Letters

In recent months, there has been much conversation throughout the state with regard to a New Jersey citizens (i.e. constitutional) convention. The proposal for this convention is so the citizens of New Jersey can balance fiscal policy, tax policy, and as most know, specifically to address and tackle the major property tax issue that each resident of New Jersey is facing.

So is there a need for this convention? All fingers have been pointing to the fact that the Legislature has failed.

Why has it failed? As a whole, our elected officials have not worked in unity to put party agendas off to the side and focus primarily on the state and its residents. We hear in campaigns about corruption, taxes and pay-to-play, yet so often once these officials are elected, do they actually “Play to Care” about the citizens?

So is the convention a good idea? Yes, as it will empower the elected citizen representatives to hopefully address and provide a solution to these issues. Does there seem to be more support from citizens and elected officials each day? Yes, the more people who hear about this proposed convention, the more that seem to jump on board and embrace it. All of this sounding good so far?

Well as with most things in New Jersey, this convention has only been proposed as a one-sided event. The convention will not empower the citizens to review and make determinations on the spending side of the budgets. This convention will not empower its citizens to take control of the overwhelming budget disaster that has been created over the past decade.

I find it insulting that some officials feel that the citizens can come together and work on a solution at a convention for property taxes, yet they feel that we do not have the ability to bring balance to a budget that has had a lack of balance and vision to begin with.

I am urging all citizens in New Jersey to contact their elected officials at all levels and express the need for the citizens convention. When reaching out to your officials also emphasize the importance of a balanced convention that will empower and authorize the citizens to address all issues.

Property taxes is a real issue that affects the state, yet our out-of-control spending is no better. In the end, if the convention takes place and budget spending is not addressed, one thing will remain true – some type or form of taxes will be created or increased in the end that we will be paying for.

Fred Moltz

Aberdeen

Freeholders are ‘advocating redefinition of family’

When one votes for a freeholder they never think that considering the candidate’s moral viewpoint on major social issues needs to be taken into account. The Monmouth County Board of Freeholders recently demonstrated that is a mistaken notion.

The freeholders voted 4-to-0 to put its official approval on the homosexual lifestyle by extending retirement benefits to same-sex domestic partners of law enforcement officers. This was hailed by gay rights advocate Steven Goldstein as “a signal to Republicans ... it is OK to be for gay rights.” This is code for “we want society to approve of our lifestyle.”

This decision should be denounced by all who believe there are moral verities that cannot be changed because they are not ours to define. The creator, the triune God, has established them. We buck him at our own peril.

When Freeholder William Barham declares “Society is changing and it’s up to us to measure the times and appropriately react” he — hopefully, unwittingly — is reducing the moral standards we are compelled to live by to the societal predilections of the moment through the enforcement of those in power. He clearly sees no higher moral authority than himself.

Sadly, many people today buy into such specious arguments as his or that of his fellow board member, Robert Clifton. He declares “I think we should treat all employees equally and fairly, and this does that.” Who would disagree? Are we not all for fair and equal treatment? The implication is if you are opposed to his statement you are for inequality and being unfair. But this is a logical fallacy and a specious argument. Nobody is for any citizen to not be protected by the law. What they want is public endorsement of a lifestyle not all agree is moral.

Nevertheless, most of the public fall for these superficial arguments. They may call themselves “personally” opposed to such behavior but would not like to be branded as closed-minded or a bigot. They fail to see they have fallen for the tactic of those pushing the gay agenda who say those who oppose them are guilty of such. One does not need to be in favor of persecution of the gay lifestyle in order to be against it. They just want you to think that is true.

Why the Board of Freeholders think I — along with many thousands of other Monmouth County taxpayers — ought to be compelled to approve of the homosexual lifestyle through use of our taxes to support their partners is the question. It is wrong. We should not have to do so. But we live in an “enlightened” time. Or so those advocating the redefinition of family would have us think. But they are wrong, too.

And do not think the board is stopping with pension benefits. They propose to next have the taxpayers foot the bill to confer health benefits to domestic partners. As was once said, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”

John C. Hendrickson

Red Bank

MADD extends thanks to ‘Tie One On’ supporters

As MADD’s annual “Tie One On for Safety” red ribbon campaign winds down, we’d like to thank all of the people who put safety first this year, whether or not they sported a red ribbon on their automobile.

Thank you to anyone who served as a designated driver, or chose to give up the driver’s seat to one. Thank you to all the party hosts who ensured their guests’ safety by following MADD’s guidelines for a safe celebration. Thank you to all those who tied a red ribbon to a visible location on their cars as a reminder to all of us to drive safe, sober and buckled up.

Thanks are also due to the local automobile dealerships who partnered with MADD to promote holiday driving safety by distributing free MADD red ribbons and car magnets, including Sea Coast Chevrolet in Wanamassa, Circle BMW in Eatontown, World Volkswagen in Nep-tune, Rassas Pontiac Buick in Red Bank, Freehold Ford in Freehold Township, Irwin Lincoln Mercury in Freehold Township, and Acura of Ocean.

Our sincere thanks to these auto retailers and to all those who “Tie One On for Safety” to help MADD stop drunk driving, support victims of this violent crime, and prevent underage drinking.

Teresa Stevens

state executive director

MADD NJ

Trenton

Resident commends officials for addressing a problem

I would like to thank Marlboro’s Township Council and the administration, with a special thank you to Councilman Joe Pernice and Council-woman Patty Morelli for assisting my family in rectifying a decision that was implemented during the previous administration, which affected my family adversely.

Their genuine concern shows how sincere and how dedicated these two people are in protecting residents’ rights. They listened and “heard” what we had to say, and acted on it.

It is definitely a breath of fresh air (from the previous administration) to know that this council, along with Councilman Pernice and now council President Morelli understand the importance of being fair and thorough in their decisions and viewpoints.

Marlboro should be very proud of these individuals and the work that they have accomplished in establishing an administration that is impartial, honest, trustworthy, believers in residents’ rights, and hard working. They are truly an asset to the township of Marlboro. Keep up the good work.

Janice Nelson

Marlboro