Category: Independent Opinion
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Marie Hartnett moves to River Plaza School
BY JOSH DAVIDSONStaff Writer Marie Hartnett moves to River Plaza School BY JOSH DAVIDSON Staff Writer CHRIS KELLY staff Marie Hartnett, former assistant principal at Middletown High School South, has been named principal of River Plaza School. MIDDLETOWN — Former High School South Assistant Principal Marie Hartnett is enjoying the increased face-to-face contact with students…
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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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Jeff Simon takes the helm at Port Monmouth School
BY JOSH DAVIDSONStaff Writer Jeff Simon takes the helm at Port Monmouth School BY JOSH DAVIDSON Staff Writer FARRAH MAFFAI staff Port Monmouth School Principal Jeff Simon looks over some dictionaries with (l-r) Richard Scalzo, 6; Samantha Politano, 7; Bryanna Scalzo, 9; Richie Jackson, 8, and Katie Morton, 10. MIDDLETOWN — A former High School…
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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…
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Middletown’s latest hero
Middletown’s latest hero Last week a true hero emerged in Middletown Township. Four-year-old Justin Tyler Valletta showed what he was made of when he was faced with a possible life-or-death situation. In the late afternoon of Sept. 24, Justin’s father, Anthony, was working on a car at their Middletown residence when the carjack unexpectedly gave…
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Newspaper is ‘glorifying’ illegal action by squatters
This letter is in response to your article titled "Home is where you lay your head," Sept. 24. Talk about glorifying an illegal action. According to your article, we are supposed to feel sympathy for the illegal immigrants living in the woods that border Freehold Borough and Freehold Township. So, we should all dismiss the…
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Writer: Vote ‘above party’ in November and re-elect Mayor Fink
Everyone in Holmdel seems to agree saving open space is good because it stems population growth, thus controlling taxes. It also protects our rural atmosphere, property values and our drinking water. Even the old-guard Republicans — historically friendly to developers — proclaim a new mantra of saving what’s left. Yet, one cannot help feeling skeptical…
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Executive dir. extends thanks to Easel supporters
Executive dir. extends thanks to Easel supporters The 180 Amanda’s Easel program created two beautiful blue and white twin towers sculptures, covered with white clouds, beautiful flowers, hearts and drawings, as part of its Sept. 10 and 11 "Open Art Therapy Studios" to help the community address 9/11 anxiety. The Sept. 8 editorial referring to…
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Former mayor: Republicans have saved open land
Open space has been an issue in Holmdel for more years than one can remember. I know this because I am a former mayor and have saved many a tract from development. All during my tenure and the tenure of those before and after me, preservation has been a No. 1 priority. We not only…
