LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, May 5
Police merger is terrible idea
To the editor:
As a resident of Princeton Township, I am writing to lend my voice to those of the many citizens who have expressed with such clarity why the merger of the police departments of Princeton Township and Princeton Borough is a terrible idea.
That the idea has been vehemently opposed by many, including longtime residents and members of the township police department (both current and former), is apparent and says something dramatic.
From my perspective, the notion of the merger is a very bad idea, due to: (a) the massive cost, inefficiency and redundancy the merger would entail; and (b) more important, because I feel township residents would suffer degradation of the level of quality of policing they receive.
I have been struck by the level of professionalism, responsiveness and courtesy of the Princeton Township Police Department, and would hate to see those who live in the township have that compromised in any way.
John G. Quigley
Winant Road
Princeton
Communiversity 2006 was the best to date
To the editor:
On behalf of The Arts Council of Princeton, I want to thank everyone including our more than 18,000 visitors who helped to make Communiversity 2006 such a spectacular event on a beautiful day. We had the best Communiversity to date enhanced by the beautiful weather.
When The Arts Council and the Princeton University undergraduates plan Communiversity each year, we envision a town-meets-gown event with something for everyone: diverse music and dance, engaging children’s activities and outstanding artistry, food and nonprofit organizations. I would like to thank all of The Arts Council staff and volunteers who gave their time and energy to make The Arts Council’s activity area a success.
This day could not have happened without the following groups and individuals: All of the artists, crafters, local merchants, nonprofits, volunteers and performers; our staff and board; university students; our event planners, kma events; and all of our corporate sponsors Bristol-Myers Squibb, Tyco, Miele, the Princeton Shopping Center, The Times, Triumph Brewing Company, Commerce Bank, JPMorgan Chase Bank, PNC Bank, Henderson Sotheby’s International Realty, Starbucks Coffee Co., Bank of America, McCaffrey’s and Nassau Street Seafood & Produce Co.
Michael LaRiccia
Program Coordinator
The Arts Council of Princeton
North Harrison Street
Princeton
Advocates rally for special education
To the editor:
For the past year, in response to changes to federal special-education law, special-education parents across New Jersey, their families, advocates and other supporters of their children have been unified in a struggle to protect the rights of children with disabilities against devastating changes that will endanger the success and potential of many thousands of such children.
Over 2,000 have signed the petition at the Student Advocate Web site http://StudentAdvocate-NJ.org, and hundreds have testified and provided written testimony to the state Board of Education. The impact of our efforts has been felt and the state has actually modified and improved its earlier proposal of changes to New Jersey’s special-education code. One important gain we have made is that, as of today, the current proposal will maintain short-term objectives for all special-education children. The impact of saving that provision is tremendous.
However, there are still many other important protections that are being undermined, including stay-put protections against unilateral change of placement by districts. Manifest determination protections of children with disabilities are slated to be loosened, making it easier to suspend and expel those with behavioral disabilities. Meanwhile, the associations representing school boards and administrators have launched a full-court press to try to roll back our gains and press for greater reductions in rights and services for our children.
On May 17, another round of hearings on these topics will occur at the state Department of Education building at 100 Riverview Plaza, Trenton. The New Jersey Student Advocacy Union is holding a demonstration outside the building at 1:30 p.m., and is urging parents to register to testify at the 3 p.m. hearings. We need to have a strong showing to show that we are not backing down and we are ready to press forward for the rights and services for our special-education children.
You need to register to testify by noon May 12 by calling (609) 292-0739. Written comments can be sent to the state Board of Education at [email protected] and comments may be sent to [email protected].
For more information, or if you want to speak at the rally outside, you can contact the New Jersey Student Advocacy Union at (908) 881-5275 or [email protected] or visit http://StudentAdvocate-NJ.org.
Bob Witanek
Griggstown Road
Montgomery

