Category: Independent Opinion

  • Cutting state arts funding would cause irreversible damage

    Recently, about 600 arts and history advocates rallied in Trenton to demand restoration of funding to the three agencies that support history and the arts in New Jersey. As president of the oldest historical organization in Monmouth County, I sincerely hope their voices were heard. Among the agencies threatened is the N.J. Historical Commission, which…

  • Quality of education in Matawan should be improved now

    Quality of education in Matawan should be improved now Thirty-seven hundred students in the Matawan-Aberdeen school system with a $42 million budget is exorbitant, while the quality of education is below what it should be. Voters voted down an even more exorbitant irresponsible budget — approximately $10 million more (20 percent plus increase) — but…

  • Resident’s plea: Preserve Hook without privatization

    As a 20-year resident of Middletown, I frequently visit Sandy Hook and participate in many of the wonderful programs that are offered by the Park Service. Sandy Hook and Fort Hancock are very special places to me and thousands of others. It is a place that offers beautiful vistas, serenity, and habitat for birds, raccoons,…

  • Letter writer way off base regarding project’s approval

    Letter writer way off base regarding project’s approval This letter is in response to Rich Kohler’s letter to the editor titled "Fox Project Approval Appears Political" in the May 21 Independent. After reading many of Mr. Kohler’s past letters as well as this letter, it appears he has become a master of misrepresentation and deception…

  • Thanks extended to supporters of Project Crash

    Thanks extended to supporters of Project Crash More than 150 members of the Holmdel community came together April 30 at St. John Vianney High School, and May 9 at Holmdel High School, to educate junior and senior students on the dangers of drinking and driving through Project Crash. Project Crash was a simulated car crash…

  • Surgeon offers advice on how to deal with dog bites

    Surgeon offers advice on how to deal with dog bites As a member of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, I am writing this letter to reach out to our community during National Dog Bite Prevention Week, May 18-24. The goal of our campaign — currently in its fifth year — is to help educate…

  • Obituaries

    Obituaries THOMAS A. McGUIRE, 54, of Middletown died May 9 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Born in the Bronx, N.Y., he resided in Middletown the past 30 years. He was an award-winning freelance photographer, and took part in several shows throughout New Jersey. Prior to that, he worked at New York Telephone, New York…

  • Township Committee cuts school tax hike

    By maura dowginStaff Writer Township Committee cuts school tax hike By maura dowgin Staff Writer HOLMDEL— The school budget tax increase has been cut by $198,000 by the Township Committee. The municipal subcommittee, comprised of members of the Board of Education and members of the committee, met five times in the last three weeks to…

  • Witmer considers moving Fairview School principal

    By josh davidsonStaff Writer By josh davidson Staff Writer MIDDLETOWN — Due to possible retirements and resignations of district principals, township School Superintendent David L. Witmer is weighing the option of moving Fairview Elementary School Principal Diana Cantillo to another school. Cantillo’s name was omitted from the 2003-04 school year’s administrators rehiring list recommended to…