At the recent reorganization meeting of the Middletown Township Committee, I was very puzzled and upset over newly elected Committeeman Patrick Short’s behavior. He chose to vote against the Middletown Landmark Commission’s two members, Suzanne Bugbee and Dr. Gerry Scharfenberger, who were nominated for reappointment.
Of the 16 boards and commissions that perform an invaluable service for the township, he singled out the Landmarks Commission to denigrate. The township could not function without the dedicated volunteers who serve on all these bodies. Dr. Scharfenberger has been on the Landmarks Commission for almost 11 years. He is a highly respected archaeologist who has lectured and published widely, and also teaches at Monmouth University.
Suzanne Bugbee has just completed her first term on the commission. She is a dedicated teacher and historian. Mr. Short should visit the Throckmorton-Lippitt-Taylor burial ground in Middletown Village. It is one of the oldest in the state, and was a Boy Scout Eagle project for Ms. Bugbee’s son Brian, who, with his troop, cleaned up the cemetery and built a kiosk which tells the story of the early settlers who are buried there.
Mr. Short should also know that Middletown is one of the three original towns of Monmouth County, and one of the oldest settlements in the state. We are proud of our five historic district, there of which are on the National Register of Historic Places.
Fortunately, the other four members voted to reappoint Ms. Bugbee and Dr. Scharfenberger who have unselfishly donated their time and expertise to the township for a combined 15 years. One wonders if Mr. Short heard the remarks of one resident who spoke during the public comments. This person admonished the Township Committee to follow the example of the Board of Chosen Freeholders who have adopted a policy of working together for the public good.
Mary Lou Strong
Chair, Middletown Landmarks Commission