Category: Independent Opinion
-

News & Views
Wednesdays with Merla Karl Vilacoba In the unpredictable world of covering John Merla, there’s one thing I grew to expect – on Wednesday morning, when one of Greg Bean’s columns about him hit the streets, I was going to hear it. As many readers know, my executive editor has been less than accepting of the…
-

Coda
Merla is guilty? Boy, we didn’t see that coming Greg Bean After last Wednesday, we can add at least one more entry to our lexicon of words describing former Keyport Mayor John Merla – felon. It looks like I won’t be eating crow after all – which I might have been compelled to do had…
-

Obituaries
Maria Christina Jans Mrs. Jans, 88, of Germany, died Nov. 25, 2006, in Germany. She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Thomas and Cyndie of Hazlet; a daughter and son-in-law, Eva and Al of Middletown; four grandchildren in the local area; and children and grandchildren in Germany. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated…
-

Merla’s greed cost far more than taxpayer dollars
Mayor John Merla and the others grabbed up in the infamous Monmouth County 12 all denied they took money right up until every one of them pleaded guilty. But, how many payoffs did they take from developers, business people and the like over the years, and what was the true cost to the taxpayers? Every…
-

In the News
Quotes show leaders are way out of touch Mark Rosman It’s the little things that make me crazy at 5 a.m. I define “little things” as picking up my daily newspaper from the porch and seeing a pair of quotes from two purported New Jersey leaders that show me just how pathetic a state this…
-

Parent of cheerleader offended by letter to editor
Two more things we can do without in 2007: 1) Michael Pellettieri of Hazlet for his derogatory comment about the Hazlet Hawks Pee-Wee cheerleaders (“Things a reader could do without in 2007,” letters, Jan. 17). These kids worked hard to be national champions. They beat teams from all over the country and we are proud…
-

Attorney clarifies state DWI laws
As a local criminal defense attorney with a substantial DWI (driving while intoxicated) practice, I read with interest the Dec. 28 article by Kathy Chang entitled “Misconceptions abound about police, traffic laws.” Unfortunately, the article itself contains two significant “misconceptions” concerning drunk driving law in New Jersey that should be corrected. “The law reads that…
-

Short should have supported commission members
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…
-

Field hockey team parents thank supporters
On behalf of the parents of the Middletown High School North’s girls varsity field hockey team we extend our sincere thank you to the following individuals: the varsity field hockey coach, Bill Lafalce; North’s principal, Dr. Patricia Vari-Cartier; North’s Booster Club; and Joe Azzolina. Your support is truly appreciated and meant a great deal to…
