LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

From the June 22 edition of the Herald

Don’t roll over for developer
To the editor:
As a concerned resident of Hightstown, I have closely followed the council and Planning Board’s actions on the mill’s redevelopment plan since February 2004. Having sat through countless meetings and voiced my concerns from the very beginning, I find I have to respond to the recent articles and letters in the Herald.
   Over three years ago, concerned residents reacted with dismay over the wording of the redevelopment plan that appeared to be advantageous only to Greystone, the proposed developer. We were taken to task by the mayor and his supporters and told all our concerns would be addressed at a later date when negotiations would begin with the developer. Many residents, including members of council and the Planning Board, felt strongly that the only way to protect the interests of Hightstown would be to write a plan that stipulated clearly what would be allowed including land use, density, setbacks, access and design standards prior to negotiations.
   What started out as a combination of residential, retail and office space with a proposed number of 72 upscale (1,500 square foot) condos and 10 townhomes has morphed into 130 (1,000 square foot) "apartments," eight townhomes and little commercial space with "upscale" noticeably lost in the process. The only winner in these negotiations has apparently been Greystone. Why do we seem to have given in to their every demand and why are we concerned about Greystone’s profit margin? These are apparently astute businessmen. Steve Jeffries, Greystone’s VP of marketing stated in the March 19, 2004 edition of the Times "There are not many opportunities where we like the upsides as much as we do in Hightstown." He stated that they liked the demographics of the town and Mercer County but most important, the site represents a real potential for profit.
   I do understand that the real estate market is down now but that can easily change. By the time this project is completed we could be experiencing a strong real estate resurgence and their profit margin could be even more than they originally anticipated. I believe that if we concede again there will truly only be one winner and it’s not Hightstown. Will Hightstown continue its astoundingly myopic record of bad policy decisions? After all, remember this process all started years ago when Mayor Caster and council basically gave away this property for next to nothing. Shouldn’t this development help execute the vision of Hightstown’s Master Plan or should we all just roll over once again without a whimper?
Sandra C. BonTempo
Hightstown
Council must work with district
To the editor:
This is in response to a letter to the editor written by Mr. Rosenberg that appeared in the June 8 issue of the Herald. I believe that Mr. Rosenberg misquoted Mr. Mintz, also from East Windsor, regarding ‘backroom deals’ that were made public during a recent East Windsor Township Council meeting regarding the recent school board voting results.
   During that meeting, Mr. Rosenberg of the EW Township Council spoke about how he could not, in good conscience, reinstate school funding to hire additional teachers and staff because the voters had spoken when they defeated two of the funding propositions on the ballot. He said it was undemocratic, even un-American, to go against the voters. Then, every member of the council, one after another, accused township residents who spoke in favor of reinstating school funding of being un-American and ignorant of how a democracy functions (upon further review, it appears there is a law in place that would allow the council to override the vote, but I defer to Mr. Ettman’s article from last week’s paper that explained the process in much more detail).
   I attended that meeting and was shocked and insulted by the attitude of the council. I believe Mr. Mintz was referring to these speeches by the council members as to have been prepared (in the ‘backroom’) prior to the meeting. The speeches (and the unanimous 7-0 vote against reinstating school district funding) did not take address the issues raised by the majority of the township residents in attendance that evening.
   In conclusion, I was disappointed that the East Windsor Township Council did not take the opportunity to openly discuss the key issues that are in the best interest of all – the children and residents, the school board and the township. I expected a more cooperative demeanor between the council and the board that would provide the township residents and their children with the best education possible, in the true sense of being an American.
   Tell me, how can we raise good Americans if the East Windsor Township Council will not work cooperatively with the East Windsor Regional school board?
Paul Connolly
East Windsor
Who’s calling who an idiot?
To the editor:
This is a challenge to Scott Pohl to see if he can pass the litmus test of allowing free speech as it pertains to the members of the Twin Rivers Home Owners Association.
   About two weeks ago I addressed a comment attributed to Scott Pohl, president of the TRHOA which was "so much for free speech" because he was not personally invited to speak at a seminar, but all he had to do was show up and ask to speak, which he didn’t do.
   At the May 2007 open board meeting I asked a very simple and direct question: Why is the administrator charging me to see copies of tax returns that the IRS says I am entitled to see for free. (The answer to that question would explain a lot of the problems we have in Twin Rivers because the administrator should not be able to thumb her nose at the law.)
   Mr. Pohl’s reply to my question was to ask me to sit down. Board Vice President Herb Felzer then called me an idiot. So there we have a small hint about freedom of speech in Twin Rivers. As for Herb Felzer calling me an idiot, that in itself is a unique experience. To begin with, our meetings are supposed to be run in accordance with parliamentary procedure so Mr. Felzer should not be calling anybody an idiot whether he cares for their questions or not. In addition, if we were to broadcast the meetings on Comcast, the viewers would realize that the stupidity of many things Mr. Felzer has stated gives a new meaning to the word "infinite."
   Parliamentary procedure gives one the right to question the board members and the committee chairpeople, except in Twin Rivers. Mr. Pohl insists that all questions be directed to him and that he is the only person capable of answering any questions.
   Parliamentary procedure also gives one the right to correct any incorrect information given to the board members by simply stating, "point of order" and then stating what information was incorrect and then offering the correct information. One would think the board members would be grateful to receive correct information so they can make informed decisions. What upsets me is how often the board is given incorrect information and doesn’t realize or care that they have been given wrong information.
   There may be a point in agreeing with Mr. Pohl that perhaps the board members should not be allowed to answer questions. I had my epiphany about why Mr. Pohl does not want board members speaking publicly. I believe it has to do with an old mantra of his which is, "Better not to say something and have people think you are not intelligent than to speak out and confirm what people think."
   So Mr. Pohl, will you show us how free speech does exist in Twin Rivers under your leadership? Just start by answering why you asked me to sit down.
Al Wally
Twin Rivers
Bolandi, board just don’t get it
To the editor:
In response to last week’s letter by Mr. Laferty, what he and other members of the school board continue to ignore is that the taxpayers are being financially pushed to the limit. We all know this is the case statewide, yet the East Windsor Regional school board seems content to go along with that trend rather than find ways to change the course.
   It is easy for the board to justify administration costs based on the state’s spreadsheets. But when looking at the real situation, this district just can’t handle the current state of school spending.
   Mr. Laferty charges that misinformation is being spread by those who are misinformed. While our administration spending may look good compared to 103 districts, where does it stand among the estimated 618 school districts statewide? Give us the full picture, not snippets. If the number is better, then share it. Please, give us some hope!
   My justification that the kids and support staff get less is not based on a spreadsheet. Rather, it is justified by actions of the school administration. Again, how many of the friends of Mr. Bolandi hired to administrative positions received pink slips compared to the teaching staff whose job it is to actually interact with the children? Moreover, how many kids will lose an opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities if forced to pay for play, as proposed by Mr. Laferty?
   I didn’t get a raise last year. In fact, I and others like me are thankful to still have jobs in the current economy. Yet some members of the administration got upwards to 15 percent a year when the budget was voted down. These are examples of expenses we just can’t afford.
   According to Mr. Laferty’s letter, million of dollars have been saved by administrative hirings. If this is the case, then why have our school taxes continue to rise year after year? Why was something as important as our children’s safety — going to and from school — compromised by taking nonmandated busing (called, "safety busing" by school board President Alice Weisman) taken out of the existing budget and left for the voters to decide in an extra funding question?
   And for the first time in nearly a decade in this school system, my daughter and her fellow students do not have a summer reading packet due to uncertainties in staffing for core subjects such as English and science at the high school. What’s next, privatized busing or forcing parents to purchase text books?
   Bottom line, we are paying more and getting less. The school board is way off course when it comes to spending and priorities. Which leads me to ask, who is steering the ship?
Dave Schemelia
East Windsor
Where’s the academic pride?
To the editor:
Although there appears to be public pride being expressed in students’ athletic performances resulting from sports competition, there does not appear to be as much public pride being expressed in the students’ scholastic performances resulting from academic competition.
   The last issue of the Hightstown High newspaper "The Ram Page," although recognizing the athletes for the 2006-2007 season under the listing entitled Sports Awards for 2007, failed to similarly recognize the scholars for the 2006-2007 season under what should have been entitled the Academic Awards for 2007.
   Although the "Top Ten" article honored those whose class rank was somewhere in the top ten, since the individual’s numerical class ranking was absent in the article, it seemed to express an absence of pride in the individual student’s academic performance regarding even their class rank and their grade point averages earned to achieve that distinction. It seemed to echo the sentiment that the grades that the teachers give don’t really matter, and that any student who actually completes their homework on time and studies seriously for examinations is disparagingly labeled, even by some teachers, as being merely grade conscious.
   Then again, at the National Honor Society inductions this year the new members were only permitted to talk about their athletic participation, extracurricular activities and community involvement, and not permitted to mention anything related to their academic achievements, either class rank or GPA or high honors awards or performance on national standardized tests, with the concurrence in this NHS policy by the administration and supervisor’s office. Is this censorship and denial of First Amendment freedom of speech rights another one of the new and innovative programs of which the East Windsor Regional Board of Education is so proud?
   For those of us who have attended nationally recognized (and even sometimes national championship designated) NCAA Division I sports programs during our undergraduate, graduate or professional education, and avidly follow the various weekly rankings, and take pride in our schools’ sports rankings, (as well as for example the U.S. News and World Report academic rankings), we cannot imagine the USA Today weekly poll merely listing the Top 25 alphabetically without a numerical order, whether we agree with the precise ranking by those voting or not.
   Unfortunately, a mere listing of the top ten, (which I think should be the top 20), even if not exact or most current, without any ranking or numbers attached, implies and signifies a lack of the student’s own pride in their own academic performance and accomplishments.
Marta Saho Lukacs
East Windsor
Parade prompts much gratitude
To the editor:
On behalf of the Hightstown/East Windsor Memorial Day Parade Committee, I would to thank the community for coming out and supporting the 88th annual parade.
   This has been such a time-honored tradition in our town. When a wari s going on, parades such as this are so important. We must never forget the cost of freedom.
   I would like to extend my thanks to the following participants for their efforts: VFW Post 5700, Jewish War Veterans Post 444, American Legion Post148, Hightstown High School Marching Band, Hightstown Engine Co # 1& Ladies Auxiliary, Hightstown Apollo Lodge #41, East Windsor Volunteer Fire Co #1, East Windsor Volunteer Co #2, Central Jersey Antique Car Club, East Windsor Area Girl Scouts, Boy Scout Troop 5700, Boy Scout Troop 59, Cub Scout Pack 53, Kreps Middle School 7-8 Band, First United Methodist Church of Hightstown, HEROS, Knights of Columbus Hightstown Council #6284, Lion’s Club, The Hightstown Historical Commission, The 1st Presbyterian Church, American Red Cross, Hightstown/East Windsor Youth Baseball League, ShaolinKung Fu Institute, East Windsor Rescue Squad District #1, East Windsor Rescue Squad District #2, Cranbury Fire Company, Cranbury First Aid Squad, Hightstown First Aid Squad, Hightstown Police Department, Peddie School, Hightstown Library, Applegarth Fire Co.#1, Hightstown High School First Robotics Team, Pastor Neil Tolboom , Mrs. East Windsor Evelyn Mc Cleod, Neal Glackin, Washington Township First Aid, Beth El Synagogue Ecuadorian Americans of Hightstown/East Windsor, Mayor Janice Mironov and Mayor BobPatten. And to all that I may have left out: thank you all.
   Numerous people contributed their time and energy in preparing for the parade, many behind the scenes. I would like to acknowledge Roberts &Reymann Engineering, Marty Mooney (bagpiper), Larry Blake, Ken Lewis, Brian Pickering, Hightstown Public Works, Mrs. Dale Grubb , Hightstown Fire Police, East Windsor Police and the parade committee (Joe Sunyak, Bruce McDougal, Joe User, Harvey Linder, Bob User, Jim Walsh, Barry Clark, Gary Grubb and Joan Gordon.)
   A special thanks to "1 BIG PARTY" for the ice cream; the gang at Super Fresh food market and store manager Bob Gessner, B J’s, Apollo Lodge #41, Dunkin Donuts and all that gave to make this a day to remember.
   And last but not least, our Grand Marshall, Donald Provost, you are a gentleman. We thank you for honoring us at this year’s parade. You did a great job.
Larry Quattrone
parade coordinator
Hightstown
After Prom Party a huge success
To the editor:
On Sunday, June 3, the Hightstown High School Parents Association hosted the Twentieth Annual After Prom Party for the Class of 2007.
   Once again, our party was a huge success. Approximately 450 students enjoyed a safe, alcohol and drug free evening.
   This incredible evening would not have been possible without the support and generosity of the entire community. There are hundreds of volunteers and donors to thank. We hope you each know how appreciative we are. Thank you to all the parents and community members who worked tirelessly throughout the night at the After Prom and throughout the school year at our many fund-raising events. Thank you to those who contributed to our Can Can campaign. You were each part of our success. Thank you to the Hightstown Police Department for providing your services throughout the evening. Thank you to our art teacher Mr. "S" for our Hollywood Hills mural, Jared Levy of City Sounds Entertainment for the wonderful music, to our administrators, Principal Alix Arvizu and Assistant Principal Avis Leverett and staff member Merion Wells. A heartfelt thanks to the best custodial staff without whom the After Prom would not have run as smoothly as it did. A special thanks to Joe Kramer, Lonna Zitani and Mary Ann Perez. Thank you to all the parents and community members who made generous monetary donations. Thank you Mayor Janice Mironov and the East Windsor Township Council for your annual support of our event. Last, but certainly not least, a special thanks to all of our chairpeople, Carol Hackett, Pam Ewer, Wendy Dempko, Diana Salwen, Brenda Cormack Rosenberg, Barbi Alster Katz, Linda Pecsi and Debbie Ortega.
   Without each of you the After Prom would not have been possible. We wish the Class of 2007 all the best in their future endeavors.
Susan Ettman, Jeannie Arena
coordinators
Hightstown High School
Parents Association
After Prom Committee
Scout urges others to bridge gap
To the editor:
When people hear the term diversity, most often they think of it in terms of racial differences. We can also think of diversity in terms of age. The Hightstown/East Windsor area has a large variation in ages. Our community is home to three senior citizen complexes and has many other senior citizens living in neighborhoods. These residents are an integral part of our community, but for reasons such as lack of mobility, transportation, or the very fact of living in an adult community they can be overlooked.
   It is for this reason, that when I was trying to come up with a community service activity for my Eagle Scout Project, I thought of ways to try to connect the youngest segment of our community with residents who live in adult only complexes. My project revolved around a live jazz performance, first-person communication of history and cultural events, followed by artistic donations to their residence. It was my hope that by providing a link between these two groups, our community would be enhanced and that other younger residents would consider volunteering time and talents with our senior residences.
   Over the course of the year, I have come to know the residents of Wheaton Pointe and feel that not only did my friends, fellow scouts, and I do something nice for them, but also I feel that we have also been enriched by the experience. The other musicians and I enjoyed performing for the residents and both the scouts and residents enjoyed learning about the events and music of past generations. Music is a great way to transcend generations.
   As summer comes and people have more time, I would like to encourage other members of the community to share their talents with one of the adult residences in our community. I promise you, it will be a rewarding experience. So, if you are a musician or have another interest you can share with senior citizens, please consider presenting it to one of the assisted residences.
   I would like to thank Troop 5700 and their families for their support with all aspects of my project. I would also like to thank the Veterans of Foreign Wars for allowing me to use their hall for a yard sale fundraiser, community members for donating sale items, Bud’s Thrift Shop in Trenton for picking up unsold items and a donation, Girl Scout Troop 301 for the great decorations, Todd Schramke for his video expertise, and members of the band Smoot for the music portion of the project. Most of all, I would like to thank Mrs. Flounoy and Mrs. Harper at Wheaton Pointe for their help and advice with project details throughout the year.
Tom Baumann
East Windsor
Thanks extended after Golf Classic
To the editor:
On behalf of the EWPAL Little League Board, I would like to thank all of the golfers that participated in our inaugural Golf and Dinner Classic on May 29.
   Mother Nature cooperated with sunny skies and 82-degree weather, making the day for the 98 golfers all the more enjoyable. I would also like to thank all of the volunteers that helped make the event run smoothly and become the huge success that it was. Special thanks go out to Michele Paul, Julio Lugo, Denise and Jason Taylor and Colleen Schintzler, who spent countless hours in the days and weeks leading up to the event dotting the I’s and crossing the T’s.
   Between the support we received from sponsors, golfers and participants in our raffles and auctions, the Little League was able to raise slightly over $10,000. Proceeds will help build a new equipment shed for the league as well as new equipment for next season.
Peter Schintzler
president
EWPAL Little League
Grand marshal offers thanks
To the editor:
I want to thank the Hightstown parade committee for selecting me as grand marshal 2007. It was a great honor to represent all the veterans.
   Special thanks to Larry Quattrone and his committee for a job well done.
   Also, appreciation to Bob Patten, mayor of Hightstown, and Janice Mironov, mayor of East Windsor, and to all the people who came out for the parade. Thank you.
   And a grateful thank you to all the veterans, past and present.
Donald A. Provost
East Windsor