Category: Independent Opinion

  • School budget defeated by slim margin

    By maura dowginStaff Writer By maura dowgin Staff Writer HOLMDEL — For the first time in recent memory, voters defeated a school budget. The $37.7 million school budget was narrowly voted down by 18 votes last week. The final vote was 1007 to 991 against budget approval. "It’s disappointing that the defeat was so slim,"…

  • Voters in Middletown approve school budget

    By josh davidsonStaff Writer Voters in Middletown approve school budget By josh davidson Staff Writer MIDDLETOWN — Voters passed a $113.6 million school budget with a 5.8-cent increase on April 15. "We’re very pleased and very thrilled that the budget passed, and also passed by 61 percent," said Superintendent of Schools David L. Witmer. "[The…

  • Your Turn

    Guest ColumnAndy WillnerTriumph on the Hackensack will save industrial rivers Your Turn Guest Column Andy Willner Triumph on the Hackensack will save industrial rivers Guest Column Andy Willner Triumph on the Hackensack will save industrial rivers The Empire tract — a 600-acre wetland in the Hackensack Meadowlands — was, until this past February, slated for…

  • April is National Autism Awareness Month

    It is estimated that one in 500 people, and as many as one in 250 people in New Jersey are affected by autism. While researchers and scientists continue to close in on a cure for this developmental disability, others are also working hard to bring autism to the public forum. April is National Autism Awareness…

  • Easter a sad time for rabbits

    Every Easter thousands of bunnies are bought by parents looking to surprise their little ones. Maybe it’s to show them responsibility, maybe it’s because the child has been endlessly begging for a rabbit, or maybe it’s because baby bunnies are just so darn cute. But are those good reasons to bring an animal into your…

  • Maffiore turns back, and misses opportunity

    Taxes, taxes, taxes — that was the theme of Tracey Maffiore as last year’s Republican candidate for a seat on the Hazlet Township Committee. All of Ms. Maffiore’s campaign literature stated she was concerned about municipal taxes, and that being fiscally responsible was essential. Now, Tracey Maffiore is a committeewoman and has been since Jan.…

  • Broken windows at fort lead to damaged interiors

    Broken windows at fort lead to damaged interiors The day before the blizzard of ’03 hit New Jersey in February, I counted 16 out of 26 unused buildings at Fort Hancock, Sandy Hook, with either broken windows, broken window vents, open porch doors, or plywood covers that had been blown away in past storms. These…

  • Education, enforcement keys in underage drinking

    Education, enforcement keys in underage drinking April is National Alcohol Awareness Month and the focus is on underage drinking. Alcohol is the drug most frequently used by high school seniors and its use is increasing. Boys usually try alcohol for the first time at just 11 years old, while the average age for American girls’…

  • Faded, torn flags not proper patriotic symbol to display

    Since Sept. 11 I have seen many American flags flying from car windows and small displays of American flags around town. My neighbors are showing their support of America and that’s all very well and good, but when these displays of America become faded, torn or old looking, they should be replaced or taken down.…