Fly the flag in memory
To the editor:
Memorial Day will soon be here. It is a special day of seashore and community pool openings, sales at malls, picnics and travel. How many of us really know the true meaning of this day?
Services are held at various veteran’s posts and at community monuments. This is done to honor deceased veterans of all wars. These courageous men and women served above and beyond the call of duty so that we and our children could enjoy peace and freedom and the American way of life.
The various graves in cemeteries are flagged with our national colors. Fly the American flag with pride in front of your house, attend the short services, reflect a minute or two and express silent thanks for all deceased and living. Veterans, whose ranks are growing thinner every day, give them support and shake a hand or two, they will be appreciative.
May God bless America.
Victor F. Kovacs
VFW Post No. 9111
Kendall Park
Gambatese best for town
To the editor:
I finally got it.
South Brunswick is electing a mayor on Tuesday, June 6, not as usual in November.
This is because no Republican is running for mayor. The choice for voters, therefore, lies between current Mayor Frank Gambatese, who is backed by the Democratic Party, and a former mayor who is running as an Independent Democrat.
I am voting for Frank Gambatese, and I urge others to do the same.
I am very familiar with two areas in which Frank Gambatese has worked during his tenure as mayor: the senior center and the Mapleton Preserve. He has consistently shown diligence, integrity, a willingness to delegate, and a persistence to get the job done that is unbelievable.
This was particularly true with the Mapleton Preserve: five years of negotiating, five years talking to state agencies, Princeton University, Plainsboro, Princeton Township and Middlesex County government. And that’s only part of the list he and Township Manager Matt Watkins had to work with.
For their efforts South Brunswick has one of the most beautiful areas in this part of the state. Not just the residents of Kingston, all of South Brunswick can enjoy the preserve. Places to walk with family and friends; places to see all aspects of nature; flowers, trees, shrubs, and animals with no hindrance of traffic, not even traffic noise.
With the Senior Center, Mayor Gambatese has delegated the primary responsibility to Councilwoman Carol Barrett and Mr. Watkins. Ms. Barrett attends all the Senior Advisory Committee meetings, plus several programs a month. She reports to the Township Council every Tuesday and consults with the mayor if there are issues requiring his attention. He recognizes the center staff was hired by several administrations and is pleased that they are doing such an excellent job. He drops into the center occasionally, chats with staff and seniors to get a feel for how things are going. But he does not interfere. He has delegated a responsibility, and he doesn’t meddle once it is delegated.
No wonder a neighboring township refers to the South Brunswick Senior Center as the "jewel in the crown" of senior centers. There is no doubt in my mind that Mayor Gambatese works in all areas of government with the same concern and interest with which he has worked with the Mapleton Preserve and the Senior Center. That is why I, and I trust you, are going to re-elect Frank Gambatese on June 6.
And remember it really is June 6.
Jean A. Starks
Kingston
The mayor responds
To the editor:
By the grace of God and the intellect and courage of our Founding Fathers, we live in a country where we have the right to express our opinions freely. I not only am I grateful for that but I also respect the fact that viewpoints will differ.
I take issue, however, when that viewpoint is an untrue and unjust attack on another. First, in your May 10 edition, Tracey Mazza referred to a "rumored meeting" of developer Joseph Morris, Councilman Chris Killmurray and me regarding the matter of preserving the Pulda Farm here in South Brunswick.
Because "the Morris people" chose not to respond to newspaper inquiries does not mean that the meeting did not take place. It is in no way a "rumored meeting." It indeed did occur on April 6 in our township manager’s conference room. In addition to the aforementioned, our Township Manager Matthew Watkins, Township Attorney Donald Sears, Mr. Morris’ attorney Frank Petrino, Tim Brill of the state’s Farmland Preservation program and Renee Jones of the state’s Green Acres program were in attendance.
At the end of the meeting, Mr. Morris, a contract-purchaser of the Pulda property, said he would come up with a figure of what it would cost to buy out his contract. I have heard nothing since then so that is still pending as far as I know.
Second, for Ms. Mazza to write that "the truth of the matter is that the mayor paraded Mr. Morris before the Planning Board in favor of the plan to develop three warehouses" is entirely a distortion of truth.
Her comments tell me that she was either not present at that meeting, didn’t watch the TV coverage, wasn’t paying attention if she did, or someone else is feeding her erroneous information.
I would suggest that she request from our Planning Department a video copy of the Planning Board meeting of Feb. 16, 2005, and get her information straight before she forms her opinion.
Mr. Morris did exactly what all developers do in any and every town: He applied through the proper channel of our Planning Department. There was never "a parading" of him or anyone else who represents him. He wasn’t even at the meeting.
Third, as to my being "in favor" of his project, Ms. Mazza should check the record or, again, watch the videotape. She will see and hear that not only did I lead off the 7-0 "no" vote, I made a statement (which I always do to justify my vote ) to the presenters telling them that, when you apply for a re-zoning, you must show how it benefits you and you must also show how it benefits our township and they hadn’t done that.
Lastly, to say that I am "a puppet of the Middlesex County machine and together we control South Brunswick" is out and out shallow political rhetoric.
I judge, not pre-judge every application on its own merit or demerit. The record, if one cares about seeking accurate information, shows that. Furthermore, I have never, I repeat never, been asked by any county official or anyone else to allow any building in our township.
I was elected by the people of South Brunswick to represent their interests and I am committed to that serious task. That is why I ran for office three and a half years ago and am seeking re-election on June 6.
It disturbs me that Ms. Mazza can make so many false charges, for whatever her reason, and I sincerely appreciate your allowing me to rebut her comments with the facts.
Frank Gambatese
Mayor
South Brunswick
Mayor Gambatese is seeking the Democratic nomination for mayor during the June 6 primary.
Gambatese has right temperment
To the editor:
Someone please explain this to me; A mayoral candidate is found to have committed harassment at work and the candidate’s childhood friends expect the public to consider the dissemination of this information a smear tactic.
To the contrary, as a voter I absolutely want to know that as egregious an act as this was committed by someone running for the office of mayor.
I mean no malice toward Ms. Johnson, but it was her choice to run and take the risk that her troubled past would come out. When I cast a vote, it’s for a candidate that I believe has leadership skills, treats people with respect, considers issues thoroughly before arriving at a decision, is a good communicator and has high moral and ethical standards. Sorry Ms. Johnson, but your missing the mark on these qualities.
My wife and I moved to South Brunswick in 1996, and I have watched many of the township meetings broadcast on public access channel 3. I was/am not predisposed to, nor do I have personal relationships with, either candidate I did not grow up with either Frank Gambatese or Ms. Johnson.
However, over time, I have come to respect Mayor Gambatese for his even-handed demeanor in dealing with some very sticky issues. He treats his fellow board members, town professionals and those from the outside that come before our town with respect.
On the other hand, I’ve observed Ms. Johnson time and time again show disdain toward the various professionals (including our own) who appear before the town, as well as her fellow colleagues. She seems to have her mind made up on issues that are important to the town before any formal process has commenced. At times, her behavior is unprofessional and unfortunately consistent in many ways with her actions at work.
If you’ve been watching, then you know. If not start paying attention.
In closing, I’m a Republican who has become a Democrat so that I may cast my vote for the re-election of Frank Gambatese for mayor of South Brunswick.
Dave Saltzman
Monmouth Junction
No evidence of machine
To the editor:
In letters published in your May 11 issue, supporters of Debra Johnson talk of the Middlesex County Democratic machine as having taken "control" of South Brunswick and "the growing control of outside influences that have already overwhelmed our local government."
Neither writer cites specific evidence to support these broad statements, for the very good reason that none exists to the best of my knowledge. I keep pretty well-informed about South Brunswick matters, but cannot think of a single township policy decision that has been influenced by pressure from the county "machine" during Frank Gambatese’s four years as mayor. The only exception might be the county’s role in assisting with the acquisition of open space in South Brunswick, and I find it hard to believe that the residents of our town regard these acts as undesirable or threatening.
Also in response to the letters, I would like to point out that every pro-Gambatese sign on a private lawn in town is there at the request of that householder. Frank Gambatese, too, has supporters who are proud to show their support for him; Debra Johnson is not unique in this respect.
These two candidates have both established track records as dedicated hard-working mayors of our town, but more than this is required to provide effective leadership. One of Frank Gambatese’s strengths is his skill and determination in reaching out to neighboring municipalities and negotiating solutions to shared problems. Our township has benefited enormously from Frank Gambatese’s vision that regional problems need regional solutions. And, as a result, South Brunswick has become a respected player in this corner of New Jersey.
In sharp contrast, Debra Johnson’s managerial style seems problematic, according to the report in the May 11 issue of thePost, concerning her problems when she worked for the state. I hope the voters of South Brunswick think long and hard about the issues raised by the state panel’s findings. They are issues of great relevance as they pertain to a possible future mayor of our town. It is important that they be fully discussed before the primary, and it is irresponsible for Ms. Johnson’s supporters to characterize any mention of them as "campaign tactics" that are "distorting the record."
I urge all voters to note that the unusual absence of a declared Republican candidate for mayor means that this year’s primary will almost certainly decide who South Brunswick’s next mayor will be. So, if you are a registered Democrat or an unaffiliated voter, mark June 6 on the calendar and make sure your voice is heard in this primary.
And if you are concerned about keeping good, honest, local control in our town, help to re-elect Frank Gambatese. For that’s what he has helped to maintain in his four years as our highly effective mayor.
Gwen Southgate
Monmouth Junction
Gambatese is right man
To the editor:
There are several ways to evaluate a man, one is by his achievements and another is by the person he’s become. I picked the person.
I’ve known Mayor Frank Gambatese for almost 10 years. During that time, I never heard him say an unkind word about anyone and he has always been available to everyone who needed his help.
One such occasion involved an instance where the Durga Temple was using our stage for an event the next day. There was a safety concern that resulted in the stage having to be moved. It’s a situation that requires prior approval from the fire marshal.
I contacted the mayor at his house just as he was leaving to have dinner with friends. He stayed with us, available through his cell phone, until there was a fire marshal on site and the change was approved.
Another time was a 7:30 a.m. call by a resident in town who needed help when the rental community in which he lived was without water. Mayor Gambatese was able to have water service restored within hours and he then put into motion an ordinance setting forth the standard for emergency procedures.
Frank Gambatese is available to assist everyone equally not because he’s our mayor or because it’s his job, but rather, it is because he likes to. I have found when you need help always choose the person who wants to be there.
I am proud Frank Gambatese is South Brunswick’s mayor and that I can list him as a friend.
Arthur A. Roedel Jr.
Monmouth Junction
Johnson has integrity
To the editor:
My first exposure to Debra Johnson occurred when, as a teenager, she was chosen by her classmates to be a student representative to the South Brunswick Board of Education. The position was a new one and many people assumed that it was just a popularity contest with no really meaningful responsibilities. Ms. Johnson quickly dispelled that false impression. She was a very effective liaison between students and the board. Through Ms. Johnson, we learned so much about each other, no student representative ever did a better job.
Several years passed, and while still quite young, Ms. Johnson ran for a seat on what was then called the Township Committee. In her first campaign, with no real political experience behind her, she garnered the highest number of votes on any candidate. It didn’t take long for the electorate to realize that the confidence they had placed in her was well deserved indeed.
Some years later, our fast-growing community changed our form of government. For the first time, our mayor was selected by the voters. Once again Debra Johnson came through.
Whether the issue on the docket is affordable housing, dignity and positive career opportunities for young women, social services for those who need and deserve them, domestic violence, and on and on, nobody serves South Brunswick with more dedication, intelligence and integrity than Debbie Johnson.
It is with pride and confidence that I plan to vote to make Debra Johnson our mayor once more. I urge all residents who are about our township to do the same.
Harriet Indik
Monmouth Junction
Fuel costs affect students
To the editor:
I am writing in response to last week’s article addressing rising fuel costs in and around South Brunswick. While some are suffering from buyer’s remorse or are changing spending habits from cash to credit cards, others are avoiding driving at all. This is the case for many college students.
For those young adults who are spending most of their money on books and tuition, or for those who do not have full-time jobs, the rising gas prices has had more severe consequences than just cutting back on pointless travel. While I have to drive three and a half hours to Pennsylvania about three times a semester for school, I can only imagine the dollars commuters are spending to make to school every day. My local job pays enough to fill up my tank and leave me about $20 for food and other necessities, but what happens to the students who are unable to have a job because their school schedule is full?
Luckily, the university I attend and its campus is small enough so that I do not have to drive to classes, but with the semester coming to an end and with me returning home I feel the impact of these gas prices. I cannot simply walk around South Brunswick and central New Jersey to get to work, complete my errands, or hang out with my friends because this could bring great risk to me and my physical being. If these gas prices continue to rise to over $3 a gallon, serious consideration to transportation will have to take place amongst many students and fellow citizens.
Obviously, these constant increases in gas prices have various effects on all drivers, young and old. While many will suffer various consequences due to the gas prices my worry is that the younger generation will be overlooked. Many will struggle to keep a job because most pay minimum wage and will it pay to drive to such a job with the increasing gas prices? When it is time to return to school, what will the price of gas be then? Will the increasing gas prices end up being a deterrent to the idea of traveling away for college?
Monica Mangual
Kendall Park
Democrats laying low
To the editor:
As with the Johnson for Mayor campaign, we have not been contacted regarding running an issue-based campaign with realistic spending, nor has anyone from the Gambatese/Killmurray campaign committee contacted us about establishing a debate schedule.
I understand that it is most pragmatic for them to lay low. They will probably wait until closer to the primary to send out a flood of slick, expensive and probably nasty campaign pieces, hoping to knock off the competition and sail into November’s election. That’s where they hope to get elected and give us more of the same-more taxes, more spending, more development and more helping out campaign contributors.
Let’s hope it doesn’t play out that way.
Dawn Smith
Monmouth Junction
Dawn Smith is chairwoman of the South Brunswick Republicans.
Freedom is not free
To the editor:
Memorial day is exclusively for honoring those who died serving in uniform during wartime, they have made the greatest sacrifice possible giving one’s own life to preserve our country’s freedom. It is a day when every American should pay tribute to the men and women who gave their lives so that we, as a free nation, might enjoy the freedom we have.
We forget too quickly that freedom is not free, never was and never will be; so take some time out to honor our deceased Veterans on the day that was designated as their Memorial Day. They have given their all, the supreme sacrifice so that we, the living, may enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Al Kady
Commander
VFW Post 9111
Kendall Park

