Speak Out!

By Richard F Rodgers, Chair of the the JFK Club Elections Committee, and the JFK Club Executive Committee: Deana Luchs, Arnold Schmidt, Linda Powell, Vanessa Davenport, Ron Murph, Bernadette Maher, Michele Rollino, Kiki Anastosokos, Isaiah Thompson, Teresa Ford, and Ron Jordan. We strongly support Shanel Robinson in the Democratic Primary for the U.S. Congress seat representing the 12 Congressional District. …

By Mayor Phil Kramer. I would like to thank John Felix, Bill Grippo, and Pat Heimall for their thoughtful comments regarding the Franklin Township Gazebo. I especially appreciate the constructive tone of their letters and their continued passion for a project that means so much to our community. In a time when public discussion too often descends into blame and …

By John Felix.  To Mayor Phil Kramer, Township Manager Robert G. Vornlocker Jr., and Members of the Franklin Township Council: I would like to sincerely thank the township leadership for its attentiveness to the concerns expressed by Franklin Township residents regarding the condition and preservation of the Franklin Township Gazebo. The response and engagement surrounding this important community landmark have …

By Bill Connell. The Gazebo maintenance conversation in the Speak Out section caught my attention.  It speaks to a bigger discussion that is always on my mind.   Before I get started, you need to know,  I am an estimator for a living, for a very long time.  So, when I see Public Works planting a tree or putting in a new curb, I …

A Texas dark money group lied about what we said. That’s not politics, it’s fraud. Let’s get one thing straight from the get-go: the Franklin Reporter & Advocate has never endorsed a political candidate. Not in our 13 years of existence. Not once. We take that principle seriously, and we intend to keep it. Which is why we are furious. …

By Pat Heimall Great comments on our town gazebo! I grew up in a small borough in Bergen County – Westwood – where “the bandstand,” as we called it then, was the focal point for many activities. One of my favorite childhood memories was the annual Memorial Day parade, which finished in the park area surrounding it. And now we are …

By Bill Grippo John Felix,  I thank you for your article to enhance the look and maintenance of the Gazebo. We worked too hard to let it fall apart in its appearance, I have pointed out many of these issues since day one. This structure, built by volunteers and such generous donors, should be the shining star of the town …

By Samina Sattar, Nora Adjir, Ayeshah Ali, Saira Ijal, Rana Jawed, and Anum Malik. Last month, when most Americans settled their tax receipts with the U.S. government, only a few taxpayers were aware that more than $4,000 of their income –– equivalent to 50 workdays –– was used to pay for war and weapons, including nuclear weapons, aid to foreign …

By John Felix. Nearly a decade ago, the Franklin Township Cultural Arts Council (FTCAC) proudly presented one of the township’s most meaningful community landmarks, the Franklin Township Gazebo. Officially unveiled during the September 16, 2018 ribbon-cutting ceremony, the Gazebo represented far more than a physical structure. It symbolized culture, unity, history, and civic pride. The vision and dedication behind this …

By The Rev. Jack Zamboni, Franklin. This Memorial Day, as New Jersey marks the 250th anniversary of American independence, we are called to honor not only the sacrifice of Black soldiers — but the debt this state still owes them. Black New Jerseyans fought in every conflict from the Revolutionary War to the present. They served under Washington’s Continental Army …