Speak Out!

By Bill Connell, Somerset. True or not, New Years are times to hit the reset button. I believe in this. It forces you to refocus. At the Township Council reorganization meeting I wasn’t unable to attain that goal. It was just another day. I did not get up and speak because I could not muster enthusiasm to say something positive …

The January 7 Township Council reorganization meeting is the perfect time for the governing body to follow-up its censure of Councilman Rajiv Prasad by adding some teeth to the measure. Prasad was censured by his fellow Democrats at the December 2018 meeting for the ethical lapses that have been well-documented in these pages. The censure resolution expresses the Council’s sense …

Dominador Mandapat passed away December 22 at Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in Somerville. He was 69 years of age. Mr. Mandapat was born in the Philippines and came to the United States as a young man. He lived for a time in Seattle before relocating to the New Brunswick area. He has resided in the Somerset section of Franklin Township …

By Bill Connell, Somerset. Enough has been written about the situation on the Township Council, but its actions Tuesday raise an interesting question: At what point does the integrity and trust of the institution outweigh common kindness. Township Council, Board of Education, Pop Warner, Little League , recreational coaching, theater and many more are all volunteer positions. They are institutions …

The Township Council on Dec. 11 is set to vote on a censure resolution against Councilman Rajiv Prasad, charging that his actions bring “dishonor” to the governing body and that he has “lost the trust” of the council and many residents. While that’s a nice gesture for the residents outraged by the rogue Councilman’s antics, in our opinion it falls …

By Bill Connell, Somerset. It is clear from the comments made to me that far more people read these Speak Out pieces than I realized.  When asked why I have not written anything on the Township Council, I say I am giving up.  All I have accomplished is now the  Democratic Party treats me like Scientology treats Leah Remini.  This …

If all permits are not obtained, the Compressor Station 206 and pipeline near and under the Raritan Bay cannot be built.   The NJDEP is still reviewing permit applications for the Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) Project.  Over 300 concerned residents attended the NJDEP Hearing on November 5, and the 3-minute comments were still being made past 11:00 PM.  That was an …

By Bill Connell, Somerset. At the Nov. 8 Township Council meeting, I saw an attempt to change the narrative regarding Councilman Rajiv Prasad. They want to imply this is a personal attack. Sticking to the simple facts that is not the case. I am certain as early as May (but surely earlier), Councilman Prasad knew there was a issue with …

We’ve heard about instances of craven politics before, but this takes the cake. The Township Council has on its agenda for the Nov. 8 meeting a resolution that must be seen to be believed. It excuses Councilman Rajiv Prasad from attending council meetings due to “family and work matters.” Here’s the resolution: WHEREAS, Councilman Rajiv Prasad has informed the Township Council …

By Mark Greico, Somerset. I am well into my 50’s, a time when you feel you are more than ripe enough to give advice on life to younger people. Most of it is the helpful type, like “Go home and take a nap, you’ll feel better,” or “It wouldn’t kill you to eat some fresh fruit!” But the last two …