Category: Independent Opinion
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‘Scorched earth approach’ will not fool town’s voters
The recent front-page article regarding the state of the Republican Party as a result of the town center mall debacle sent a chilling message to the residents of Middletown. Most unnerving was the open hostility shown by Assemblyman Joe Azzolina toward anyone who dared oppose a project many feel would cause irreparable harm to the…
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Reader: Freehold allowing security problem to fester
In the Sept. 24 Independent article by Clare Marie Celano, Cecilia Reynolds advocates that Freehold Borough residents aid people who have illegally violated the borders of the United States of America. Police Officer Craig Dispenza’s job is to arrest the violators and to turn them over to federal authorities for expulsion from this country if…
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Middletown mayor thanks town for response to Isabel
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who participated in preparing Middletown to respond to Tropical Storm Isabel. The impressive effort included Middletown’s police, fire, first aid, auxiliary police, emergency management, public works, and parks and recreation departments. Each played a significant role in readying our sprawling 42-square-mile township for what threatened…
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Good Samaritans thanked for help in hour of need
I would like to publicly thank some very fine people who helped me in my hour of unexpected need. On Sept. 12, I suffered a painful injury when I inadvertently slammed my car door on the finger of my right hand. I was in the parking lot of the ShopRite on Lloyd Road, Aberdeen, it…
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Holmdel cannot continue paying for special deals
The real issue in this year’s Holmdel Township Committee election is Holmdel’s rising property taxes. Since Larry Fink took control of the committee, taxes have risen 31 percent with no visible increase in services and no plan in place to reverse this trend. To make matters worse, Larry Fink lowered the tax burden of Lucent…
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Middletown’s debt shows irresponsible spending
Deficit spending represents an attitude — it’s a state of mind that says live for today and the heck with tomorrow. This is the attitude that is indicative of the spending habits of the Middletown Township Committee. They presently have an accumulated debt of $73 million. When you spend money you don’t have, you are…
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Outdoorsman defends hunting as benefit to all
As I prepared for hunting season this year and was shopping in a local sporting goods store last month, I was approached by a woman and her young son. The boy – around 14 years old – noticed a camouflage jacket I was purchasing and asked me if I was a hunter. The boy’s mother…
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Obituaries
Daniel Charles Smith Obituaries Daniel Charles Smith Daniel Charles Smith, 42, of Old Bridge, formerly of Aberdeen and Keyport, died Sept. 11 at home. Surviving are his mother, Bernadette McDonald-Smith of Old Bridge; a brother, Richard H. Smith of Old Bridge; a sister, Geraldine A. Opitz of Howell; and two nephews and two nieces. Services…
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Developer’s lawyer sheds light on conspiracy theory
In response to the editorial by Managing Editor Mary Dempsey in the Sept. 17 issue of the Independent, I would like to respond since it is directed partly to me and my client. Ms. Dempsey wrote regarding the proposed town square at Middletown. Specifically, the tenor of her editorial was that Mountain Hill LLC, the…
