Hooray, I guess I must have struck a sore spot in the Newman household by composing a letter about the runaway spending of the Brick MUA, and its chairman, Daniel Newman.
Mrs. Barbara J. Newman wrote an article titled, “Is there really an Arthur A. Sholty?” In this well-written letter Mrs. Newman states that everything I say for print is “negative-negative-negative,” and for the most part I must agree with her. The part about being “bitter, grouchy and unhappy describes me to a “T.” However, I’m a young senior who loves it here in Brick, which I have stated in many positive letters.
Yes, I am also very negative when I read and hear about the cost of a political piece of metal, called a plaque that commemorates the opening of our new reservoir. Thirteen thousand dollars ($13,000) is way too much to spend on something that memorializes a person or persons who want to see their names cast in bronze for all eternity. If this type of negativity annoys you, then so be it. I can assure you that I’m not the only person who feels this way, Republican or Democrat.
Other facets of my negative concerns, if you will, come to mind concerning code enforcement, with emphasis on property maintenance. This I have been harping on for some time now. Brick, in certain sections, looks like it is becoming blighted.
I must give you credit for sticking up for your husband. This is one part of a wife’s duty, and as I can see you are doing superb. Accordingly, your remark that I’m a “mouthpiece” for the Republican Party here in Brick could not be further from the truth. I’m a registered voter and since someone in your family is the big shot in voter registration with the same name as Daniel (he wears many hats), check me out. I have voted independent in the last five or six presidential elections and can assure you that the Brick Republican Party has no control of my musings and never will have. I say what is on my mind no matter where the chips fall.
I have composed numerous letters on the positive side, but they never get published.
In conclusion, Mrs. Newman, I feel that I’m your husband’s equal, maybe more. The right to criticize is guaranteed by the First Amendment, and if you feel that I have told an untruth, then it is your right to sue me or whatever you think will satisfy you. I will never stop complaining about wasteful spending, abuse of power or whatever comes down the pike which is wrong, and I urge others to do the same. An old phrase comes to mind from my days in the Army: “Something’s wrong with the troops if they’re not complaining.” Well, Mrs. Barbara J. Newman, I’m complaining loud and long.
Arthur Sholty
Brick