Category: Independent Opinion

  • Obituaries

    Greater Media Newspapers prints obituaries as a free community service, at no charge to the families of the deceased or to the funeral homes that provide the information. PAUL N. ROCKAFELLOW, 91, of Freehold Township died May 5 at CentraState Medical Center, Freehold Township. Born in Little York, he lived in Keansburg, Red Bank, Middletown,…

  • Interviewing for positions is a waste of taxpayers’ money

    In the May 1 Independent, I read that new school board member Elizabeth Allocco had questioned the practice of allowing presidents of parent-teacher groups to participate in district interviews of job candidates. Good for Allocco. I applaud her insight in bringing this issue to light. It was noted that in the past several years, different…

  • Dronne endorsed in upcoming Holmdel Republican primary election

    In the upcoming Holmdel Township Republican primary, I would encourage all Holmdel residents to vote for Committeeman Russell E. Dronne. I have known Russell for over 12 years both as a Boy Scout leader and as a township committeeman. You will not find a more honest and sincere individual. As a Scout leader, he always…

  • Residents thank candidates for stopping by, taking time to talk

    We would like to thank Republican candidates Robert Reddington and Valerie Niess for stopping by the other day while walking door to door. To be completely honest, we don’t spend enough time keeping up with local issues facing our town, but we were truly impressed to see two candidates walking door to door in our…

  • Call it what you want: proposed town square is a mall

    During the Middletown Planning Board discussion of Mountain Hill Group’s request for a variance March 25, Mountain Hill’s expert witness, Mr. Herb Simmens, conducted a PowerPoint presentation, which depicted Mountain Hill’s vision of a Middletown town center. Mr. Simmens also described some of the things that he considered associated benefits, such as parking for 4,000…

  • Foundation implores park service for another hearing

    Once again, the public loses. The public hearing held April 20 from 3-5 p.m. at Fort Hancock was nothing more than a charade. The National Park Service continues to deny us a right to fairly participate in the process that affects us deeply — the development of Fort Hancock into the beginning of a "Fort…

  • Spouse defends Middletown mayor against ‘smear campaign’

    It’s only May, but politics as usual by the local Democratic Party have started already. As I drive out of my neighborhood I am confronted by the "Dump Parkinson" stickers attached to stop signs, on NJ Transit property and other road signs. Why is it the Democratic candidates cannot talk about positive things? What is…

  • Democratic Party chairman opines on stability of Middletown tax rate

    The tax rate is not stable in Middletown; it’s far from that. The Middletown Township municipal budget equals more than $49.6 million. The debt for the township equals about $62 million. Our debt service alone is $10 million per year, which is more than the collective paychecks of every member of the township police department.…

  • School celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week

    During the week of May 6-10, Nut Swamp School will celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week. We would like to take this opportunity to salute our dedicated teaching staff. During the tragedies suffered this past year, we have truly come to know the hero that lies within the heart of every teacher in the nation. Teachers perform…