Category: Independent Opinion

  • Committeeman calls on peers to reject benefits, pensions

    As a West Point military officer, I was taught not to follow from behind but to lead from the front, to set the example for others to follow. As a newly elected committee member in Middletown, I have reviewed the pension plan and health benefits that are offered to local elected officials and – in…

  • Obituaries

    Jacqueline J. (Kreamer) Kearns Mrs. Kearns, 83, of Jackson, died Jan. 15, 2007, at home. Born in Jersey City, she had lived in Cliffwood before moving to Jackson two years ago. Mrs. Kearns was a homemaker. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, John; two sons and daughters-in-law, John and Sharon Kearns of…

  • Resident suggests plan for Keyport’s pear trees

    As the saying goes, “There’s more than one way around a tree.” Recently, the borough administrator let it be known that the trees along both sides of Keyport’s Front Street needed to be removed because they were increasingly destroying the sidewalks. If their roots continue to cause the bricks to protrude, people will stumble and…

  • Short encouraged to stop grandstanding, posturing

    As the mayor of Middletown Township, it is incumbent upon me to clarify and correct the record when false statements are made about the township committee. Such is the case with Committeeman Patrick Short and his actions and subsequent statements during the annual reorganization meeting. At this meeting, Mr. Short voted against, or abstained from…

  • Coda

    Is the nest ever empty when it’s full of junk? Greg Bean My wife and I are now officially empty nesters, but when the last child left recently to take an out-of-state job, we came to a shocking realization: You can’t have an empty nest when the chicks leave all their junk behind to clutter…

  • Around Town

    Poignant memories are music to my ears Amy Rosen I remember playing “Taste, Touch and Smell” as a child in which a blindfolded person used their senses to determine an object before them. We’d hold cheese under my father’s nose, something he despised the smell of, and roar with laughter at his reaction. I can…

  • Are We There Yet?

    The ladies close ranks on family spending Lori Clinch Years ago, as my husband approached his 30s, my mother-in-law became concerned that he might never marry. In a bit of a panic, she decided to take matters into her own hands. So, she did as any devout Catholic woman would do: she snatched up her…

  • It’s time for Keyport to move on

    This correspondence is meant to ease my mind, and for no other reason than that. Some may take it as meant for another purpose, but they are mistaken. As a former longtime resident and employee of Keyport, my thought is that the residents have already heard enough of the ordeal regarding Mr. Johnny Merla. When…

  • Scandal outweighs the good Merla did

    How can you respect a liar? John Merla vehemently denied any wrongdoing for two years. When he was offered a plea bargain, all of a sudden he pleads guilty. Did he all of a sudden have a “light bulb” moment? I don’t think so. He knew he would be found guilty. How could everyone else…