Page 4 Thursday, June 10, 2004 The Westfield Leader and The Scotch Plains – Fanwood TIMES A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION The Publisher’s Note by Horace Corbin ABCDICTIONOPQRSTDECEPTIONUVWXYZ Scotch Plains – Fanwood The Westfield Leader TIMES It’s Time For The Strife In — Established 1890 — — Established 1959— DD The Official Newspaper of the Town of Westfield Official Newspaper of the Borough of Fanwood DDTM and the Township of Scotch Plains Westfield to End Diction Deception Member of: Member of: Last night, I had hoped that the sions with three councilmen Tuesday New Jersey Press Association New Jersey Press Association • National Newspaper Association Below are four arcane words, each National Newspaper Association Scotch Plains Business & Professional Association agenda meeting of the Westfield Town night last week after the meeting (Mr. Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce Council would mark the beginning of a James Foerst, Mr. Andy Skibitsky and with four definitions – only one is cor- Fanwood Business & Professional Association rect. The others are made up. Are you Periodicals – Postage Paid at Westfield, New Jersey Periodicals – Postage Paid at Scotch Plains, New Jersey reconciliation process between the Mr. Mark Ciarrocca); from our reporter’s town government and many of its citi- presence at the meeting, her phone inter- sharp enough to discern this deception of P.O. Box 250 • 251 North Avenue, West P. O. Box 368 diction? Westfield, N.J. 07091 zens – something most of us have view with the mayor and her phone Scotch Plains, N.J. 07076 longed for, for some time. At mini- conversation with Lt. Parizeau of the If you can guess one correctly – good Tele: (908) 232-4407 • E-mail: [email protected] • Web: www.goleader.com • Fax: (908) 232-0473 mum, I had hoped that the town gov- police department the next morning about guess. If you get two – well-read indi- vidual. If you get three – word expert. If POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the offices of the newspapers at ernment would acknowledge fumbling the police report of the event; from my the ball regarding the timing of the phone interview with Mr. Abate that you get all four – You must have a lot of P. O. Box 250, Westfield, New Jersey 07091 arrest of Mr. Jim Abate (Mr. Abate Wednesday morning and from discus- free time! PUBLISHED EVERY THURSDAY BY WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. was arrested after he spoke at last sions with about a dozen others who All words and correct definitions week’s public meeting). attended the meeting. There were many come from the board game Diction Michelle Le Poidevin Horace R. Corbin Fred K. Lecomte Unfortunately, there was no overture e-mails too. Deception. A&E and EDUCATION PUBLISHER MARKETING DIRECTOR of reconciliation. Instead, what appears From what I had learned, it would Answers to last week’s arcane words. Suzette F. Stalker David B. Corbin Michael L. Bartiromo to be a legal defense was initiated – one have been irresponsible of me as pub- 1. Malaise – Physical discomfort be- COMMUNITY ASSISTANT PUBLISHER & SPORTS MARKETING & PRODUCTION of counterattack and denial. Town Ad- lisher to not have said what I did. fore an illness Lauren S. Pass Karen M. Hinds Robert P. Connelly ministrator Jim Gildea got the assign- As an optimist, I believe all this strife 2. Pundonor – A point of honor ASSIGNMENT EDITOR OFFICE MANAGER MANAGER, BUSINESS SYSTEMS ment supported by Police Chief Bernard in the town will be over sometime – but 3. Buntons – Horizontal timbers in a Ben Corbin Tracy. All this, while the mayor and will it be sometime soon? I believe the mine shaft used for support council remained silent. Perhaps this town is plagued by the redevelopment 4. Clem – To starve or die of hunger SUBSCRIPTION PRICE SERVICES was necessary, as Mr. Abate had been pestilence that infects us all – that causes One-year – $28 • Two-year – $52 • Three-year – $76 • One-year college (September to May) – $20 threatening legal action against the town. good men to act in uncharacteristic ways. THEWS Perhaps this was necessary as Council- It must end. 1. Muscular power man Lawrence Goldman is calling for an Councilman Sal Caruana calls for all 2. Lightheartedness; cheerfulness independent investigation of the matter the cards of the redevelopment proposal 3. Horror; terror If Nothing Else, NJ Primary Is as you can read from his letter on page 5. to be put on the table and then to have a 4. Envy; resentment As part of this counterattack, I as referendum (see page 5). I support this. SCLAFF publisher was called irresponsible and It’s way past time for this to end. It’s 1. Brushwood and thorns for making uninformed for having written the criti- time for us to become Westfielders again. and reparing hedges Over and Real Campaigns Begin cal editorial last week in the “official For you, I, Mayor McDermott, Jim 2. Scatter; disperse newspaper of the town.” I can’t let that Gildea, Chief Tracy and all others to be 3. In golf, to scrape a club along the Many may not have noticed, but there was a Sometimes the primaries can be exciting; how- charge stand. able to converse, enjoy one’s company ground before hitting it I was highly informed from discus- and pursue the dreams of the town. 4. Turmoil statewide election Tuesday. Primary elections in ever, both party cores shun those who challenge SCRIMER New Jersey frequently have little meaning for most candidates within their own party. In 2000, 1. A fencing master and this may contribute to the decade-long down- Maryanne Connelly ran in the primary against 2. A penguin Letters to the Editor 3. A maggot ward spiral in voter turnout, even in the most hotly party choice Michael Lapolla and won. She did not 4. Starvation contested elections such as may occur in general receive the full party support for the general elec- GROBIAN elections? tion. Mike Ferguson defeated her. Another example Support for ALS Fund Appreciated 1. A jewler’s gouging tool for work- ing in a depression, as in engraving Many people do not know why they should vote occurred when Bret Schundler ran against Bob metal in the primary election and don’t bother. Unless the Franks in the primary for Governor in 2001. The By Local Scotch Plains Family 2. A monster fetus with the legs fused primary has a contested race or a presidential surprised core Republicans had to rush up from The measure of a man is the legacy their friends. and having one foot he has left to his family, friends and I would like to acknowledge our nomination still undecided, voting is somewhat Frank’s camp in Princeton to congratulate Schundler associates, giving us all strength and neighbors, friends from the commu- superfluous. Also, if you’re not a party member, in East Brunswick. The crowd booed them. instilling us with virtue. Jim Airey nity, recent friends and loyal long- Letters to the Editor you can’t vote unless you sign up to be in the party. Schundler receive little party support in the general passed away on March 27, 2004 from time friends who have been with us More letters Page 5 complications due to ALS. The com- during this journey of illness with Jim, Independents and unaffiliated registered voters find election and lost against McGreevey. mittee of family and friends held a and who supported our fundraising ef- Relative of Vietnam this unacceptable. New Jersey has a way of making politics and very successful softball tournament on forts lovingly and tirelessly. Considered by some a “beauty contest” for party elections exciting. The state is famous for its “bait May 22, 2004. Jim loved to play softball, and in War Soldier Praises Jamie Heywood, Director of the ALC 1997 was on three championship teams, nominations, many of the votes cast in the primary and switch” candidates, regardless of what the Therapy Development Foundation, Comcast, St. Bart’s, and Sour Grapes. U.S. for Spirituality are for uncontested races and have little to no effect primary results were. When Bob Torricelli ap- Cambridge, Massachusetts, a biotech His competitive nature helped him to I’m very grateful for the two pictures on the presidential race. President George Bush is peared to be a sure loser for Senate in 2002 and he company working hard to find a cure cope with the changes, losses and chal- The Westfield Leader sent to me (from for this disease, was in attendance. lenges ALS presented. the dedication of Egan Court in a Republican shoe-in, running unopposed. John withdrew, Democrats dusted off Frank Lautenberg Heywood expressed gratitude for all The championship game this year Mountainside honoring MIA Vietnam Kerry (D-MA) has all but won his party’s nomina- as his replacement past the statutory deadline. It we have done for his foundation. We was won by Comcast, Union County’s War soldier John Egan). tion and won’t require much help defeating Dennis was similar in 2001 when Donald DiFrancesco have raised over $100,000 to date, Over 50 league, managed by Dom Deo I judge it was a poignant, but uplifting with more proceeds expected. of Scotch Plains. This year the team occasion. It reinforces my opinion Kucinich, George Ballard and Lyndon La Rouche, bowed out of the primary for governor and a bill On behalf of Jim’s family and com- placed Jim’s initials and his #10 on the formed during my 1953-54 studies for a the three remaining nominees. was passed to delay the primary a week. Just last mittee members, we would like to thank left sleeve of their shirts. They wore master’s degree at Ohio State University Along with Montana, New Jersey conducts the year, State Senator Joe Sulliga looked like a sure all who participated in the day. The their shirts during the games on Satur- and by visits made and returned ever event was coordinated by Joe and Joyce day, and won after a competitive game since. nation’s last presidential primary, making our state’s loser due to an arrest scandal and he withdrew. Past Locascio, sister of Jim. Joyce was able against “Jimmy’s Kids.” There is a deep sense of spirituality voice even weaker. It begs the question - are Iowa the statutory deadline, Nick Scutari was asked to to obtain donations for all goods and We are all richer for having Jim flourishing at the local level in the United and New Hampshire, states at the forefront of the saddle up as the replacement. Mr. Scutari won. services needed to have a successful touch our lives so poignantly, and now States that is often not perceived or primary election process, as representative and Primaries offer political parties a method to choose event. Thank you: Ray Poerio and the poorer for having lost him. Jim is acknowledged in the world at large. Scotch Plains Recreation Department, missed, but his spirit was evidently John Egan diverse as New Jersey, with the same needs and a candidate when party caucuses cannot achieve Jim Powers and his staff of umpires with us on Saturday, instilling us with England concerns? consensus. It can divide a party and consume who volunteered their time, Coca-Cola courage and providing us with the op- On the presidential election process, the net campaign resources prior to going into the general of North Brunswick, Shop Rite of portunity to raise awareness of ALS. A Watchung, Picture It Trophies, brief memorial service was held at the Residents Thank Tracy effect for New Jersey is, out of 200 million eligible election. Rotondo’s of Clark, Jersey Mike’s Subs park on Saturday, with a release of candidates, by the time of voting, the field is Those who typically vote in the primary are well of Point Pleasant, Merck & Company doves donated by Harry from Kalia’s For Commitment To of Rahway, Flemington Car & Truck, Love Doves of Fords. narrowed down to two candidates. informed when there is a contested primary. It may N.Y. Yankees, Costco of Edison, With humility and gratitude, we of- Making Boulevard Safe Perhaps, if our state primary had a greater impact not be a matter of a blind party line vote, but rather Ampro for team shirts. Thank you to fer our thanks. “The residents of Boulevard in on the outcome of the national election, voters a matter of choosing the candidate with the best the softball teams, including this year’s Susan, Scott and Nicole Airey Westfield, NJ, hereby request the new “Jimmy’s Kids,” comprised of Scotch Plains Westfield Police Force to strictly en- would turn out. Just over 619,000 people voted in chance of winning in the November election. How- Jim’s son Scott, nieces, nephews and force the 25-MPH speed limit on Boule- the June presidential primary in 2000. That means ever, for the average citizen, most simply wait until vard. We are determined to make our 10 percent of New Jersey’s 6,245,000 voting age November. In effect, they can say ‘wake me up neighborhood a safer place for our fami- Resident Speaks Out Against Publisher lies to live and children to play without population voted and 13 percent of New Jersey’s when you find the party rep and then I’ll vote for the constant fear of speeding vehicles 4,710,768 registered voters voted. Would things be that person.’ and accidents.” different if the New Jersey primary were held If nothing else, with the primaries over, the real And ‘Slanted View’ of the Arrest The above petition was signed by 45 While I don’t know you personally, what happened at that meeting regarding households on the 400-700 block of earlier? campaign season begins now. I’m presuming you are an intelligent, the man who was arrested for multiple Boulevard (South Avenue to Grove responsible, educated, sensible, com- traffic violations. Let’s entertain this Street) on the Memorial Day weekend munity-minded individual who just hap- concept – could it be that Captain John this year. Signatures were obtained from Resident Disturbed pens to be the publisher of The Westfield Morgan was, in fact, just doing his job by all residents who were at home and Leader. Now, my question – why would asking an individual who was in viola- presented with the petition. Letters to the Editor By Arrest at Meeting you, in large eye-catching letters, state tion of the law, specifically traffic viola- The petition was read out at the Mr. Corbin, Thank you for the June “Townspeople, the situation in Westfield tions, to come with him? Isn’t Captain Westfield Town Council Meeting on 3 editorial in your paper. I am glad is Very Serious” and follow up with such Morgan in charge of this area? Or maybe June 1. Chief Tracy, the head of the Westfield Resident Asks: Mr. Mayor, that The Leader has a publisher such a slanted view of what happened at the Captain Morgan should have asked per- Westfield Police Force, has responded, as you, with the integrity to speak out Town Council Meeting recently? mission to take this individual into his saying that he and his force are apprecia- on important issues. There is another way of looking at office? tive of the petition publicizing the Please Stop This Awful Process Your quote was excellent and your I would also like to comment on how neighborhood’s commitment and part- Mr. Mayor and Council, I am a 22 This all has the feel of oppression, letter was very well-written. the “tone” of the violations was played nership with the police to stop excessive year resident of Westfield and I have of people who believe they know bet- I too find it very disturbing that Reader Salutes down. Moving violations are serious speeding on Boulevard, and that, in the never in those 22 years seen a project ter than those whom they serve. someone is arrested for minor park- business – they can, and often do, cause future, drivers who break the speed limit and process that has been so divisive. You must stop the intimidation tac- ing/traffic fines immediately after Editorial and Freedom death. Now if you want to talk about will be issued speeding tickets. Now it appears to have reached a new tics of the town officials. You must speaking out at a town meeting about serious stuff – I’d say that’s something On behalf of the concerned residents, level. put this project on hold until we citi- the validity of the parking permit list. Of the Press to consider as “serious.” thank you Chief Tracy. We look forward To have arrested in public people zens have all correct information. This certainly does create a bad im- I salute your recent editorial in The Mr. Corbin, perhaps you should give to partnering with you in making our who are opposed to the parking deck Then we should hold a referendum. pression. Westfield Leader regarding the arrest of more thought to the very powerful use of neighborhood family-safe. — what have we, as a town, and what Clearly, this project has taken on I think that the mayor and the town the deck opponent. As has been men- words. What this community does not Gerry Hickey have you, as our leaders, become? significant importance and deserves a council (with the exception of Mr. tioned countless times, one of the funda- need is someone who is fanning the Westfield The publisher of The Westfield referendum. There should be no rush Caruana) owe the citizens of Westfield mental rights in our great country is the flames of mistrust, dishonesty and disre- Leader is correct. What kind of town to push this project forward. an explanation. freedom of the press. With your edito- spect, especially towards those who are have we become? Please stop this awful current pro- rial, you have demonstrated the power of doing the job of enforcing those laws Parking Committee Thomas Cunniff, Jr. that freedom. that protect us. We want and are entitled To mislead all of us as to how bad cess that is dividing our wonderful Westfield the parking situation really is — what town. Be open. Be fair. Put this project Even if I may not always agree with to responsible reporting, especially from Should Be Formed have we become? on hold until all can understand. your views, your courage in stating what The Westfield Leader. Fake propaganda is being circu- you believe is uplifting. My wife and I And while we’re on the subject, let me Before Decks Built Robert Parker More Letters – Page 5 are firmly against the unnecessary decks assure you that you don’t have to worry lated. We received a flyer that now Westfield I am among the many Westfield citi- turns out to be not true. and the sea change it would create in the about “others fearing to speak out,” they zens concerned about the parking garage character of the town. We are longtime will as they always did. One final and development. I am of the opinion that subscribers to The Leader and will be very important note: Thank you Captain there should be a citizen’s parking com- very happy to continue our patronage! Morgan for doing your job! mittee formed before any garage is built. Quaid Kapadia Kathleen Dawson The fact that there are concerns about Westfield Westfield parking is legitimate, but Westfield does not need more than a tasteful parking garage like what Summit did on Summit Parking Permit Waiting Lists Need Avenue. Definitely, no more housing or retail space is needed. I see “space for rent” signs all the time, as well as numer- To be Accurate Before Building Decks ous businesses that come and go. Also, The most important premise for rede- year’s fee to hold one’s place on the list. our town is not lacking in its array of velopment in Westfield has been solv- A deposit of $200 is a reasonable amount. stores and services. Many valid points ing the commuter parking situation at This fee could be refunded to any indi- have also been brought up, and to my the South Avenue train station lot. The vidual if he or she chooses to be re- knowledge never refuted, regarding ill- town absolutely must develop an accu- moved from the list. This system would used designated parking in the lot be- rate and updated manner in which to not only remove from the list those who hind Blockbuster, etc. on Central Ave. I correctly monitor the waiting list for have moved or no longer want a permit, also have very rarely had to struggle to parking permits for this lot. it will also virtually insure that, when an find a parking space when shopping In the last six weeks, the town has individual moves, he or she will notify downtown, even during the holiday sea- been issuing additional parking permits the town by requesting that his or her son, and even then, I was able to find for this lot and, as a result, the waiting deposit be returned. space in another lot and just had to walk list has fallen from 735 to 635 and the The town should send by registered a little. Big deal! The proposed place- waiting time from four-and-a-half years mail to every individual on the waiting ment of the new garages would mean to three years. All of this has occurred list this deposit request and require that just that anyway. In my opinion, this with only 32 permits having been issued. these deposits be received within 21 whole thing has become blown way out The reason for the discrepancy is the days. If the town lacks the manpower to of proportion and a “dam is being pro- inaccuracy of the list, including duplica- accomplish this, there are citizen groups posed to fix a small leak,” so to say. tions, names of individuals who have that will volunteer to help. The town has Makes me wonder, who is really looking moved and names of individuals who no received $22,400 for the new parking to benefit here? The citizens of Westfield longer need or want a permit and de- permits and can use these funds to fi- who just need a little more parking? clined the opportunity to acquire one nance the registered mailings. Who already have rentals (both retail when asked. The town’s goal is to issue The town must have an accurate up- and residential) sitting on the market an additional 68 permits for this lot. This date of this list. The town cannot embark and overcrowded schools and too much will further reduce the list and will fur- on a $30 million parking garage project traffic? I don’t think so. Can somebody ther shorten the waiting time for permits that would cost $50 million dollars to please remember that we are a small for this lot. finance over 30 years without having town and desire to remain that way? It is essential and urgent that the town rock solid facts upon which to make its Isn’t that one of our main charms and adopt a plan that will insure that this list decision. draws for quality citizens and life? is accurate. A suggestion is to require a Jim Baker Beth Reese deposit that would be applied to the first Westfield Westfield