From the Sept. 13 edition
City residents support
public works manager
To the editor:
The story in the Register News on Sept. 6 regarding actions pending against Bob Erickson was very disturbing to us.
We have lived in Bordentown City most of our lives and have known Bob since he left teaching to work for the city almost 30 years ago.
Approximately 20 years ago, Bordentown City participated in the Main Street project sponsored by the state of New Jersey. It was revitalization that was sorely needed. The city commissioners, project manager Holly Berry and Bob Erickson were instrumental in implementing and executing the plan over years of planning, red tape, frustration and hard work that resulted in the bustling downtown area we enjoy today.
Old-timers like us remember the diseased trees, dangerous uplifted and cracked sidewalks, empty shops, shot and beer joints and street corners laden with litter and loiterers.
Today, the trees have been replaced, and the sidewalks are not only safe and attractive, but also handicapped-accessible. We have wonderful trendy shops and eateries ranging from handy delis to fine dining. Flowering baskets and planters provided by off-shoot groups of the revitalization era beautify our streets.
We have worked directly with Bob over the last 18 years on the Cranberry Festival, the Iris Festival, building the Franklin Carr Memorial Iris Garden in Flynn Park, the women’s labyrinth and the Garden Club, among other things.
In all that time, we have yet to hear Bob Erickson say, "It can’t be done." He has answered any request with, "Sure," "Of course," or, "Let’s see what we can do."
We have always found him to be extremely cooperative, capable, professional and full of pride in his work and his community. Whatever the results of the legal problems facing him today, Bob will always have our undying gratitude and unwavering respect and support.
Jackie Reed
Patti DeSantis
Bordentown City
Kangaroo Court
raised $6,000 for events
To the editor:
The Kangaroo Court was a huge success and the Bordentown 325th Anniversary Committee wants to personally thank everyone, you know who you are! The fund-raiser collected close to $6,000 from Tuesday through Saturday. The entire community came together and supported this. It was certainly history in the making.
First, I would like to thank our judges, Assemblyman Joseph Malone and Mayor Bill Collom for all their hours in the extreme heat under the robes and wigs.
I would also like to thank our Keystone Cops, Peter Ciarrocca and Robert Pecht, for all their hours keeping the crowds under control, in polyester costumes and plastic hats, during a heat wave.
To my Bordentown 325th Anniversary Committee, without whom I couldn’t have pulled this off, especially Jim Brimmer, for being there every hour and day for the entire period. We really made a week to remember.
I would like to thank Mike Scotto from Jesters for supplying our volunteers with refreshments.
Most of all, I like to thank the residents of Bordentown, local businesses, visitors and former residents that came out and supported us. As chairman of the 325th Anniversary Committee, I am so proud of our city and can’t thank you enough.
I can’t forget Manager of Public Works Bob Erickson and his crew for building one fine set of jail cells. I finally would like to thank the Register-News for publishing our information. Yes, getting the word out did really help us.We on the committee are especially proud of all of our events past, present and future. Please don’t forget about our Colonial Carriage Rides, Spirit Walk and Parade. Information can be found about all of them in the Community Bulletin Board. Again, thank you to everyone who helped make the Kangaroo Court a huge enjoyment and success.
Larry Denney, chairman
325th Anniversary Committee