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NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR THE RESIDENTS OF SUMMIT, BERKELEY HEIGHTS AND NEW PROVIDENCE

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Letters to the Editor, November 2007

November 29, 2007

UNION COUNTY-BERKELEY HEIGHTS AND STANFORD DR.

Dear Editor

Now that a significant election has been concluded in Berkeley Heights, we wonder if the County of Union will take notice! Do they know that Berkeley Heights has an enlightened voter base that can see through “politics as usual”? The voters saw the governing (controlling) body of 2007 take mostly unanimous action against the will of a huge number of residents. The resident reasons were of course unclear but resoundingly against ill-devised ordinances and poorly communicated plans, especially about Stanford Dr. and large sums of money.

People in Berkeley Heights want more say in how $10 million dollars is spent even when the concepts appear noble in general. People in Berkeley Heights also read history and know about Trojan Horses and Greeks bearing gifts. So they want a say in what Union County plans for Stanford Dr.’s entire 17.1 acres not a handout pittance and unsupported verbal description.

I hope that we will soon see some or all of the following clarified and presented in writing by our County officials:

The factual basis for the plan for athletic fields and parking lots
The rationale for division of the land (after all this isn’t Iraq early in the 20^th century when the colonial powers drew the boundary lines)
Opinion surveys that support the actions proposed
Minutes of meetings held by the Freeholders internally and relevant resolutions and ordinances
Minutes of meetings held with Berkeley Heights Township officials, if held
Negotiating basis between the two buying parties for the purchase contract for Stanford Drive and what were issues that were rejected if any.

The residents know there were significant public discussions as recently as the 2003, 2005 and 2006 election cycles when residents were expressing views on how to effectively use the entire 17.1 acres. I don’t see any of that thinking and discussion in the current plan or plans of either the County or the Township. Now that the land will be divided and jointly owned and operated, it only seems appropriate to truly discuss the usage in a way that benefits the majority of both entities. Berkeley Heights’ residents have also not been informed of the operating costs they will be responsible for.

At the risk of being accused of “too arbitrary”, it wouldn’t be a bad idea for Union County to step back and donate the land into the complete control of Berkeley Heights. We do have a related referendum scheduled for November 2008 or hopefully sooner and the residents deserve to have all the information that might bear on their vote. The County would still be consistent with the allocation of their money portion and the source from our property taxes over the years if they truly helped us by letting us make our own decisions.

Councilman John C. Bonacci

Berkeley Heights

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November 28, 2007

Dear Editor,

Earlier this week Berkeley Heights received a letter from the Department of Environmental Protection deeming Stanford Drive remediation done. They await payment before issuing a final letter.

Tom Pirone
Berkeley Heights

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November 27, 2007

Dear Editor,

Since this has been one of my concerns in town, I was compelled to write. The Town Committee (old regime) was all set to build a public lot between Summit Federal Bank and what was Tee Bag and now is Grizzly's. My research into this lot led to its demise.

First, it was a bad location (on a curve in the road) and too narrow. Second you cannot cross Springfield Ave. there (no crosswalk and not a sufficient location for one). That made it only useful to stores on the north side of the road. Third, the only buildings that it would benefit from it would be the twin towers across from the movie theater. One owner, Mr. Tokash paid many thousand (poss. $17,000) to lease spaces in this lot. The main problem with that is that the lot would have cost between $500,000-800,000 to build.

I see no reason in the world why the taxpayers should have to spend any money so builders can build huge buildings without sufficient parking! The builders get rich and we pay the price! The township should only allow construction with more than ample parking and then there would be no need for a public lot.

Ed Delia
Berkeley Heights, NJ

Agree or disagree with an item posted on The Alternative Press? Spot an inaccuracy? Want to write your own take on an issue? The Alternative Press welcomes all residents to submit letters to the editor or Opinion pieces at letters@thealternativepress.com

November 16, 2007

GOP County Candidates Thank You

Dear Editor,

Thank you to all of the volunteers who helped us during our campaign; your hard work and belief in us is what gave us the energy to press forward each day. We wish to especially thank our families, because without their patience and understanding we would not have been able to give the time that is necessary to campaign county-wide.

But most importantly; a resounding “Thank You” to the voters of Union County who graciously came out and supported us on Election Day. Though not quite able to secure seats on the UC Board of Chosen Freeholders we know that our message of “Good Government” did not fall on deaf ears and trust that the residents of Union County will continue to challenge the winners to pursue fiscal responsibility and fairness in all that they do.

Finally we wish all of those who were successful on all levels, for all elected offices good luck and God speed as you go about the business of government for the benefit of all the good residents of Union County.

Sincerely,

Patricia Quattrocchi, John Russitano and Robert Reilly, GOP Candidates for Union County Freeholder

November 13, 2007

Taking Back Our Town

Dear Editor:

With the successful outcome of Independent candidates John Bonacci and Gerry Nelson for Township Council, followed by the immediately announced resignation of Township Administrator DeVanney - Berkeley Heights is indeed taking back our town.

Piece by piece, the Union County political machine that invaded our town, yes folks – the same one that cooked up our new form of government, put in our elected mayor and administrator and continues to deny the public from gaining access to televised meetings, transparency, ethics and public decorum and respect for its citizens and employees - finally is being called out, found out and thrown out.

Remember that Councilman-elect John Bonacci was refused the Democratic Party line in this election after successfully winning last year and being renominated by the Municipal Chairman, Tom Battaglia. He was told by Mr. Battaglia that his recommendation was denied by the County Democratic Chairperson, Charlotte DeFelippo. This is a matter of public record. Charlotte DeFelippo is now under investigation.

Remember the mayhem created to prevent the public from voting in last year’s write-in mayoral election? There are over 57 complaints filed with the Federal, State and Local Investigative Authorities involving violations of civil rights and possible criminal activities due to county and local interference in that election. The Roselle election is also under active investigation.

Please stay involved, get involved and pay attention to what’s really happening in our town. The recent petition drive is a great example of the people making their government pay attention and account for their actions. With the new shift of power on the dais a new light has shined on Berkeley Heights.

As for the remaining incumbents - do the right thing, the right way, for the right reason - or get out. The public you serve under this new government also has the right of recall.

Joanmarie Nolan-Miller

Berkeley Heights, NJ

November 12, 2007

Don’t You Worry, Mr. Pirone, They Get It

Dear Editor:

In response to “congratulations” from Messrs. Pirone and Hall:

How gallant of you, Mr. Pirone, to offer your congratulations to John Bonacci and Jerry Nelson on their victory. It’s unfortunate that you did not exhibit that same gallantry toward them during the two debates and your statements in the press. Your nasty attacks on both candidates cost you the election; hopefully you will learn a lesson from that. We know that you’re a good student; you’ve emulated some of your colleagues and associates well during the last year. People don’t like bullies, Mr. Pirone; most children know it’s wrong to be one.

Even in defeat, you pretend to be gracious, but instead are condescending when you say, “…we trust that our newly elected officials appreciate the complexity of the issues….” Obviously, the Berkeley Heights electorate trusts that they do. That’s why Mr. Bonacci and Mr. Nelson won the election.

And actually, there is no issue so complex that it cannot be explained to the public with simple honesty. As a result of this election, we will have more of that now.

This election also serves notice to any elected official, township employee or citizen who continues to use bullying, harassment, intimidation or misuse of public office to achieve their goals in Berkeley Heights. Indeed, some may still face charges for their behavior or abrogating their oath of office. Never again will we tolerate what we have been forced to live with for the last two years. That era is over for good.

Rosemary Hazan

Berkeley Heights, NJ

November 11, 2007

THANK YOU BERKELEY HEIGHTS

Dear Editor:

The campaign and the election are over and now we must get on with the work of the Council necessary to our town. We do have to reflect, however, on what the recent election meant, what was done and by whom. Resident voters who care very much about Berkeley Heights and who want to balance our governing body made this election very significant with an unexpected turnout for a so-called off year (no Statewide or national head of ticket) and a one of a kind result for John Bonacci and Jerry Nelson. How often have Independent candidates running against both major political parties ever received a vote like this? We are happy to be the ones and expect we will do what you elected us to do.

There are many people to thank: bear with me. I’ll start with my wife Annette, son-in-law DJ Camerson, our whole family and especially my daughter JoAnne Bonacci, esq. JoAnne, as a campaign manager and person of the highest integrity, earned the respect of everyone on our diverse team with her tireless effort and sharp perspective. She pulled us all together from day one and especially in the last most important weeks, quite a strategist and tactician. Others in Town should look for an opportunity to meet her. I am more proud of her than anything I might have done in the past year in office and can say no more in this venue.

Team supporters included co-campaign chairman Louis DiPasquale, Vito Mondelli, Elna and Murray Robbins, Ed Delia, Karen and Howard Searle, John and Joan Miller, the Hlavaceks, Vince Bury, Chuck and Carmella Imbimbo, Dan Paladino, the Matulas, Larry McDonald, the Valinotis, Bob Good, Jackie Testa, Val Weinstock, Diane Ficacci, the Pratts, the Manganelli’s, Pat Bartiromo & family, Alexandra Chirinos, Delatours, Hannemans and Schleimers, Helen Gabarra, Catherine Solfaro, Lori Nelson, Rose Hazan, Maria Neglio and Monika, Ana and Eli on JoAnne’s select team and all those who participated with signs (ah, those signs, especially Eddie’s) and those who signed the nominating petition or we wouldn’t have been on the ballot and too many others to continue to name (please call me if I missed you). Of course we had a terrific running mate Jerry Nelson and his wife Judy, their family and friends and his direct campaign chairperson who is a great team supporter, Linda Ruedisueli.

To the voters who nominated us by petition so that we were on the ballot and all residents regardless of how you voted, I will do the work: you keep after me and help me stay on track. I hope to be writing a column again also. Again, thank all of you so much.

Councilman John C. Bonacci

Berkeley Heights

November 11, 2007

Editor’s Note: The following letter was sent to the Star-Ledger regarding its coverage of Union County politics. The Alternative Press is republishing it since it was forwarded to The Alternative Press by John Miller with a request that we publish it. The Alternative Press obtained the permission of Tina Renna, the author of the original letter, to do so.

The Purpose of a Newspaper

Dear Editor:

If I could have said it better, I would, but I cannot, so please print this "Letter to the Editor"

as my Letter to you.

John Miller

Berkeley Heights, NJ

Dear Editor:

In your article regarding State officials opening an investigation into matters involving some of Union County's most powerful Democrats, the Star-Ledger left out the fact that you learned of the investigation at least two weeks prior to your reporting it. The Ledger describes the main figure in the probe, Charlotte DeFilippo, as "a towering political figure in Union County, where Democrats dominate most town councils and have held a 9-0 lock on the freeholder board since 1997. She does not hold elected office. But as head of the county committee, DeFilippo hand-picks the Democratic candidates for freeholder, mayor and council in the county."

The Star-Ledger is the only daily newspaper in Union County and it chose to keep this news regarding a central figure that largely controls their government from its readers until after Election Day. When a newspaper suppresses news as to effect an election it is no longer of service to its readers or a tool of democracy. As a local government watchdog, I have to doubt the usefulness of your papers service. Is every story censored by the dominant political party before you print it? Going forward can we ever trust you are reporting all the facts in a timely manner?

“A newspaper exists only to provide information for its readers; it has no other reason for being. It provides that service only so long as it diligently seeks out what is happening and reports it as accurately and as clearly as it can.... And when a newspaper begins to suppress that news, whether at the behest of its advertisers or on pleas from special segments, it will soon cease to be of any service either to its advertisers or to business because it will soon cease to have readers.”

The Wall Street Journal, editorial June 16, 1954

As an aside: I've been a government watchdog here in Union County reluctantly for over three years now. I founded the UCWA because of the Star-Ledger. I can tell you that your paper ignores Union County government. Although the freeholders have a 400-million dollar budget and commands almost 1/4 of our property tax bills, and is largely in charge of over 250,000 households public safety, the Ledger does not send reporters to freeholder meetings on a regular basis, but relies heavily on the county's public information department for its county news.

Investigative reporting at the county level of government is practically nonexistent here. Increasingly, the media's failure to provide diverse viewpoints and unbiased information as well as exposing government practices has undermined the strength of our democracy. Union County government is spending more on Public Information Department salaries than any other county in the state because the media allows them to manipulate them. I attended a freeholder meeting last night and during public comment mentioned the subpoenas that were issued and the fact that the Star-Ledger chose to suppress the news until after Election Day, I wish you all, and especially Mr. Willse, could have seen the smiles on all faces of the 9 freeholders, and the appointed county manager who is Senator Raymond Lesniak's nephew. The larger story here is that The Star-Ledger suppressed the news until after Election Day. Shame on you.

Tina Renna

President Union County Watchdog Association

Cranford, New Jersey

November 10, 2007

Dear Editor:

Where does one even begin to thank all of the wonderful people who helped get John and me elected? There were so many little things that helped me through each day. People who would just say we appreciate what you are trying to do. To those of you I say, “You might have made the difference, your words of encouragement, on that specific day, might have just kept me from giving up.” It is so humbling that there were just so many people who contributed in so many different ways.

Well, actually beginning is easy.

I have to start with my bride of 38 years, Judith. Through the last four months she lived through my; mood swings, anger, frustration, despair and over all poor behavior, with complete compassion. In reflection I don’t know how she did it. Thank you, Judith.

John Bonacci never wavered in these four months. He worked tirelessly for what he believed in. He made decisions based on what he believed in and not of what would be politically expedient. He was always there for me. John was helpful and never let me down.

Linda Reudisueli not only worked tirelessly, she made me work tirelessly and because she lived next door put up with my unusual behavior. On the down days she was always there for me.

And to Lori Nelson and Catherine who were there with me for the darker hours, thank you,

JoAnne Bonacci did everything and then some. Not only did she counsel she cheered, consoled, printed, wrote, edited, researched and even tried to explain her father’s behavior. I could not have done this without JoAnne.

Then there were our polling place challengers. How do you adequately thank some one who gave up a whole day sitting in a back room “just in case”. Your sacrifice was deeply appreciated.

To the other candidates; I know what you went through and I thank you for caring enough for our town to make the effort. I hope you remain involved and help make our town a friendlier place to live.

To the voters, almost, 40%, wow. What a great start. Thanks to all of you, especially those of you who voted for John and me.

To those who chose not to vote, c’mon, get involved there is a lot going on. Take a stand and help make this town what the majority of residents’ desire.

Jerry Nelson

Berkeley Heights, NJ

November 9, 2007

On My Retirement from Partisan Politics

Dear Editor:

As many of you know, four years ago I decided to see how local politics really operates and became Chairman of the New Providence Democratic Party in New Jersey. New Providence had not elected a Democrat in nearly fifty years. I promised to serve a maximum of four years as Chairman and, keeping to my promise, I retired on November 7, 2007. I now no longer serve in any political capacity and am thus able to devote my full energies to my family, work and The Alternative Press.

We have made significant progress for the residents of New Providence during the past four years. When I first became Chairman, we announced a platform of openness, accountability and transparency and, during the past four years, have seen our issues take center stage and many of our proposals later adopted by the Council. We proposed ethics reform, including "Pay to Play," which limited the influence of campaign contributions on governmental decision-making. This was later adopted by the Council. We championed competitive bidding for contracts, which is in the process of being adopted by the Council this year. We proposed televised Council meetings, which are slated to occur in 2008. One of many lessons I learned through this experience is that on the local level, a nonpartisan agenda that is focused on creating a more responsive and responsible government can both advance positive change as well as develop a base of support for any political party. Given the nonpartisan agenda we developed in New Providence and our success in such a short period of time, local political parties of all partisan affiliations should consider such an agenda in their towns.

We have also made significant strides in creating a viable alternative for voters in New Providence, where Republicans outnumber Democrats by more than a 3-to-1 margin. During the past four years, our average meeting attendance has more than quadrupled and our active membership that could be counted on one hand when I started as Chair, today is over a hundred. We have proven that the Democratic Party can be viable in New Providence and we have fielded solid slates of local candidates each year. Through this experience, I also learned that with hard work, patience, and grassroots activity, a minority party in any town in New Jersey can have a voice and eventually be in a position to elect representatives to the local governing body.

While we have accomplished a great deal, there is more work yet to be done. This has been left in the capable hands of our next Chairperson. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the residents of New Providence and I thank them for the opportunity to do so.

Michael Shapiro

New Providence, New Jersey

November 8, 2007

To the Editor & Citizens of Berkeley Heights:

We offer our thanks and appreciation to all those who share our vision for the future of Berkeley Heights and supported us during this years’ campaign. Though optimistic, we trust that our newly elected officials appreciate the complexity of the issues that will be confronting the community over the next several years and understanding that their actions will have a material and long term impact on the town’s economic growth and social development.

We congratulate both John Bonacci and Jerry Nelson on their victory and ask the town’s residents and community leaders to support the Town Council going forward. We also express our admiration for our democratic opponents Lisa Smith and Howard Geminder for the commitment to Berkeley Heights and desire to take an active role in managing its growth.

Lastly, we would like to give special thanks to Bob Miller for his guidance and leadership through out the campaign process.

Thank you,

Thomas Pirone & Kevin Hall

November 6, 2007

Dear Editor:

I would like to respond to Bob Miller’s letter regarding wily politicians. Mr. Miller asks the question: “When can a politician tell an untruth and make it seem like he’s telling the truth?”

Answer : When he’s Mr. Pirone at the Taxpayer Association’s debate and tells the public

“Yes, I am positive we can put a shovel in the ground tomorrow.” (at Stanford

Drive) “I mean I think we can. No, I am positive.”

The truth is that the Department of Environmental Protection has yet to pronounce the Stanford Drive site to be free of contamination. Since papers were only filed with them in October, who knows how long it will be until a shovel can be put in the ground, if ever?

Mr. Miller, it’s actually the politician that you support who’s the wily one. He made a little untruth into a very large untruth. And this untruth deals with a contaminated site that you want our children to play on. That sounds not only wily, but irresponsible to me.

Rosemary Hazan

Berkeley Heights, NJ

November 5, 2007

Dear Editor:

A matter of public record

Both the Town Council audio recording and meeting minutes show - March 12th Bonacci abstained on: American Red Cross Month and raffle licenses for Mount Carmel and Governor Livingston. January 23rd Bonacci voted no on the steep slope ordinance. All votes are a matter of public record.

Tom Pirone

Berkeley Heights

Dear Editor:

I am writing in response to information contained in the article entitled, “Clerk ignores counsel regarding petition”, which appeared in the Oct. 31, 2007 edition of the Independent Press. It seems to me that the clerk was right to ignore counsel and council.

The Town Clerk, Patricia Rapach, is under no legal obligation to take the advice of the Township Attorney, Thomas Scrivo. She should also not be questioned at a public meeting or a public hearing by the township council, as suggested by several of our citizens.

The law regarding the town clerk’s statutory duty, states that the clerk as….”the Chief Administrative Officer of all elections in the municipality….exercises quasi-judicial authority in determining the validity of petitions.”

Indeed, it was Mr. Scrivo himself, who said at the October 9, 2007 Township Committee meeting, “…Mayor. Um, as the law is written, the clerk is really the person who has the function of reviewing the petitions, checking the signatures, ensuring that they are registered voters….Patty is working extremely hard on reviewing these signatures, and doing the most diligent job possible carrying out her statutory functions, and if there are any such issues, then they should be directed to the clerk…..It’s not for this council, the Mayor, or anyone, to influence the clerk in that decision that is solely her discretion…it is her decision.”

As an innocent observer, it would seem to me unethical, as well, for Ms. Rapach to heed advice from Mr. Scrivo, since he represents the mayor and town council. The motive of the mayor and three council members is to eliminate the petition so that their ordinance stands.

Indeed, at that same October 9^th meeting, at 9:34:17 pm, Mayor David Cohen said, “Those who circulated the petition should reconsider and withdraw the petition immediately, so as not to affect the public safety of the community.” Later, contradicting himself, Mayor Cohen tells a resident, “….we are more than adequately protected in the event of a fire.” These seemingly oppositional statements reference fire trucks asked for in the $10 million bond.

It is township policy not to discuss employees or their actions in public. Often, that is the council’s given reason for retiring to “executive session”. Mayor Cohen, Ms. Perna, Mr.Pirone, and Mr. Bruno violated their own policy by voting to make public Mr. Scrivo’s memorandum to the township council about Ms. Rapach’s actions in regard to the petition. They then continued to discuss Ms. Rapach, a fourteen year employee of the town, at a public meeting when she was not there to defend her actions.

On the other hand, council members John Bonacci, Thomas Battaglia and Louis DiPasquale voted to abide by the policy not to discuss employees publicly. They voted to respect Ms.Rapach’s rightful authority as the sole determiner of a petition’s validity, and her right to privacy.

According to the Union County Clerk’s office, no name is to be removed from a petition, unless there is a judge’s court order to do so. I wonder if Captain Andrew Moran and Arthur Barbera knew that rule when, as PAL representatives, they sent blue postcards targeting only the population that signed the petition. The postcard indicated that if the signer felt that they were “…misled or not fully informed….and wish to have your name removed, please email the township clerk immediately. Did they know that rule when they attended a senior citizen’s social club, with the approval of the club’s president, Regina Hague? There they told the seniors that if they signed the petition it meant that they were saying yes to a community center, also asked for in the $10 million bond. The header of the petition clearly states that by signing the petition, the signer was agreeing that the $10 million bond should go to a referendum, indicating their endorsement of the fundamental right to vote. If someone is confused by the wording of a petition they should not sign it. The law states that citizen’s have the right to petition that an ordinance go to a referendum.

Again, as an innocent bystander, it appears that they were purposely trying to mislead and confuse the senior citizens. In any case, why is a police captain, who is a township employee and a vice-president of the PAL (a non-profit organization that depends on donations from the public) attending a senior social club, giving them unsolicited advice on a political issue?

I discussed the incident with Captain Moran during a break at the October 23^rd meeting. He asked me why I would sign the petition to bring the bond to a referendum if I would vote yes anyway. I responded that I believe that democracy and the right to vote are more important than any issue; that it is important for everyone’s voice to be heard. He seemed puzzled by that answer.

At this same public meeting, David Ronner called for the council to hold a public hearing to question Ms. Rapach on her decision. He said, “She was advised not to certify, but she still did.” He called for a public hearing. Another one not familiar with the statutes; maybe this is a clue to why he is now “former Councilman Ronner.” Mr. Ronner, we live in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey in the present, not in the Salem, Massachusetts of 350 years ago, where the last of 19 innocent victims was hung.

Arthur Barbera, President of the PAL, stated that, “The clerk has acted negligently.”

Mr. Barbera, you too should check the statutes before you make an accusation like that. He also called for a public hearing.

I am still not sure why Robert Woodruff, seemed to have knowledge of Mr.Scrivo’s memorandum to the township council before they, by a majority of 4-3, voted publicly to release the information to the public. That’s a letter for another day.

One thing I am sure of, is that Mr. Scrivo, Mayor Cohen, Elaine Perna,

Thomas Pirone and Joseph Bruno, David Ronner Robert Woodruff, Ruth Hague, Captain Moran and Arthur Barbera owe Ms. Rapach a public apology at the next township committee meeting, on Wed. Nov. 7^th.

Rosemary Hazan

Berkeley Heights, NJ

Dear Editor:

I would like to respond to Mr. Donohue’s letter, where he uses the word “integrity” as the best way to summarize Councilman Thomas Pirone.

At the Taxpayer Association Debate, a citizen and Mr. Pirone had the following public exchange:

Citizen: “There has been a lot of talk about Stanford Drive and the timing of the project. There are a lot of crazy emails circulating by special interest groups about the urgency of this project. However, since the site was contaminated, has the Department of Environmental Protection given the necessary approvals to immediately begin construction at the site? Can we put a shovel in the ground tomorrow if there were no other issues?”

Mr. Pirone: “Yes. I am positive we can put a shovel in the ground tomorrow. I mean I think we can. No, I am positive.”

Citizen: “So are you positive, or you just believe you can?

Pirone: “I think we can.”

Before the October 23^rd Town Council meeting Mr. Pirone approached this citizen privately and they had the following exchange:

Pirone:“Yesterday I made a mistake.”

Citizen: “I know that you did.”

Pirone: “Application for approvals were filed, so it’s just a matter of a short time- it’s pro forma at this point, and it will be very soon.”

Citizen: But you didn’t file until October, correct?”

Pirone had no response to this and walked away.

Interestingly, Mr. Pirone never made a public statement about his “mistake”.

Mr. Donohue, you might want to recheck the definition of “integrity”.

Rosemary Hazan

Berkeley Heights, NJ

November 4, 2007

Dear Editor:

When can a politician tell an untruth and make it seem like he’s telling the truth. When he’s a wily politician a little truth can be made to seem like a large truth. Most certainly Mr. Bonacci is a wily politician. Mr. Bonacci’s recent letter to the editor of The Alternative Press is a prime example of mixing in a little truth to hide his real actions.

q Mr. Bonacci often votes to abstain at the Berkeley Heights Council meetings.

q He explained in great detail at the League of Women Voters debate how this increased his political power.

q Mr. Bonacci also knows his Roberts Rules of Order.

q In Roberts Rules an Abstention Vote is recorded as a vote with the majority in the minutes.

q To cast no vote you must vote “Present”. Voting Choices include Yes, No, Abstain and Present.

q The Township Attorney explained this at a meeting attended by Mr. Bonacci.

q Mr. Bonacci’s letter doesn’t talk about his actions but talks about the minutes. Ahhh, a wily politician.

I have the greatest respect for those citizens who give up their time and family to serve the Township. But, I think Mr. Bonacci has provided us with a Bill Clinton moment. It all depends on what the definition of it, is.

Bob Miller

Berkeley Heights

Editor’s Note: Bob Miller is the Campaign Manager for Tom Pirone and Kevin Hall.

Re-Elect Tom Pirone for Council

Dear Editor:

Integrity. The word that best summarizes Councilman Tom Pirone. I know Tom and know that he is a person of conviction and accomplishment. For the good of Berkeley Heights, we need to return Tom to the council in our upcoming election.

Since actions speak louder than words, the electorate should know what Tom has accomplished in just a single year on the town council. Of the current council members running for reelection, Tom is the only one who voted “yes” to make the changes that will generate an additional $1.8 million in tax revenue from our office parks, and lower maximum building heights in downtown and increase the distance of these buildings from the road. Notably, Tom is the only candidate who voted “yes” to a community center with dedicated space for our seniors.

In addition, Tom is the only council member up for reelection who voted to remove vertical apartment duplexes from a downtown district, avoiding the possibility of additional high density housing if light industry moves out of town (as it recently did in New Providence), and preserve trees at construction sites.

Moreover, Tom limited our tax increase to 2.8%, the lowest increase in many years, and was active in opposing the governor’s efforts to shift power to an appointed county school superintendent. Lastly, he was instrumental in organizing a ceremony honoring our returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan. No other candidate did these things.

Please join me in reelecting Tom Pirone to the Berkeley Heights Town Council.

Bob Donohue

Berkeley Heights

Re: Response of Summit Democrats 2007 Campaign

Dear Summit Democrats 2007 Campaign:

Wow, nice attempt at spinning your bad behavior but I'm not buying it. To spin the

report in the Ledger is one thing; I can't help but note that you didn't attempt to spin

the use of my name without permission. You can try, but it's really simply

inexcusable and downright dishonest. My good name is all mine and for you to use

it for your own gain is beyond reproach.

Diane Klaif, Summit Council President

Summit, NJ

November 3, 2007

Dear Editor:

“Bonacci Always Tells The Truth

Pirone Misrepresented The Votes And Hall Followed Along”

In a half page ad in the Independent Press on 10-31-07, Pirone and Hall hit a new low: Pirone and Hall inexcusably misrepresent the actual votes that were cast. Votes cast are a matter of public record and available to all residents in the minutes of the Town Council meetings. There is no reason for either Pirone who was present for the votes, or Hall, who can read the minutes, to put false information out to the public. Pirone’s misrepresentation is inexcusable. For Mr. Hall to support false statements that are in direct violation of the actual votes cast without checking the accuracy of the information is quite telling as a forecast of how he intends to handle the Town Council position.

The truth is simple: John Bonacci voted in favor of all 6 of these issues with the majority of the 6-Council members in a unanimous vote. Here are the actual votes (with dates and ordinance numbers):

The Township Ordinance book shows that on February 13, 2007, the final adoption of Ordinance 6-07 was by a 6 to zero vote and John Bonacci was one of the 6. Pirone falsely stated that Bonacci voted against this Steep Slope ordinance. Pirone had earlier made the same erroneous statement at a public meeting.
The storm water management ordinance vote was also a 6 to zero vote # 3-07 final passage on 2/13/2007. Pirone said Bonacci voted against this ordinance.
Resolution # 125-07 passed on March 12, 2007 proclaimed March 2007 as American Red Cross Month and the vote was 6 to zero. Mr. Pirone was probably not paying attention to detail at that meeting. This is the meeting where he flip-flopped on the Police Authority Ordinance vote and the unfair employee discipline code!
Resolution # 129-07 was also passed on March 12, 2007 by a 6 to zero vote and raffles were approved for Mt. Carmel Society (2 of them-7-12to16, 2007 and one for 7-16-07) and the Highlander Booster Club (4/21/07). Mr. Pirone, again, is wrong about Bonacci’s vote. Bonacci voted for the raffles.
Resolution # 160-07 was passed on April 24, 2007 by a 6 to zero vote for a “Relay for Life of Berkeley Heights” on June 2 and June 3, 2007 at the Governor Livingston High School to allow the American Cancer Society to tie purple ribbons around trees in the Downtown area from May 1 through June 4. Again, it is inexcusable how Pirone misrepresented this vote as well.
Resolution # 168-07 on April 24, 2007 was passed to allow a raffle for the Highlander Booster Club (on 6/5/07) and the vote was 6 to zero. It is outrageous for Mr. Pirone to say that John Bonacci, a Band Parent for 4 years and a Band Parent Alumus for 7 years who worked as a Committee Chairperson and traveled in the USA and Canada with the Highlander Band would not have voted for this great group. Please check the record Mr. Pirone to get your facts straight.

Mr. Pirone, being a councilman means carrying your oath over to the statements that you make. To misrepresent to the residents is inexcusable: to misrepresent when the facts are in the public record is nothing short of hubris and is outrageous. Surely, you can do better. Clearly, the people deserve better.

In closing, it does not matter to me whether or not they retract their statements after they consult the record. It is the people of Berkeley Heights that have to know why two candidates would want to win so bad that they would tell these falsehoods. I believe they just proved they are not qualified except to be rubber stamps. I also believe Jerry Nelson’s very complimentary statement about John Bonacci is vindicated. Jerry, himself, is a man who is a man of character and integrity and he does not misjudge character and integrity in others and that is why he should also be elected.

VOTE ON NOV. 6 FOR BONACCI-NELSON TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

John Bonacci

Berkeley Heights, NJ

Editor’s Note: Mr. Bonacci is a candidate for Berkeley Heights Township Council.

November 3, 2007

Dear Editor:

"Local Circus"

I have attended every council meeting for over a year. Yes the council is a circus, but only because of the mayor having control over his puppets "pirrone, perna and bruno". This group does not work for the people but only the mayor and the administrator. Here is a mayor who limits the public from speaking more than 5 minutes, then cuts them off. Here is a mayor who suspended the plant supervisor 90 days, for reasons which no one knows. Let’s hope our town clerk does not get the same treatment.

We have Mr. Pirrone, Ms. Perna, and Mr. Hall who just voted for the master plan which still allows 3 story monstrosities downtown and does not address the size of all these McMansions going up. They want to make the builders happy!

We have Ms. Perna who loves e-mailing her friends about who cannot put up a campaign sign for Bonacci/Nelson. We do not need more puppets, we need independent thinkers who will do what is right for the people of Berkeley Heights. That is why I support jerry Nelson and John Bonacci for town council.

Ed Delia

Berkeley Heights, NJ

November 2, 2007

               On a warm afternoon in 2005 at the Berkeley Heights Post Office, Councilwoman Perna was collecting voter signatures to petition the Town Council for a change in the form of government.  As a circulator for a Committee of Petitioners, Councilwoman Perna was exercising her RIGHTS under our Constitution's Bill of Rights, Amendment I, "The right of the people...... to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."  After reaching the required number of signatures, the petition was immediately certified by the Town Clerk.

               In September and October, 2007, both Mayor Cohen and Councilwoman Perna have done their utmost to impede, intimidate, and disenfranchise the voters of this Town from getting a petition for a $10M Bond Ordinance on a referendum.  At the October 9 Town Council meeting, Councilwoman Perna solicited the opinion of Town Council Attorney Scrivo to assist in this matter.  On Wednesday, October 10, 2007, reporter Gabriel Gluck, for the "Star-Ledger," stated in an article about the petition, that Mayor Cohen had "pledged to fight the petition drive and questioned the legitimacy of the petitions."  In an October 17, 2007, "Independent Press" article, Mayor Cohen stated that "the approved $10M Bond Ordinance could not move forward until the matter is resolved, probably in the courts."

               Apparently, the Mayor and Councilwoman think that voter RIGHTS are only applicable to some people at some times for some matters.  When the RIGHTS of some voters are denied, the RIGHTS of all voters are in jeopardy.  This abuse of voter RIGHTS must cease, and civility, cooperation, and good government must be restored.

               The Mayor and Councilwoman are mentors and supporters of Thomas Pirone; therefore, I ask that on November 6, you give serious consideration to the aforementioned facts and vote for Independent candidates John Bonacci and Jerry Nelson.

"The price of liberty is eternal vigilance."   Thomas Jefferson

Howard M. Searle

Berkeley Heights, NJ

November 2, 2007

Dear Editor:

“I watched what I perceived as harassment of potential write-in voters.”

Jerry Nelson, candidate for election to the Township Council, was referring of course, to the November 2006 election in Berkeley Heights. Well, Mr. Nelson, you were not alone. Fifty seven pages of signed complaints by voters, poll workers, challengers and candidates, who shared your perception, have been sent to county, state and federal officials. Most complaints have to do with opposition candidates or their challengers behaving badly, unethically, and in some cases, I believe, breaking the law.

Before the next election, all candidates, challengers and poll workers should review the NJ Attorney General’s rules.

Challengers cannot:

- challenge a voter because they think they know how the voter is going to vote

- sit with poll workers or touch election materials

-challenge the voter directly; only a poll worker can ask the voter questions

-harass or intimidate any voter; or cause any disturbance at the polling place

According to the 57 complaints, written by either victims or eyewitnesses to incidents, each of the above rules was broken repeatedly on Election Day, Nov.7, 2006.

Other complaints included:

-changing voting rules midday, confusing voters and poll workers alike

-candidates and challengers insisting that curtains remain open when citizens cast their

ballot

- an individual, disguised as an ethical attorney, masquerading as an election official

- confiscating county approved write-in voting instructions from citizens

On November 3, 2006, a poll worker training and demonstration for the public was held at Town Hall. The Director of Union County Board of Elections held up the write-in instructions and told the audience that any voter was allowed to take any instructions into the voting booth for reference.

Contrary to that directive, candidates and their challengers were taking the instructions from voters and telling them that no one could help them with the write-in vote. As a result, many voters left the polling places without casting their ballot, because they did not know what to do.

After hearing from a number of voters that their instructions had been taken, I left the write-in instructions on a table to assist the voters. A candidate mistakenly accused a poll worker of leaving them out.

I called the candidate the next day and told her that I, and not the poll worker, left the instructions on the table. I apologized for any confusion or upset I may have caused. However, .I would do it again, if I thought a voter’s right was being violated. Why was it alright for instructions to be confiscated, but not replaced?

The Republican Municipal Chair in Berkeley Heights “coincidentally” did not submit this poll worker’s name to work at the election this year. This woman, who has lived in town for over fifty years and been a poll worker for the last fourteen, was not given the courtesy of a phone call so that she could defend herself. She should receive an apology, be reinstated and not blamed for my actions.

It is a federal crime to conspire to deprive voters of a fair election. There is no doubt, in the minds of many who were denied the right to vote, that there was a pre-planned, highly organized, collusive strategy in place to prevent them from their constitutional suffrage.

Yet here we are, on the eve of another election. Who will protect those who were disenfranchised last November? How can they be assured that these schoolyard bully tactics won’t occur again this November?

Actually they already have started. An email message started by a citizen, was forwarded by a current township council member. This email is threatening the livelihood of a Berkeley Heights business because of a political sign they displayed. Voters are being harassed through postcards, emails, phone calls and in- person appeals to remove their names from a petition favoring a referendum for a bond issue.

There should have been, and still can be, a full investigation into last year’s election. Testimony can be taken from offended citizens, and subpoenas issued to offending challengers/candidates.