Speak Out!

By Jenny C. Kafas, Volunteer to Franklin Township’s Environmental Commission Fall is perhaps the most beautiful time of year. The summer greenscape is transitioning into a landscape full of color as the leaves change before dropping to the ground. It’s all stunning until you have to spend a dreadful day going outside to rake. I remember as a kid having …

By Beverly Lawson. At the Township Council meeting on October 22, 2004, a resolution was passed to cap the number of cannabis shops in town at 18, which have already been approved. It appears that no limit was set before this decision. I recall the meeting on September 13, 2022, when numerous townspeople approached the microphone to voice their concerns …

By Robert Petersen. County governments control a significant portion of our property tax bill, and with property taxes already sky-high, it’s critical that those dollars are spent wisely. Unfortunately, under the leadership of Democrat Party Chair Peg Schaffer, the current Somerset County Commissioners appear more focused on rewarding political insiders than being responsible stewards of our tax dollars. Concerns have …

By Rabbi Eli Garfinkel of Temple Beth-El. Here is what I have to say about October 7th: October 7th is a grim day and will always be one. Speaking only for myself, my emotions are a strange chili of anger, fear, hope, and pride.I am angry at Hamas for starting a needless war that has resulted in mass death. I am …

By Kiki Anastasakos, Ph.D. As the Presidential Election approaches, it is important to remember to vote for all positions on the ballot, especially Municipal and County candidates. Our local government makes decisions that affect our lives directly and profoundly. From public transportation to funding for public schools and public parks to traffic congestion, preservation of open space and support for local businesses, …

By Donna Clott. The candidates for Somerset County Commissioner met on the evening of September 19 at the Canal Walk clubhouse for a Candidates Forum for residents, moderated by the League of Women Voters. The current County Commissioners, Shanel Robinson and Sara Sooy, joined challengers, businessmen Nick Cuozzo and Rocky Ganta, for an evening of questions and answers. All four …

From the Franklin Township Environmental Commission. Earlier this year, the Franklin Township Environmental Commission launched the Save the Mow Till Earth Day (SMTED) campaign to raise awareness of the importance of pollinators in our ecosystem and agriculture. Residents were asked to delay their first mowing until April 22nd, Earth Day. Delaying the first mow allows various beneficial flowers to bloom, …

By Bill Connell. I just finished a Speak Out piece on how I think the Board of Education’s messaging is disconnected from what it really should be focused on. The world yawned.   However, when I harassed Assemblyman Joe Danielsen, everyone really enjoyed it. Well Joe didn’t, that’s for sure!!  I’m going to test his sense  of humor again with …

By Bill Connell. I was on vacation when the Board of Education goals came out. I opened my laptop, rolled my eyes and closed the laptop. I usually toss off an opinion over a cup of coffee for Speak Out, but this is too important to just riff so I have been thinking about it since then. I don’t think …

By Valerie Juzwiak. I’ve always thought that THE sign in the front yard of a DeMott Lane home only served to indicate the resident’s anger and accomplished nothing else. But now it has attracted someone with as much or more anger who performed a dangerous act. Could the sign be considered an attractive nuisance? It would be neighborly and a …