Category: Independent Opinion

  • Obituaries

    MARCELLINE C. GRADY, 70, of Hazlet died Feb. 9 at JFK Medical Center, Edison. Born in Newark, she resided in Irvington for 48 years prior to moving to Hazlet. She was a bookkeeper at New Hope Foundation, Marlboro, for 20 years, retiring in 2001. She was an active member, Eucharistic minister, and member of the…

  • Firm owner feels bowling issue should be put to rest

    The Keyport Business Alliance (KBA) has been singled out unfairly for criticism over the recent "chicken bowl" promotion. Some publicity that appeared while the event was still in the planning stages failed to make clear the event’s purpose (to generate downtown traffic during the borough’s January sales), and the nature of the KBA’s donation to…

  • CCOM appeals to governor to help fight town center

    The Concerned Citizens of Middletown (CCOM) is a grass-roots group that is opposed to the proposed town center project presented by the Mountain Hill Group’s (MHG) Joseph Azzolina Jr. and Philip Scaduto, son and nephew, respectfully, of Assemblyman Joseph Azzolina (R-13th District). Their plan will destroy one of the last and largest open areas (137…

  • Hazlet residents chastised for ignoring school budget

    As my wife and I sat in the Middle Road School lunchroom on Feb. 4, with the grand total of 11 other concerned parents, I could only shake my head in disgust at the lack of support that permeates in this town in regard to the lack of voting, whether it be for or against…

  • Hazlet student makes appeal for municipal skate park

    Hazlet Township should build a skate park for the residents of Hazlet and other towns. Residents of Hazlet need a place to participate freely in an "extreme" sport such as skateboarding, roller-blading and biking. We have basketball courts, tennis courts and baseball fields, but nothing for residents who skateboard. A skate park in Hazlet would…

  • Hazlet resident defends voters’ right to privacy

    A letter written by Marc Nusbaum and printed in the Independent opinion column last week has prompted me to publicly address the issue of the American voter’s right to privacy. I strongly feel that whether or not a person votes as well as how they vote should be private information. There are those who would…

  • Article on chicken bowling leaves resident in ‘fowl’ mood

    If you’ve read the local papers lately, you could get this impression — the media is painting a false picture of Keyport and its residents. First, the Asbury Park Press ran a full-page story focusing on a day in the borough. Did the writer visit any of the fine eateries, antique shops or historical houses?…

  • Statewide summit to focus

    on educ. funding, reform on educ. funding, reform School officials from around the state will attend a summit next week in East Brunswick to discuss the way New Jersey funds education and how it can be reformed. The event, called "Public Support for Public Education," is being sponsored by the Garden State Coalition of Schools…

  • ARNOLD G. CARLSEN, 90, of Middletown died Feb. 1 at Bayshore Health Care Center, Holmdel. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he resided in Oradell, Montclair and Colts Neck before moving to Middletown in 1978. Mr. Carlsen was a retired salesman for Phillips Roofing and Siding, Wanamassa section of Ocean Township, where he was employed 18 years.…