our thanks are heartfelt in thanking Marc Currie, Ryan Blair, Chris Losch, Jim Muller, Casey Blair, Erica Opdyke, Charlie Opdyke, Bruce Currie, Brent Pursell, Dustin Smith, John Marriott and Tim Blair.
   Relatives are considered a blessing and a burden. In our case, a blessing always. And thanks to Aunt Mikie Edwards and Uncle Bob Tettemer for joining the sandbag brigade and tirelessly hauling increasingly heavy bags.
   Always there and always helpful and pleasant are the Lambertville firemen. Truly one of the finest any town could have. We appreciate you every day and acknowledge you too infrequently.
   City Hall worked to provide us with all the necessary information we needed to get back up again — Paul Cronce and his crew were top notch.
   Dave Burd anticipated the questions and had answers ready. Al Horton Electric worked efficiently up and down the block to get power approved and at a more than reasonable charge rather than taking advantage and gouging.
   Individually, 17 to 41 Lambert Lane have many more to thank, but our "sandbag" crew didn’t care who lived where; they helped all.
   Thank you all. We are blessed.

Daul would control

development
To the editor:
   I read Mr. Hall’s recent letter to the editor in support of Jim McCue for Delaware Township Committee and criticizing candidate Chris Daul.
   While Mr. Hall correctly recognizes township residents are concerned with the threat of developers, his assertion Chris Daul is a developer’s candidate is hogwash. I would direct the public to Chris’ Web site — www.daulfordel.com — to review Chris’ priorities and positions.
   Chris is a member and former chairperson of the Delaware Township Environmental Commission and a governmental relations specialist who concentrates on land use and environmental issues. He has served as assistant counsel to the New Jersey Senate and worked in the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
   His addition to the Township Committee is necessary to install a voice of reason and curtail the threat of overdevelopment. Chris will allow the implementation of appropriate land use and zoning controls, such as appropriate lot size.
   The current committee has abandoned all commitment to land use control.
   While Mr. Hall sees Jim McCue as the better choice because he is conscientious, it is Chris Daul, with a educated approach, who will assure preservation of the quality of life in Delaware Township and curtail overdevelopment, which is a real threat as owners of large tracts of land are enticed to sell.
   Just keep your eyes on Rittenhouse and Sandy Ridge roads as upwards to 30 new homes are slated for approval and construction; the development has begun.
   On Election Day, elect Chris Daul to control development!

Officials, volunteers

deserve thanks
To the editor:
   This letter is in regards to all the volunteers who kept watch over our small town after Hurricane Ivan.
   From late Saturday afternoon through Sunday and into Monday, volunteers from the Stockton Fire Department and Rescue Squad, Office of Emergency Management and State Police and our town officials followed procedure and closed down Stockton for fear of flooding.
   I am a resident in this precious town, and I cannot express enough gratitude to these volunteers for putting aside their own lives to help keep peace and safety in our town. They spent tireless hours just standing and guarding a street, in some cases, in others, maintaining communication to all the residents and townspeople, updating them on the situation.
   This was a potential disaster for the local homes and businesses, and these volunteers had to deal with curious spectators, frustrated homeowners and still keep their minds on the rising water.
   This is only a small thank you to all of those who gave up so much of their time. Stockton is worth every second these people put into it. Thank you.