Page 4 Thursday, October 27, 2005 The Westfield Leader and The Scotch Plains – Fanwood TIMES A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION ABCDICTIONOPQRSTDECEPTIONUVWXYZ The Scotch Plains – Fanwood Letters to the Editor The Westfield Leader TIMES See more letters on pages 5 & 9 — Established 1890 — — Established 1959— DD The Official Newspaper of the Town of Westfield Official Newspaper of the Borough of Fanwood Westfield United Way Dismayed DDTM Legal Newspaper for Union County, New Jersey and the Township of Scotch Plains Diction Deception Member of: Member of: Over County Solicitation Effort Below are four arcane words, each New Jersey Press Association New Jersey Press Association • National Newspaper Association with four definitions – only one is correct. National Newspaper Association Scotch Plains Business & Professional Association For over 70 years, the Westfield United to assist us in meeting our financial com- The others are made up. Are you sharp Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce Fanwood Business & Professional Association Way has served our local community by mitments to our member agencies. enough to discern this deception of dic- Periodicals – Postage Paid at Westfield, New Jersey Periodicals – Postage Paid at Scotch Plains, New Jersey raising funds to support the significant We realize this second solicitation from tion? P.O. Box 250 • 251 North Avenue, West P. O. Box 368 programs offered by our agencies that the county may be confusing or annoy- If you can guess one correctly – good Westfield, N.J. 07091 Scotch Plains, N.J. 07076 meet the needs of our neighbors. With the ing. We want to assure our Westfield guess. If you get two – well-read indi- hard work of volunteers and the continu- community that contributions to the Tele: (908) 232-4407 • E-mail: [email protected] • Web: www.goleader.com • Fax: (908) 232-0473 vidual. If you get three – word expert. If ing support of Westfield residents, we Westfield United Way will continue to you get all four – You must have a lot of POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the offices of the newspapers at have been able to achieve our fund-rais- provide the support on which our 19 mem- free time! P. O. Box 250, Westfield, New Jersey 07091 ing goals and also raise additional funds ber agencies depend. Just as it has for the All words and correct definitions to address emergent needs such as 9/11 last 70 years, your money will go far but come from the board game Diction Published every Thursday by Watchung Communications, Inc. and hurricane response. not far away. Deception. Paul Peyton Horace R. Corbin Fred K. Lecomte We recently learned, with dismay, that Please feel comfortable calling us at Answers to last week’s arcane words. the United Way of Greater Union County (908) 233-2113 with any questions. Thank ASSIGNMENT EDITOR PUBLISHER MARKETING DIRECTOR 1. Hipparch – An ancient Greek cal- Suzette F. Stalker David B. Corbin Michael L. Bartiromo has sent a solicitation to some Westfield you for your continued support of the vary commander residents. We want to make sure our Westfield United Way. 2. Hilus – In anatomy, a small notch or COMMUNITY ASSISTANT PUBLISHER & SPORTS MARKETING PRODUCTION community understands that the United Michael Pollack Karen M. Hinds Robert P. Connelly Linda Maggio opening where vessels and nerves enter Way of Greater Union County is a sepa- Executive Director an organ EDUCATION & ARTS OFFICE MANAGER OPERATIONS & LEGALS rate organization and does not provide Ben Corbin Westfield United Way 3. Luetic – Syphilitic any money to the Westfield United Way 4. Yurt – A Siberian hut SERVICES SUBSCRIPTION PRICE GOLADAR One-year – $28 • Two-year – $52 • Three-year – $76 • One-year college (September to May) – $20 Westfield Baseball League Leaders 1. In East India, one who has charge of a storehouse 2. An agnostic or non believer Thank Outgoing Board Members 3. A looking glass, small telescope Acting Governor Richard Codey On behalf of the Westfield Baseball Thank you guys, for your dedication to 4. A green vegetable pigment League (WBL), we would like to take this baseball in Westfield. FERDNESS opportunity to thank the outgoing mem- Lastly, we would like to thank Gary 1. Sharpness; eagerness bers from this past year’s board of direc- Fox and Frank Fusaro, our past vice presi- 2. Self-assuredness; certainty Is No Political Lame Duck in N.J. tors. The members are Jay Anderson, dent and president, respectively, for their 3. The state of being afraid who served as our treasurer; Kevin Marino dedication and total commitment to the 4. A state of awkwardness; clumsiness Acting Governor Richard Codey visited the come a lame duck on November 8? as secretary, Jim Reardon as league direc- WBL program. Gary and Frank are stay- FELO-DE-SE tor of the Pony/Mustang League and Greg ing on in different capacities, but their 1. Excessive grief; very sad home of Frank and Janice Fusaro in Westfield The term lame duck originated in England Gradel as equipment/uniform director. leadership will have a lasting effect. Thank 2. Suicide last Friday night at a fundraiser to energize during the 18th century, referring to stockbro- These members donated their time be- you guys, for all you have done for the 3. Care free; relaxed Westfield Democrat candidates seeking elec- kers who went bankrupt and could not pay their tween work and family obligations will- kids of Westfield. 4. A fencing master ingly over the past years and we, along Leo White and Phil Russo CULVERIN tion for municipal office – Tom Jardim for bills. In the mid 1800s, lame duck became a with the 2,500 children who participate in 1. A receptacle for archery implements mayor plus Audrey Fisch, Mr. Fusaro, David political term in the U.S. referring to an elected President and Vice President our program, recognize their hard work. Westfield Baseball League 2. A large vat to hold cloth for bleach- Haas and Tom Bigosinki for council. The official who has lost a re-election (or who chose ing Fusaros’ home was understandably packed not to rerun, or who could not rerun), but contin- 3. A small tub Westfield Y Thanks Firefighters 4. A musket or cannon used in the with an enthusiastic choir desiring to meet the ues to hold office in-between the time of the Middle Ages popular Acting Governor and State Senate election and the time of the inauguration of the For Help With Emergency Flooding Returning Phone Call President. successor. On Saturday, October 8, the Westfield with the crisis throughout the night Satur- Mr. Codey inherited the job by constitutional The term then developed the connotation of Area Y experienced an emergency flood- day and into Sunday morning. May Have Earned Vote decree last year as head of New Jersey govern- one who is unable to move or accomplish any- ing situation at both the main facility and I would also like to personally thank Both mayoral candidates have ideas and – the lower level of the new East Broad the Westfield Fire Department for all proposals for making Westfield a better ment when then Governor James McGreevey thing at all broadly, meaning ineffectual. Street Family Branch due to the extreme their hard work in containing the flooding place to live. The following incident may resigned in disgrace. It was a time of crisis, Besides lame duck, there are many animal weather. on Clark Street, specifically Firefighter tip the scales for me on Election Day. which Mr. Codey forestalled while gaining the terms used in politics. One could be floundering Thanks to the diligence of the staff, Mike Sawicki, Firefighter Kevin Earlier this year, I wrote to the town both problems were caught early, and we McCormack and Lieutenant James government regarding an issue affecting respect of citizens and colleagues. To us and to about, hornswoggled, be a dove (slang for sucker) didn’t sustain any major damage. How- Dannevig. It is because of the dedication my neighborhood. I sent a copy of my many others, Mr. Codey is a down-to-earth, or rooked (swindled, from slang for crow). ever, it took a tremendous amount of and commitment of people like you that letter to each member of the town council, caring, regular guy — easy to talk to and sincere. Lame ducks had no accountability and often manpower to control these situations. the Westfield Area Y continues to build including Andy Skibitsky, to make them I would like to thank the staff of the strong kids, strong families and strong aware of the issue. I also sent a copy to But now, he has only two weeks left in the job were scandalous in voting themselves and friends Westfield Area Y. Many Westfield Area communities. candidate Tom Jardim. I did not receive a before another governor is elected and takes a jackpot of perks. At the federal level, the Y staff and family members offered to Mark Elsasser response from any member of the town over the office in January. “Lame Duck Amendment” of 1934 put a stop to remain in the facility and assist in dealing CEO, Westfield Area Y council. I did, however, receive a tele- phone call from Tom Jardim, who wanted Many lament that Mr. Codey did not run for the practice. As a result today, presumably new to know more about the issue. governor in this election, being overwhelmed at Congress members take office in January, and Former Councilman Disputes Regardless of party affiliation, that the cost to vie in the primary against millionaire their defeated opponents can no longer loot and simple gesture went a long way toward Jon Corzine. But, it is what it is. pillage on their way out. Candidate Jardim’s Tax Claims earning my vote. Given current campaign rhetoric of the con- Many might say that New Jersey needs a lame “There he goes again” - a line made total increase of only 8.6 percent. If the Joe Aronds tenders for governor, Doug Forrester and Mr. duck amendment to apply to everyday affairs of famous by Ronald Reagan when his de- truth be told, Mr. Jardim’s increases were Westfield bate opponent repeated a statement that more than double the rest of the tax bill. Corzine; and given that neither receive a 50 state government. just wasn’t true. This line could have been These municipal tax increases took place Jardim Missed Mark percent favorable view in the polls, there remains From all accounts, including his dealings as used at last week’s Westfield Leader/ even though Mr. Jardim’s municipal bud- concern for the legitimacy or citizen embrace of acting governor over the last year and in meeting League of Women Voters candidates’ gets contained gimmicks such as the use On Over-Development forum to apply to candidate Tom Jardim’s of $2.2 million in money from the town’s I had the opportunity to watch the state government when Mr. Codey relinquishes him in Westfield Friday night as members of the claims about the tax increases while he “Sale of Assets Account,” which is an Mayoral Candidates’ Forum on TV-36. I command. He still retains his position as Senate press, Richard Codey doesn’t have bird flu and was mayor. account that contains money from the was particularly interested in the candi- President though. Does the acting governor be- he’s not a lame duck. Despite the clear and compelling re- sale of town properties. dates’ views on the over-development buttal printed in The Westfield Leader on At the debate, Mr. Jardim mentioned issues. I was happy to hear Mayor October 6, 2005 and irrefutable evidence budget cuts but gave no specifics. Obvi- Skibitsky’s comments that he has taken from both the Union County Tax Office ously, his past record on tax increases action to reduce building height on new and the town’s tax collector’s office, Mr. speaks for itself. In the five years since development. Don’t Scorn Magic of Past Souls; Jardim continues to assert that “taxes Jardim left office, the municipal rate has While I agree that more work needs to went up only 11 percent” while he was increased approximately 6 percent per be done, it is good that action has finally mayor. year. More importantly, during such time been taken. I found Mr. Jardim’s remarks For the record, in 1996, the year before period, the town has been able to keep tax to be disappointing. At one point he stated Have a Happy Halloween Mr. Jardim’s first budget, the tax rate for increases in check despite state aid sub- that over-development was a simple prob- the municipal taxes was 56 cents per stantially decreasing and sharp rises in lem to solve. Later, he stated that, as Although not sanctioned by any government we say – those mired in fright and superstition $100, or $973 on an average house in fixed costs such as health insurance and mayor, he “sat alone and yelled into the calendar, Halloween is a favorite holiday — and darkness as night each year extends over Westfield. In 2000, the fourth year of his pension benefits. wilderness as he tried to get his council colorful and festive. Kids dress up as witches, day; as winter winds howl during the fading fall. term, the tax rate was 70 cents per $100, Being the former chairman of the fi- colleagues to solve the problem.” a 14-cent increase, which resulted in an nance committee for the town, and more I expect a mayor to be a leader, to set skeletons and ghosts, knocking on doors for Are the sounds they heard, calls from spirits; average bill of $1,223 per house or a 25 importantly, a taxpayer, I believe that tax the agenda and to take charge in solving treats – lest tricks and haunts follow. It’s a rite of lonely souls close at hand only during this time percent increase. policy is the most important issue in our problems. He admits that he was unable fall, but strange in that all the fun seems based on of year? Things we seldom listen for today – but If you check with the tax collector’s community and it deserves straightfor- to persuade the council at the time to take office you will see the rate increased from ward, straight talking, well-informed and any action on over-development. I do not the darkside – death, goblins, haunted houses are they still there? 56 to 60, .63, .67 and .70 during those four gimmick-free discussion by the leaders expect that another term as mayor would and horror. Is it a hedonistic legacy or important Ancient cultures divided their calendars ac- years. As many homeowners know, the of this town. It’s easy to stand in the make him any more effective in solving sacrament? cording to the seasons of the year, heavily influ- municipal rate is only about 15 percent of middle of a theater and yell fire. What’s these issues. the total tax bill, with the balance attribut- difficult is to find the solution to the Karen Masciale Where did we learn to put fire in pumpkins, enced by cycles of weather with pastoral mark- able to the county and schools. problem without cutting vital services. Westfield spread fake cobwebs to instill fright, decorate ings taken from the heavens. Astronomy pro- During the four years when Mr. Jardim Matt Albano halls with phony human bones, pipe eerie music vided the accepted wisdom of their time. was in office, the county and school por- Westfield tion increased from $3.26 to $3.54 — a Vote November 8, 2005 into our homes, dress in monstrous costumes We may scoff today and challenge these See: goleader.com/05vote and hope to fly off into the night on broomsticks superstitions. But, is it buried in the DNA of Resident Praises Westfield Police Candidates Public TV Forums Filmed: like evil witches? our souls? How can one tell in looking at the Westfield: TV36 It inspires us to party, to mask what we are and moon tonight or tomorrow night? Was that a Explorers Program for Kids Fanwood: TV35 to honor the strange – hoping to win a prize, but bat or witch flickering by? Is there more to the Hi, my name is Fran Sabino. My daugh- I can’t say enough about these officers Governor (1, 4-yr.) based on what? wind? Does it carry the moans of our ter Chiara, who is 14 years old, has just that my family has now worked with for Jon Corzine (D) Maybe it was the Celts, centuries ago who forefather’s spirits? recently been accepted into the Police several years. More importantly, I can’t Doug Forrester (R) Explorers program this summer. She was stress enough the positive nature of this Jeffrey Pawlowski (L) created this practice, before beliefs existed, as For those that mock, we say spend Halloween extremely excited to do so after complet- program for today’s kids. To hear that this Hector Castillo (Ed) we now like to think of our sophisticated selves. night at Gallows Hill Road by Fairview Cem- ing the Westfield Police Department’s program needs more members or it may State Assembly D-21 (2, 2-yr.) Is it because we’re not so sure of our beliefs etery and your opinions may change. Youth Academy with her sister, Amanda, be terminated is a loss that Westfield Jon Bramnick (R)(I) two years ago. As soon as she turned 14, surely cannot allow. Call the WPD, edu- Eric Munoz (R)(I) today, that we gleefully pay homage to these For others we say, play it safe, don’t scorn the she was itching to be an Explorer and she cate yourself about this program. Steve Merman (D) rites of our roots? magic of souls past. Put on your masks, don cheerfully submitted her application. It would be a terrible program to lose. Bruce Bergen (D) Do we refuse to laugh at the supposed igno- costumes, light jack-o-lanterns and party. At first, I must admit, I thought to Sometimes we pay much more attention State Assembly D-22 (2, 2-yr.) myself, “Wow, she wants to be a cop and to what our kids are wearing and how Linda Stender (D)(I) rance of peoples long ago, those without science Happy Halloween! in today’s world? What happened to be- much that costs, than what they are actu- Jerry Green (D)(I) ing a teacher?” But, now that I’ve been ally doing or who they are doing things Nancy Malool (R) involved with Officers Jason Rodgers with. Our kids are fighting an ongoing Elyse Bochicchio (R) and Frank Ricci, who run this program, I battle against a lot of things in their world Union County Clerk (1, 5-yr.) know that this is so much more than a on a day-to-day basis - Yes, even our Joanne Rajoppi (D)(I) “Come, learn to be a cop” program. Westfield kids. Peer pressure, school pres- Saundra Spector (R) These officers are absolutely fantastic. sure, drugs, alcohol...you name it, it’s out Union County Freeholder (3, 3-yr.) They are on the kids’ level and make this there. Let’s keep this program alive for Angel Estrada (D)(I) a fun learning experience, while learning the sake of our youth and for their better Rick Proctor (D)(I) a lot of very important life-lessons. For and stronger tomorrow. Young man or Nancy Ward (D)(I) example, just this past summer, the Ex- young lady, it doesn’t matter. What mat- Patricia Quattrocchia (R) plorers went tubing. Since then they have ters is on the inside. The will to learn, to Stuart Kline (R) done numerous fun as well as educational respect and to give back. Albert Dill (R) activities, such as: interaction with the We need more programs that keep our Westfield Mayor (1, 4-yr.) SWAT team and fingerprinting young- kids positive and focused. Programs that Andrew Skibitsky (R)(I) sters at the downtown Festifall. give our kids positive role models and Tom Jardim (D) Other weekly activities include: self- help them to deal with everyday perils Westfield Council Ward 1 (1, 4-yr.) defense instruction, first aid, and more. that they face. Indubitably, this is one of Sal Caruana (R)(I) Just read the article in last week’s paper, them. Let’s make every effort within our Audrey Fisch (D) it’s sure to get someone you know moti- means not to lose it. Because if we do, it Westfield Council Ward 2 (1, 4-yr.) vated enough to join. will definitely be at an extreme cost. Vicki Kimmins (R) My daughter chose to be an Explorer Francesca Russo-Sabino Frank Fusaro (D) because she is infatuated with “Law & Westfield Westfield Council Ward 3 (1, 4-yr.) Order SVU.” She loved the idea of inter- Darielle Walsh (R)(I) acting with the FBI, Secret Service, the David Haas (D) K-9 Unit, State Police and such. If you F.M.B.A. Local 30 Westfield Council Ward 4 (1, 4-yr.) know of anyone that loves the idea of Eric Leuthold (R) being part of something positive and fun, Launches Website Thomas Bigosinski (D) this is the program to join. The F.M.B.A. Local No. 30’s website Fanwood Council (2, 3-yr.) Because the officers involved in this will be a vehicle for departmental and Joan Wheeler (D) program are so dedicated, the children community communications, featuring Bruce Walsh (D) are, too. Each teen is given a uniform and acknowledgments, achievements, social Michael D’Antuono (R) is expected to appear at each weekly announcements and upcoming events. Maureen Mawby (R) meeting in correct attire and with the right To our four platoons, we salute our Garwood Council (2, 3-yr.) attitude. Each teen is given a title of officers and fellow firefighters for their William Schadewald (D)(I) command and is expected to uphold its outstanding efforts and their ongoing Walter Tucker (D)(I) importance. It’s a great program, too, willingness and courage. We invite all to Anthony Sytko (R) because it teaches the kids to have respect participate with suggestions and com- Bruce Paterson (R) for their schoolwork as well as for them- ments. Please feel free to visit our website Mountainside Council (2, 3-yr.) selves, because it is necessary for them to at www.fmbalocal30.org. Keith Turner (R)(I) uphold a “C” or better in order to stay with F.M.B.A. Local No 30 President Paul Mirabelli (R)(I) the program. Robert Tarantino, Westfield (I)=Incumbent