In Your Opinion: Franklin Needs To Face Its Slave-Holding History
By Mark Grieco. Several years ago, I happened upon a tour of one of the preserved, 18th Century farm houses in Franklin Township. A costume-clad guide explained the various artifacts of the house to an interested couple, the only other people on the tour. After the couple wandered to another room, I played upon a […]
In Your Opinion: Random Thoughts
By Bill Connell, Somerset I find it enjoyable to observe, assess, and comment. Sometimes, it’s for fun, sometimes it’s to challenge someone, or just to play devil’s advocate and tip over the apple cart. Surprisingly though, I have had nothing to say about current events. I have been avoiding adding one more opinion. Most of […]
In Your Opinion: Juneteenth Celebration Must Be On Actual Day
By Jasmin Harrison, Braun Wright, Ta-leia Newsom, and Yasmin St Rose. We greet you in the name of the Most High and our honored Ancestors. “This is for the people in general, and Black people in particular.” There is an amassing devastation that the Black community faces, that the world bears witness to on a daily basis. […]
In Your Opinion: Get Tested, Franklin!
By Mayor Phil Kramer. I am very gratified by the success of the first day of the “Get Tested Franklin” initiative. I just learned 546 people were tested July 27 at St. Matthias!!! We cut off the registration at 500 (ages 2-94). But as I said we take walk ups. Hopefully, we will have more […]
Open Letter To Gov. Murphy On School Opening
By Jonathan Medina, Somerset. Dear Governor Murphy, I appreciate your efforts to keep New Jersey residents safe. You were swift in your response, closing the state to all but essential businesses, while mandating face-masks. I also am grateful that the state has employed contact-tracing efforts to ensure that those who are infected do not further […]
In Your Opinion: Hate The Virus, But Respect It
By Arnold W. Schmidt, Somerset. In a recent opinion letter that discusses the rule of law and Covid-19, Mark Grieco makes some interesting points. However I am at a loss about why he did not name the store where four times he witnessed violations of the Governor’s Executive Orders requiring workers and customers to wear […]
In Your Opinion: Return To The Rule Of Law
By Mark Grieco, Somerset. There has been a recent uptick in COVID-19 in the township and one theory is that as we open up, people are getting lax about wearing masks. That is one possible explanation, but it points to a larger problem in the township: the dwindling ability to enforce the rule of law. […]
In Your Opinion: COVID Concerns Keeps Mayor Away From Protest Marches, But There In Spirit
By Mayor Phil Kramer. Citizens of Franklin Township along with citizens throughout our country have been stirred to raise their voices in recent days. Not only due to the incredible act of inhumanity leveled against George Floyd, but also due to the continuing inequality and injustice which still too frequently occurs in today’s society. Citizens […]
In Your Opinion: CJCP Creates Racial Equity Committee To Combat Systemic Racism
By Dr. Namik Sercan. The CJCP Board of Trustees, administration, and staff are devastated by recent incidents of police brutality and racial violence in several communities around our nation. It is a very emotional and problematic time in our country right now, which requires immediate and tangible actions from all segments of our community in unity and solidarity. Just […]
In Your Opinion: The Long Road To Justice
By Mayor Phil Kramer. “These are the times that try men’s souls”, wrote the patriot Thomas Paine during the American Revolution. At the time he penned those words, Americans were struggling to establish the first steps on the long road to the perfection of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Today, we face what […]
