The Westfield Serving the Town Since 1890 Leader USPS 680020 Published OUR 108th YEAR ISSUE NO. 18-99 Periodical Postage Paid at Westfield, N.J. Thursday, May 6, 1999 Every Thursday 232-4407 FIFTY CENTS Westfield Community Steals Spotlight On MSNBCs Lessons of Littleton Special By MICHELLE H. LePOIDEVIN Bridget Murphy, told The Westfield Klebold when they killed their fellow term options, as Union Country Pros- Specially Written for The Westfield Leader Leader that they were anticipating students and teacher that day. He ecutor Thomas V. Manahan has sug- Students, faculty and civil admin- assurance from panelist and Gover- stated that as outcasts, they came gested, stating that students have a istrators arrived at Westfield High nor Christine Todd Whitman, that to a point when they couldnt take it constitutional right to dress up as School (WHS) in streams, weaving changes would be made in New Jer- anymore. they want to. through blinding floodlights, heavy sey to prevent an incident such as the Justin and Bridget revealed that In a pre-show press conference, cables, and security guards to learn a massacre in Littleton, Colorado, on with cliques around WHS, most stu- Governor Whitman urged a thor- lesson from MSNBCs live broad- April 20. dents draw lines because they are ough discussion as to the challenges cast, Lessons of Littleton: A Town The Littleton incident could very scared of the unknown. They added government, students and parents Meeting which was filmed there well happen here, confided Justin. that authorities should take every face, adding that government must last Wednesday evening. You never really know, anything threat seriously in order to protect be a proactive leader and focus on the While waiting in a long line to file could happen. the students. needs of children. into the schools gymnasium, WHS He also wondered what could have Neither Bridget nor Justin would Cheri Rogowsky for The Westfield Leader She encouraged that each New Jersey PANEL OF EXPERTS MSNBC anchorman Tom Brokaw questions panelists, students, Justin DelMonico and motivated Eric Harris and Dylan consider wearing uniforms as long- CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 pictured left to right, former Wyoming Senator Alan Simpson; Larry Pratt, Executive Director of Gun Owners of America; Hugh Price, President of the National Urban League; Dave Thomas, District Attorney for Jefferson County Eva Morton Achieves Philhower Fellowship in Colorado; Governor Christine Todd Whitman, and Secretary of Education Richard Riley during last weeks live telecast. From School Board for Superior Teaching Governing Body Debates By MICHELLE H. LePOIDEVIN Ms. Morton, who is a member of a Specially Written for The Westfield Leader district with 400 teachers, received Pros, Cons of Four-Year Surrounded by admiring students the seventh Philhower Award ever bearing bundles of flowers and en- presented. She was joined by her couragement, Eva Morton received a father, who traveled from Florida; resolution Tuesday from the Westfield her sister from Pennsylvania, two Terms for Mayor, Council Board of Education commending her former teachers who were role mod- receipt of the Charles A. Philhower els, and colleagues. By PAUL J. PEYTON the first time Tuesday night by the Fellowship Award for excellence in Specially Written for The Westfield Leader However, Ms. Morton stated that full council, terms would change to elementary education. she was especially proud to be sup- Being a part-time elected member four years for both council members Board President Darielle Walsh of the Westfield Town Council often ported that evening by her students, and the mayor. read sample quotes from nomina- who told her that in spite of her lack becomes a balancing act between Town Attorney William S. tions for Ms. Morton, a third-grade council business and running for re- of fondness for speechmaking, she Jeremiah, 2nd, noted that any change teacher from Washington Elemen- should just say thank you or say it election, which occurs every two years would not impact current terms of tary School in Westfield, which were for governing body members includ- very slowly to stretch out time. council members. sent in from parents and peers. You know you should all be read- ing the mayor. Any change would require state One parent stated that Ms. Under the current system, each of ing right now, she told them, But, legislation to change the existing Mortons creativity is endless, and Im glad youre not. Youre the rea- the towns four wards has two repre- Town Charter which was granted in that she challenges the children in sentatives elected to staggered two- son Im here right now. This is the the 1960s by state officials. her class while being ever-present in happiest moment of my life. year terms. Mayoral elections are Westfield is one of just 12 commu- their corner. held bi-annually. An educator for more than 30 years, William A. Burke for The Westfield Leader nities in New Jersey with special Another letter indicated that Ms. from 1917 to 1949, Mr. Philhower EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING On Tuesday evening, third grade Washing- Faced with that fact, Third Ward charters. Mr. Jeremiah said it would Mortons responsibilities extend be- ton Elementary School teacher, Eva Morton, was awarded the Charles A. Councilman Lawrence A. Goldman, also served as Superintendent of be unrealistic to expect that pro- yond the classroom, as she helps her Schools in Westfield. He was a co- Philhower Fellowship Award of the Westfield Rotary Club by the Westfield who chairs the Laws and Rules Com- cess to be completed this year. students adjust to life and various Board of Education. Pictured, left to right, are: Eva Morton; back, Principal mittee, has proposed a change in the founder and Past President of the Connie ODell; Ms. Mortons sister, Lisa Bruce; and her father, Norman Councilman Goldman said he be- situations. CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 Town Charter to move away from the lieves the current system causes pos- Morton. current system that cause half of the turing by council members who need eight council seats to be up for elec- to push for credit on certain issues to Need to Junk Heavy Old Appliances or Tires? tion each year. assist them in their re-election bids. Under his proposal considered for CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 Give Towns Curbside Bulk Waste Program a Shot By PAUL J. PEYTON a resident fills out the application according to Mr. Marsh. generated by a contractor, car batter- Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and purchases the $50 permit, an It (the program) actually has done ies, tree stumps and vegetative waste, Trying to unload an old refrigera- amount which is good for disposing very well over the past few years. We junked vehicles and/or car parts, tor, hot water heater, tires or an old of up to 750 pounds of material. dont expect to see much change motor oil, food waste and household lawn mower? Mr. Marsh said roughly 1,000 per- from last year, said Councilman garbage, explosive or flammable Well, youre in luck, because the mits are sold each year, noting that if McDermott. materials, excessive weight items Town of Westfield will hold its an- the town were to sale 2,000 permits, On each application, a homeowner such as pianos, pool tables and oil nual spring bulky waste cleanup start- strong consideration would have to must identify the types of they intend tanks. Glass bottles, aluminum cans ing May 24 and running through be given to reduce the cost of the to dispose. Estimated weights are and newspapers, all of which are June 18. permits. included to add up to the maximum included in the towns recycling pro- As usual, the program will be done A resident may share the cost with allowed under the program. gram, are also prohibited. by ward. a neighbor. Acceptable materials that can be The Union County Utilities Au- All information on the pickup, in- This can be a cooperative effort dumped include: appliances, TV sets, thority runs separate programs, en- cluding registration forms, has been between two or three neighbors, said furniture, carpeting and matting, titled Special Waste Days, for mailed to all households. First Ward Councilman Gregory S. lawn furniture, old books, non-riding paints, aerosol cans and other solids. For the cost of $50, residents can McDermott, who heads the Town lawnmowers and snowblowers, toys, The UCUA also holds a de-manu- dump up to 750 pounds of materials. Councils Solid waste Committee. old doors, windows, screens, hot facturing collection program for Town Engineer and Director Pub- All registration forms should be water heaters and tools. electronic products such as computer William A. Burke for The Westfield Leader lic Works, Kenneth B. Marsh, noted brought to the Public Works Center, Residents may not dump pesticides, and computer keyboards. RALLYING FOR HUNGER AWARENESS...The weather cooperated last that permit fees have dropped $15 959 North Avenue since all mailed paint and paint thinners, pool chemi- Residents can begin putting items Sunday for the seventh annual Rally Walk to End Local Hunger, held at since the program was first instituted applications must have been received cals, hazardous materials, gas or pro- at curbside the Saturday before the Mindowaskin Park in Westfield. The event is sponsored by the Coalition for in 1994. Hunger Awareness of Union and Somerset Counties, an interfaith group of by Friday, May 7. Forms were mailed pane canisters/fuel tanks, riding collection in their ward is to begin. congregations, non-profit and civic groups. The program works this way: first several weeks ago to all households, mowers, construction materials as All items must be placed in front of homes by 7 a.m.