Freehold resident not linked with Kelsey

It seems to me that Freehold Borough Councilman Marc Le Vine has the unique ability of putting his foot in his mouth when he makes public statements.

I object strenuously to his linking me in any way with Richard Kelsey ("Mayor Is Taking Action to Aid Freehold Borough Residents," News Transcript, Letters to the Editor, Nov. 20, 2007). I think (Kelsey's) meddling in the affairs of Freehold is reprehensible. He has gone out of his way by his words and deeds to divide our city, as if it needs any help in that matter.

From the beginning I tried to find a way to conciliate and compromise the unfortunate situation (in which) Mr. Le Vine and the (PEOPLE) group he founded, the mayor as well as the Borough Council put the city. The business manager and the mayor canceled a meeting that at first they agreed to at the last minute. They refused to talk to us to try to find a way out of the terrible situation they were responsible for.

In short, the PEOPLE group, the council and the mayor tried to starve out, fine, jail and destroy the families of the undocumented individuals in our city.

Fortunately the federal court would not allow this. Since the lawsuit has been settled, my wife and I have tried in our own way to help both the immigrants and several departments of the city.

I am also a frequent visitor at sessions between the Latino Leadership Alliance and the city attorney and one of the councilmen. I have had no affiliation with Casa Freehold for the past two years. I am still a proud member of the MCRIR. I do not receive any compensation at all from any organization. I use my personal resources to attend conferences not only locally, but all over the United States on fostering better relations between the day laborers, their families and the communities they reside in.

Mr. Kelsey has his own agenda and I have mine. I have no desire to meet Mr. Kelsey. I do not agree with him and I resent the fact that Mr. Le Vine tried to tie both of us together. I can't wait until the next election. I will do all in my power to see that Mr. Le Vine does not retain his seat on the council. He shows his true colors every time he opens his mouth.

Tom Baldwin Freehold Borough