Letters to the Editor

For the Jan. 13 issue.

Inaugural gala too lavish

To the editor:
   The Republican National Committee and President George W. Bush need to do the right thing and dramatically scale back the upcoming inaugural festivities.
   The plan to spend $40 million on food, galas, and parades is inappropriate during this time of ongoing war and international natural disaster. The lavish inaugural as planned, with its disregard for the suffering of millions, will serve only to further alienate large sectors of the world community. Likewise, the absence of restraint and sacrifice exhibited by the planned festivities is a slap in the face to the thousands of men and women in the American military who are currently serving under arduous conditions with inadequate equipment.
   Taking a cue from FDR’s fourth term inaugural in 1945, the inaugural of the Bush administration should instead consist of a quiet ceremony at the White House. And the inaugural funds already raised should be diverted to aid the tidal wave victims in South Asia or provide proper equipment for the troops overseas.



   Mike Hunninghake

Bordentown City



Former mayor opposes new waste fees
To the editor:
   I’m writing to speak briefly about the North Hanover Township meeting of Dec. 23, 2004 and the Register-News article ("Waste fee increase set for the new year") which appears in the Dec. 30 issue.
   Since the operation of the township’s waste facility is one of the township’s services I strongly disagree with the action to increase the current waste facility fee from $25 to $50. Again, this is one of our services and it is this committee’s responsibility to ensure for the public safety, health and welfare.
   Historically, this fee was meant to cover the cost associated with the physical sticker, administration and to offset a portion of the second person who is currently working at this waste facility.
   The ordinance number 2004-11 which covers amending ordinance section 19-030.1 G indicates that the current fee charged ($25) for the use of the township’s waste facility no longer bears a rational relationship to the administrative cost of operating the waste facility; however, since the reasons stated at various meetings cover operating costs, one could question if this increase is a legal action.
   As I mentioned at the township’s meeting of Aug. 26, if the majority of the committee members were in favor of increasing the fee it would be appropriate to eliminate this fee or at the very lease to freeze the same to the previous $25 fee for all township seniors who are entitled to receiving any type of NJ State Tax reduction program. From the Register-News article it is reported that via a phone interview, Bill Tilton stated that "why should somebody pay for something they’re not using," therefore, it would appear that Tilton and a majority of this township committee are moving from general municipal taxes to pay for municipal services which a resident chooses to obtain.
   I do not think they are being politically astute nor do they understand the consequence which will arise from the cause and effect of this type of action. How are they going to handle costs associated with recreation, fire, first aid, police, public works, etc.?
   Again, why should you pay taxes for something that you are not using? I think that this committee needs to accept their responsibilities and concepts of municipal government operations as they apply to all township residents.



   John S. Kocubinski

North Hanover Township



Township Web sites needn’t be costly
To the editor:
   A few weeks ago I read a letter to the editor about the high cost of running an Internet Web site. As I recall it was in reference to a municipal township wanting to have their own Web site but cited costs in the thousands of dollars. I am not a computer buff but an ordinary citizen struggling to get by with just e-mail and Ebay.
   I had wanted to have my own Web site for years but was always afraid of the cost and not knowing how to do it myself. For two years I checked on prices to have someone else do it. As you thought, the quotes for a professional site were in the hundreds, more than I could afford.
   Last year a friend recommended I try to build my own Web site using something called www.register.com. So I got up the nerve and said if my friend could do it, maybe I could too. I went to the site, picked out my domain name, registered it and began to work on the layout.
   To my surprise I learned a few things. The biggest was the cost. I found I could register my domain name and build the web site in the same place. I have 20 pages (big pages) for $100 a year, total, everything included. I couldn’t believe it. You could even get fewer pages for a lot less than that. And when they say pages, they’re not talking about typing paper size, they’re talking about megabytes which give you the equivalent of several pages each, depending on what they consist of. Pictures, for example would take up more space than typing.
   The next thing I found was how easy it was. It was like filing out an application. All I had to do was pick out a design from around twenty choices, pick the colors and fill in the blanks with my information. That’s it, I was done. I had created my own Web site page in about 20 minutes. Then I got really brave a few days later and learned how to upload pictures on my site. It was real easy, step-by-step instructions. I think I have a pretty professional looking Web site, you be the judge and check it out. It is www.vva899.org.
   So I don’t want to hear about any town that cannot afford their own Web site. I just proved it can be done for under $100 per year. As far as paying someone to update it, that’s baloney too. I update my site all the time. It takes about five minutes to log on, make my updates and I am done.
   First of all, you rarely have to type anything. You just copy a page with your mouse and paste it right on your site. If you have a town clerk who works at a computer, I am sure they could find five minutes to update the site on a daily basis with no problem. If I can do it, you can and so can your town. Don’t let them tell you it costs too much money or charge you hundreds or thousands because they don’t want to be bothered.


   Michael Engi

Bordentown Township



City garden club welcomes new year
To the editor:
   As the new leader of Bordentown City Gardens, I would like to take this opportunity to invite the members of our community to our first meeting of 2005. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 19 at 7 p.m. at Carslake Community Center in Bordentown.
   Through our monthly meetings and beautification projects, Bordentown City Gardens provides an outlet for personal fulfillment in a neighborly social atmosphere. We are commencing upon an exciting year of work and play, and are encouraging everyone to participate and share in the joy of seeing our neighbors and visitors appreciate our successes.
   Anyone with a love for our community and its gardens will be welcome, from the expert gardener to the novice who takes joy in watching the buds in bloom, the members of Bordentown City Gardens hope to see you there.



   Nancy L. Minnick

Bordentown City Gardens



Committee prepares for new year
To the editor:
   The (Mansfield Township) Mayor and Committee would like to express their thanks to the citizens of Mansfield Township for the vote of confidence in the November election.
   This committee is prepared, in 2005, to lead the township in a new and positive direction. A direction which will address lingering issues as well as confronting new matters — all in the best interest of the Township residents as a whole.
   The year 2004 was one in which Mansfield Township experienced many organizational changes to its paid and volunteer staff. The promise to rebuild is evident with the hiring of an experienced CFO and the approval to hire a new Township Administrator. More than just "listening" to the concerns of the Mansfield residents, the Township Committee is actively participating on the Planning Board and in Smart Growth meetings. We are meeting with residents and volunteer boards to help establish a good working relationship.
   A Township Web site is expected to be available within the next 90 days. This will make township information more available and promote better accessibility with/to township officials.
   Criticism is easy but change takes work. Recent newspaper letters, articles and editorials have created a doubt as to what direction the present committee took in the recalling of stagnant bonds and the tabling of the pay-to-play ordinance. The recalling of the bonds is a fiscally responsible move on the part of the committee, as recommended by a qualified CFO. Tax dollars will be collected and spent prudently. On Dec. 8 a pay-to-play ordinance was introduced for adoption. We have received some inquiries as to why we did not pass that ordinance.
   Though we appreciate its creation, the current Township Committee feels extensive research is needed to adopt a pay-to-play ordinance that is fair, ethical and within the scope of the law, as directed by the New Jersey Attorney General and what is truly in the best interest of Mansfield Township. Be assured that a new and legal pay-to-play ordinance will be adopted within the next 120 days.
   We invite any resident interested in being part of the future growth and development of Mansfield Township to contact the committee, or the Township Acting Clerk.
   We wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.


   Mansfield Township


Committee