Letters to the editor

Ordinance passage disappoints opponents

To the editor:
   Great council meeting in Springfield Township on Dec. 13. Many, many people stepped up to the microphone and voiced their negative opinion about the proposed 10-acre downzoning ordinance. They just did not like it. A very few thought it to be a good idea. A few were stampeded into thought by the notion; the developers of mass destruction were at the gates of our township. The politicians passed the zero growth ordinance anyway.
   Reminds me of a time when politicians and generals pursued the enemy up Pork Chop Hill in Korea and fought for a No Name Hill in Vietnam. Many thought they gave their lives for freedom, but history has shown it was a waste of human life for nothing.
   So goes it again. The politicians and generals of Springfield Township told the crowd, a few hundred farmers and landowners must give up their property value for the good of all the people to have a better view. As usual, those generals making this heroic decision were on safe ground. They had already acquired their land value earlier.
   The politicians and generals of Springfield Township have created a policy of zero growth again. Let Mayor Pettit, Councilmen Toone, McDaniels, Sobotka (Frank excused himself), go to the VA hospitals, go to the airports and terminals to welcome our troops home from the Iraq conflict. If they were truthful, they would have to say, "Welcome home boys and girls, but you’re not welcome in Springfield Township. We do not have room for you."
   Roger Lord
Springfield
Billboards could help create revenue

To the editor:
   I am a resident of Four Seasons at Mapleton. I am writing to express my strong support for the use of billboards in Columbus. I believe this is an excellent to generate some much needed revenue. Other than a handful of residents who do not want to have billboards in their back yards, I believe that the vast majority would support their use. I thank you for your time in reading this.
   Michael Miller
Columbus
More people support than oppose measure

To the editor:
   There are approximately 8,000 people in Mansfield, 50 people come out to oppose an issue but 7,950 don’t have a problem with billboards, which will be located on Route 295 and the NJ Turnpike.
   Whatever the income it generates – it’s money! It doesn’t cost the residents a dime.
   Trees, birds and human lives will not become extinct because of four billboards on two major highways.
   Fifty people versus 7,950 who don’t have an issue with it – who should the town committee listen to?
   Melissa Esser
Bordentown
Billboards: ‘free money’ for the township

To the editor:
   Newspapers love sensationalism. It sells the newspaper!
   Since the Mansfield Township Committee has been productive and active in doing good for the community for over three years now – papers don’t sell. So what’s the reaction of the newspaper? Create a huge issue to excite the public. Results: billboards in Mansfield. Let neighbors throw stones at neighbors. Create an end of the world saga for social groups.
   Well, the truth is billboards hurt no one, you can read them or ignore them, it’s your choice (if you’re on Route 295 or the Turnpike).
   No one in or out of town has come up with a better idea for a totally clean ratable. Now have they?
   Has any newspaper reduced their rates to the township? Has anyone opposing the billboards donated any monies to the township to lower taxes?
   Everyone wants services from the township: two day a week garbage pickup, police protection, better roads, better playgrounds and recreation areas, free programs and town employees to help them. It all costs money.
   Get real, folks. It all takes money. If you think your taxes are bad now – just keep throwing away found money and see where it gets you. Every penny counts! Billboards are free money, no cost to the township.
   Gary Lippincott
Columbus
Clean ratables welcome to generate income

To the editor:
   Let’s face the truth.
   A few people in the hamlet of Hedding, Mansfield Township, have come out against a good clean ratable willing to come into town.
   The income from it is far from substantial. But it is a guaranteed yearly income – forever.
   It costs the town nothing, no garbage pick-up, no additional school cost, no roads to repair from traffic. The traffic that sees them will be on the Turnpike and Route 295. Don’t let those people fool you, thousands of trees will not be cut down, birds and moths will not become extinct – and the quality of life in Hedding will not be disturbed – after all they already have Route 295 and the Turnpike running through it – you can’t do much more damage than that.
   Isn’t it better to save $1 than to spend $5. Come support the billboard issue and the income will generate Large or small – its found money for the township.
   Richard Grouser
Patricia Grouser
Columbus
Carriage rides capped great holiday season

To the editor:
   We would like to express our sincere thanks to the people of Bordentown who came out Saturday and Sunday to participate in the holiday carriage rides. We had a wonderful turnout and a great time was had by all.
   Since this year was such a success we hope to include rides in the festivities for the 325th celebration year in 2007. We all hope you’ll join us next year. Look for ticket sales to start in the summer for the 325th celebration and at the Cranberry Festival for the Christmas season.
   To our volunteers, Kasey and Vince Bernotas, Steve and Jeanne Chestnut, Ellen Wehrman, Ann Lyon: thank you for checking people in and serving the treats. Your help was appreciated more than you could ever know.
   Thank you, Bordentown Historical Society, for the use of the Friends Meetinghouse. You made it possible for everyone waiting to keep warm and toasty.
   Also, a special thanks to Park Street Café, Under the Moon, Farnsworth Pastry Shop and Olivers for donating all of the hot cocoa, cider and treats.
   Additionally, Bordentown’s finest deserve round of applause. Chief Simmons and his officers made sure that all our carriage rides went off safely and without a hitch.
   And finally, a very special thank you to the Big Man in Red. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to stop by in Bordentown and meet with the children. Hope you get back to the North Pole in time for Christmas.
   Our sponsors, the Downtown Bordentown Association, sincerely thank all of you again and hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season.
   Co-Chairpersons
Stephanie and Robert Pecht,
Bordentown Home for Funerals
Sara & Trevor Crafts,
Fullmind Creative
Banner year in Bordentown

To the editor:
   On behalf of the Downtown Bordentown Association, I’d like to thank all the volunteers who helped to make our autumn and holiday events in the City of Bordentown so successful in 2006.
   It is a wonderful inspiration to see such concerted efforts exhibited to create the atmosphere of true community. The Garden Club, 325th Anniversary Committee, Bordentown Historical Society, Thomas Paine Society of Bordentown, the Consolidated Fire Co., residents and private citizens alike were responsible for executing some of the most successful events to date.
   Special thanks to Patti DeSantis, Rob and Stephanie Pecht, Sara and Trevor Crafts, Esther Collom, Ellen Wehrman and Heather Cheeseman for extraordinary efforts.
   Here’s wishing everyone a beautiful holiday season and may there be peace on earth.
   C.J. Mugavero
President, Downtown Bordentown Association
Have a safe and happy holiday season

To the editor:
   On behalf of the Bordentown City Commission and Bordentown City Police Department, I would like to extend my personal message, wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday.
   Recently, many of our residents may have already heard or read that one of our neighbors had a very unfortunately mishap by having their home burglarized during the daylight hours. The blessing was that the resident had an audible alarm system which scared off the burglar before he or they could steal anything. This could have had a traumatic impact on any one of us at any time. Just the thought that a resident and their property was violated, should be a concern for everyone. We need to curtail this type of crime in the future by preparing ourselves with ways to discourage the bad guy from burglarizing our homes and businesses in Bordentown City.
   With this in mind, as the Christmas and New Year’s holidays approach, residents and business owners are asked to be more watchful and observant and report to the police any suspicious person or persons lingering in their neighborhoods. We can also take a minute to ensure that our homes and vehicles are secured properly. Another good idea is to post a security alarm sign outside your property or on your doors and windows that will be visible to everyone. This will help deter the bad guy from entering your property whether or not you actually have an audible alarm system. These are just a few helping hints in expectation that you all will be safe and have a happy holiday season.
   In summary, I wish to thank you for taking a moment to read my letter. Best wishes to you and your families and may God bless.
   James E. Lynch
Director of Public Safety,
Bordentown City