Page 4 Thursday, December 14, 2017 The Westfield Leader and The Scotch Plains – Fanwood TIMES A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION ABCDICTIONOPQRSTDECEPTIONUVWXYZ The Westfield Leader The Scotch Plains – Fanwood Letters to the Editor — Established 1890 — TIMES Since 1959 DD Legal Newspaper for the County of Union, Rep. Leonard Lance Votes Against His DDTM and for Westfield, Mountainside, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford and Garwood Diction Deception Members of: N.J. Constituents’ Tax Interests Below are four arcane words, each New Jersey Press Association • National Newspaper Association • Greater Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce Constituents of United States Con- the reconciliation process acknowl- with four definitions – only one is cor- Scotch Plains Business & Professional Association • Fanwood Business & Professional Association rect. The others are made up. Are you gressman Leonard Lance should be edging just how unfairly residents of sharp enough to discern this deception of Periodicals – Postage Paid at Rahway, New Jersey aware that Representative Lance our state are being treated, along with diction? P.O. Box 250 • 251 North Avenue, West voted to proceed with the reconcilia- those on Medicare and Medicaid, If you can guess one correctly – good Westfield, N.J. 07091 tion process for the tax legislation anyone who buys health insurance in guess. If you get two – well-read indi- Tele: (908) 232-4407 • E-mail: [email protected] • Web: www.goleader.com • Fax: (908) 232-0473 between the House and the Senate the private market, those with cata- vidual. If you get three – word expert. If after telling constituents protesting in strophic medical expenses, graduate you get all four – You must have a lot of POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the offices of the newspapers at free time! P. O. Box 250, Westfield, New Jersey 07091 front of his office that he would vote students and those who have student against the heinous piece of legisla- loans, and anyone frankly who doesn’t All words and correct definitions Published every Thursday by Watchung Communications, Inc. tion. have a billion dollars and is named come from the board game Diction Deception. Paul Peyton Horace R. Corbin Jeff Gruman He can rationalize this vote all he . wants, but two Republican represen- Answers to last week’s arcane words. ASSIGNMENT EDITOR PUBLISHER SALES MANAGER Bill Gottdenker 1. Isochroous – Being of equal color Suzette F. Stalker David B. Corbin Michael L. Bartiromo tatives from New Jersey voted against Mountainside throughout COMMUNITY ASSISTANT PUBLISHER & SPORTS MARKETING PRODUCTION 2. Transcolate – To strain or filter Lauren S. Barr Ben Corbin Robert P. Connelly Lance Ensures N.J. Has The Same Tax 3. Thaumaturge – A magician EDUCATION & ARTS SERVICES BUSINESS OPERATIONS 4. Scintillant – Sparkling; glittering Relief Promised to Other States SUBSCRIPTION PRICE www.goleader.com/subscribe SCHNORRER Don’t let the partisan rhetoric fool tee, a fiscally responsible compro- 1. A beggar One-year – $36 • Two-year – $68 • Three-year – $99 you: opposing a conference commit- mise that preserves the full SALT 2. The upper lip or muzzle of a quadru- tee is waving the white flag and ac- dedication and ensures New Jerseyans ped cepting the elimination of the state see the same tax relief promised to 3. A rough or coarse cover for a bed and local tax deduction for New other states. 4. A meal table philosopher What Does Lance’s Vote on Jersey’s taxpayers. And with the recent announcement HAMIROSTRATE 1. Having a broad nose A conference committee is the only that New Jersey’s Senator Bob 2. Having a rounded beak or nose opportunity for members of the New Menendez will be one of seven Demo- 3. Hook-beaked Reconciliation Really Mean? Jersey delegation to broker a com- cratic senators that will negotiate the 4. Having a very long and thin beak promise and keep fighting for Garden final version of the tax legislation in TOPER The battle in Washington over the Republican tax In opposition to that vote, Congresswoman Watson State taxpayers. the conference committee, we have 1. Artistically suited for show or dis- plan has drawn a lot of protests in New Jersey and Coleman said the two GOP tax bills “are in compe- To this end, [I] Congressman an opportunity of making a bad bill play Leonard Lance has teamed up with better for New Jersey. 2. A drunkard New York, and rightly so, as the plan would either tition for the worst option for the American public... 3. Proud; haughty completely eliminate or cap at $10,000 the state and If being in the majority means raising taxes on 82 fellow New Jersey Congressman Josh John Byers Gottheimer and put forth a bipartisan 4. To stumble or stagger local deduction on federal tax returns, among other million Americans, kicking 13 million Americans Chief of Staff for ROUKE proposal to the conference commit- Rep. Leonard Lance (NJ-07) 1. To squat major changes. off health care and adding $1.7 trillion to the debt as 2. Unsubstantial, slight or flimsy Protestors in front of Congressman Leonard victory then they should be ashamed.” Congressman 3. To tunnel Lance’s Westfield office last week accused him of (D-6th) has said the Republican plan For Desirable Westfield Shopping, 4. Reward or merit lying to them by saying he would vote against the “will raise taxes on thousands of New Jerseyans, Improve Our Parking Enforcement legislation, but then voted in favor of reconciliation. while vastly expanding the (national) deficit.” Letters to His office released a statement telling us, in essence, At present, New Jersey — especially Union County Like many, I got a parking ticket in sued at the exact same time that I the lot behind Starbucks. Westfield paid; I couldn’t help but chuckle. the Editor that the process is needed in order to amend the — stands to get hit the hardest if the state and local Parking Enforcement are well-known They kindly dismissed my ticket, for legislation to make the final piece of legislation deduction is eliminated. The New Jersey Society of for their aggressive enforcement tac- which I was thankful. However, the more favorable for New Jersey. His press secretary, CPAs (NJCPA) has warned that “high-tax states like tics, but today’s incident really takes issue we need to address as a town is Truth in Government, John Byers, said Mr. Lance is working with Con- New Jersey would feel the bulk of the impact from the cake. that a person can get a parking ticket gressman , a freshman Democrat this plan.” A poll conducted of its members shows I pay for two hours with my card while waiting to make their payment. A Two-Faced Coin! but the paystation is out of receipt If we want Westfield to be a desir- What is going on in government? It who defeated eight-term Republican Scott Garrett in that more than 70 percent of the 861 certified public paper. Almost an hour later, I’m back able town for shopping, we need to New Jersey’s fifth district in 2016. (Please see Mr. accountants (CPAs) polled in December by the has become a two-faced coin. One and there’s that dreaded fine on my improve our parking enforcement to face states the perils of opioid abuse, Lance’s statement on Page 4.) NJCPA said their individual and family clients in windshield. A call to our municipal prevent these situations from hap- drugs and alcohol. It’s a nationwide In checking the House vote to go to conference New Jersey would face increased taxes due to the court gets me the number to viola- pening. epidemic, yet state after state is legal- committee — a process to iron out differences in Republican tax plans from both the House and the tions. To be fair, the town was helpful. Liam Hughes izing the sale of marijuana for recre- House and Senate bills — we found that of the 12 Senate. It turns out that the ticket was is- Westfield ational use. Even our governor-elect members of New Jersey’s delegation, only three — Moody’s Analytics, according to the website has made his cornerstone of his office I’ll Always Cherish Union County As to legalizing marijuana. Mr. Lance, Congressman slate.com, has said the GOP plan also would “double Aren’t they aware that the use of (R-11th) and Congressman Tom MacArthur (R-3rd) the standard deduction that most Americans claim The Place Where I Grew Up marijuana, a hallucinogenic, could — voted “yes.” The other two Republicans, Frank on their returns each year, which would drastically lead to other drug addictions? So LoBiondo (R-2nd) and Chris Smith (R-4th), voted reduce the number of families who bother to itemize. I’m a member of Mensa who used and thank God I still volunteer for NJ what is it, you the elected officials, do to have a volunteer teaching job at the Schnauzer Rescue Network. “no.” All seven Democrats, including Bonnie Watson- That would render the tax benefits of owning a you want healthy, lucent citizens, or former Woodbridge State School from Decades ago, I read that develop- do you want drug-induced morons Coleman (D-12th), voted “no.” home, such as the mortgage interest deduction, use- 1983 through 1986. I was glad to see a mentally delayed adults tend to be working in government, business and “...Opposing a conference committee is waving less,” leading to a decline in home values. The House lot of fellow customers at Cranford’s punctual employees who can be trained even the military. the white flag and accepting the elimination of the and Senate bills also cap the property-tax deduction former Jersey Green Sports Shop, to do work the rest of us people would Oh, now I get it, this is what you where I bought shoelaces, gloves and find too monotonous. Also, develop- state and local tax deduction for New Jersey’s tax- at $10,000, which will hit New Jersey hard, where socks, and where adults with Down want, a society that you can mold to mentally disabled people tend to be your agenda such as you did in your payers,” said Mr. Byers in a statement addressing around 30 percent pay more than that amount. Syndrome held staff positions. eager to please. My neighbors and I Since I moved from Cranford to crusade against tobacco. You elimi- those who have criticized the Congressman’s vote to Will the GOP tax plan be another “we have to pass are grateful to God that we are not nate all advertising of any tobacco proceed to the reconciliation process. it to see what’s in it” piece of legislation? Lakewood in 2014, my chronological developmentally disabled, and we peers encounter young, unsophisti- know enough to not look down on products whatsoever, you produce cated, cruel, immature people who people who are. Some people in Ocean vulgar and upsetting commercials joke about hurting people who are County are not prejudiced against un- showing smokers with burnt lungs, Communities Coming Together either autistic or mentally retarded, fortunate people. missing teeth, etc. Yet I can go to the and who also joke about hurting I’ll always cherish Union County as corner store and buy a pack of ciga- humble geniuses like myself and some the place where I grew up, developed rettes for $9 and you get your blood To Aid Homeless, Disadvantaged of my friends. values, enjoyed my volunteer teach- money, the tax dollar. Local elders here in South Jersey ing and writing jobs, and my paid Walter Sosnosky Christmas and Chanukah both celebrate miracles, light shelter or other necessities for survival. reassure us that that’s the attitude in librarian positions, and made most of Kenilworth over darkness, and faith handed down from one genera- Various other entities also have been doing their part to parts of Ocean County. Thank God for my friends. Deadlines my roots in Union County, N.J., as a tion to the next over the course of millennia. Yet for those provide lifelines to the most vulnerable members of our Martha McLoughlin General News - Friday 4pm who are homeless, on the brink of homelessness or other- society. Union County libraries, among them those of former Cranford resident and parish- Lakewood, NJ Weekend Sports - Monday 12pm wise facing an uncertain future, a miracle, or a light, that Westfield, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford, Garwood and ioner of St. Anne’s Church in Garwood, Classifieds - Tuesday 12pm will lead them toward a brighter tomorrow may seem very Mountainside, currently are accepting donations of non- Ad Reservation - Friday 4pm elusive. Under these circumstances, it can be challenging perishable food to stock the Community FoodBank of New Ad Submittal - Monday 12pm for some to keep the faith. Jersey and local food pantries. Likewise, congregations and Grant Enables Library To Submittal Formats This holiday season, multiple religious and other orga- civic groups, students and the area business community have Email Photos in color nizations within our local communities are hoping to keep been collecting goods ranging from winter coats and food Email Ads as pdf files in color that faith alive by spearheading activities on behalf of donations to toys to be given as presents to children in need. Acquire Databases For Kids www.goleader.com/help homeless and otherwise struggling individuals and fami- Area organizations that perennially remain at the fore- (Your subscription Renewal Date lies, and to generate greater awareness of their plight, front of efforts to address homelessness are the Elizabeth WESTFIELD — With the monies author profiles and Internet links. that the Westfield Memorial Library Children can watch a streaming and Customer ID are printed on particularly as winter looms. Coalition to House the Homeless, Homefirst, Family Prom- your mailing label.) This Friday through Sunday, December 15 to 17, multi- ise, Community Access Unlimited and Monarch Housing recently was awarded through the 2017 video of any book, as well as read the faith congregations from throughout Union County will Associates, which are among the organizers of this year’s Union County Board of Chosen Free- book, with or without a Read Along participate in the Second Annual Homeless Sabbath Week- Homeless Sabbath Weekend, as well as Bridges, which holders Library Grant, the Youth Ser- option that displays the audio por- end, described as a “call to action” in which participating delivers meals, clothing and other necessities to the home- vices Department was able to pur- tion of the story, with word-by-word houses of worship will highlight homelessness with spe- less in New York City, Newark, Irvington and Summit. chase two new databases for children: highlighting. cial prayers and readings, collections of blankets or other We encourage the residents of all our communities and PebbleGo Biographies and BookFlix. If there is a Spanish-language ver- essentials, as well as through performances or displays. beyond to attend the Homeless Sabbath Weekend events PebbleGo is an award-winning, sion of the book, an “Español” icon Homeless Sabbath Weekend will precede the Homeless and Vigil (see article on page 6), and to support outreach pre-K-3 database for reading and appears above the player. Persons’ Memorial Day Vigil taking place one week from initiatives benefiting the homeless and other at-risk persons research. Simple to navigate, Readers who want to research the today, December 21, the longest night of the year and the year round. By enabling these adults and children to find PebbleGo offers key reading sup- topics further can click “Explore the date on which winter arrives. Beginning at 7 p.m. and shelter and food, clothing and medical care, by preserving ports such as read-along audio and Web” to find age-appropriate Web hosted by the First Presbyterian Church of Cranford, this their dignity and sense of community, we have the potential word-by-word highlighting. links related to the pair topic. program will commemorate the lives of homeless people to bring light and faith back into someone’s life — maybe The Biographies database offers 14 Molly Adams, head of Youth Ser- who died during the past year from not having access to even creating a “miracle” of our own. categories of biographies such as Au- vices, said, “We are excited to offer thors and Artists, Scientists, Hispanic PebbleGo Biographies and BookFlix Americans and Supreme Court Jus- and are very grateful to the Union tices. Each entry has an introduction County Board of Chosen Freehold- and timeline, and covers the individual’s ers for this grant.” early life, life’s work, later years, con- To access the PebbleGo Biogra- tributions and related articles. phies and BookFlix, visit the Westfield BookFlix is an online literacy re- Memorial Library’s website, source that pairs classic video wmlnj.org, click on the Kids tab on storybooks from Weston Woods with the left side column, and select the Join us in providing seasons related nonfiction from Children’s desired database from the list of those greetings to your friends in our Press and other Scholastic imprints. provided by the Union County Board The fiction/nonfiction pairs are of Chosen Freeholders. Christmas newspaper edition, categorized according to nine themes: For more information on library pro- Thursday, December 21. Animals and Nature; Earth and Sky; grams and services, call (908) 789- Family and Community; People and 4090, visit wmlnj.org and sign up for Please fill in the form at Places; Music and Rhyme; ABC’s the monthly e-newsletter, “Library www.goleader.com/christmas and 1’s, 2’s, 3’s; Adventure; Imagina- Loop,” or stop by the library at 550 tion and Celebration. East Broad Street for a copy of its before December 18. Each pair has streaming video, re- award-winning, quarterly newsletter, The Leader/TIMES lated non-fiction, educational games, “Take Note.”

State LD-21 State LD-22 7th Congressional District Sen. , Jr. (R) Sen. Nicholas Scutari (D) Representative Leonard Lance (R) 425 North Ave. E. 1514 E. Saint Georges Ave. 425 North Avenue E., Westfield, NJ 07090 Westfield, N.J. 07090 Linden, N.J. 07036 (908) 518-7733 (908) 232-3673 (908) 587-0404 [Westfield, Mountainside, Garwood, Summit and Cranford Asm. Jon Bramnick (R) Asm. Jim Kennedy (D) are in the 7th Congressional District] 251 North Ave. West 34 E. Cherry St. Westfield, N.J. 07090 Rahway, N.J. 07065 12th Congressional District (908) 232-2073 (732) 943-2660 Rep. (D) Asm. Nancy Munoz (R) Asm. Jerry Green (D) 850 Bear Tavern Road, Suite 201, Ewing, N.J. 08628 57 Union Place, Suite 310 17 Watchung Ave. (609) 883-0026 Summit, N.J. 07901 Plainfield, N.J. 07060 [Fanwood, Plainfield and most of Scotch Plains (908) 918-0414 (908) 561-5757 are in the 12th Congressional District] LD-21 includes Westfield, LD-22 includes Scotch Plains, [email protected], [email protected] Mountainside, Garwood, Fanwood, Plainfield, Clark and [email protected], [email protected] Summit and Cranford. Linden. [email protected], [email protected]