Category: Independent Opinion

  • McGreevey bets the house on an economic upturn

    A wise man once said, "Every gambler knows that the secret to surviving is knowing what to throw away, and knowing what to keep." Today, Gov. James McGreevey is the gambler, the proposed budget is his hand and the stakes are his very job. By basically freezing state aid to local school boards for two…

  • Thanks go to supporters of PTO’s Dr. Seuss fund-raiser

    Thanks go to supporters of PTO’s Dr. Seuss fund-raiser Many thanks to all the parents, teachers, and especially the children who helped make this year’s Beers Street School PTO book fair at Barnes & Noble a great success. Piggybacking on the birthday of the beloved Dr. Seuss, so many volunteered their time to come and…

  • 5.8-cent school tax increase proposed

    By josh davidsonStaff Writer By josh davidson Staff Writer MIDDLETOWN — The Board of Education approved a tentative budget of $113.6 million that included textbook cost increases and cuts in building maintenance allocations, attorney fees and utilities. The township’s school tax rate will increase, from $1.938 to $1.996 per $100 of assessed property valuation if…

  • Thanks extended to supporters of St. Mary’s Church

    Thanks extended to supporters of St. Mary’s Church On March 2, St. Mary’s Church in Keyport held its annual corned beef and cabbage dinner. It was a huge success. On behalf of myself and the members of St. Mary’s, we would like to thank all who came out to support us. We would also like…

  • Your Turn

    Guest ColumnVikkiOlsenHazlet resident seeks truth from elected officials Guest Column Vikki Olsen Hazlet resident seeks truth from elected officials Your recent article in the Feb. 20 Independent, "Mayor Makes Move to Lower Legal Costs," sounds like all the appropriate steps are being taken to revisit legal fees. The article, however, requires some clarification for those…

  • Holmdel 2003-04 school budget proposes 7.9-cent tax increase

    By maura dowginStaff Writer Holmdel 2003-04 school budget proposes 7.9-cent tax increase By maura dowgin Staff Writer HOLMDEL — A $37.7 million tentative school budget that carries a 7.9-cent school tax increase was approved by the Board of Education. The tentative 2003-04 school budget, unanimously approved by the board last week at a special voting…

  • Thanks extended to supporters of talent showcase

    I am honored to have directed Middletown’s second annual talent showcase. The Middletown Township Cultural and Arts Council (MTCAC) sponsored this event to give residents a chance to share their performing arts talents with the community, and we were overwhelmed with the variety and depth of talent right here in our town. More than 130…

  • Borough’s school tax rate may go up by 15.9 cents

    By maura dowginStaff Writer Borough’s school tax rate may go up by 15.9 cents By maura dowgin Staff Writer KEYPORT— The Board of Education passed a tentative budget of $14.3 million, increasing the tax rate by 15.9 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. The rate hike means that a taxpayer with a home assessed at…

  • Attendance encouraged at affordable housing forum

    Gov. James McGreevey warned developers, "If you reap benefits, you must also take responsibility for costs." He proposed allowing municipalities to impose a one-year building moratorium. He didn’t, however, address the lack of affordable housing. Rental-unit availability is shrinking; rents soar. Ours is the most expensive state in which to rent a two-bedroom apartment. More…