Speak Out!

To the person displaying the sign on the northern portion of DeMott Lane. I understand your First Amendment rights. I have remained publicly quiet, despite receiving numerous calls and emails, so as to not inflame the issue. Given the events of this past weekend and the call from both sides to calm the rhetoric, perhaps it’s time to take down …

By State Assemblyman Joe Danielsen. Last year, we distributed approximately 1,000 backpacks to students across the 17th Legislative District thanks to the friends, neighbors, and members of our community. The demand far exceeded the supply and I ask everyone to join me again this year. My staff and volunteers will be collecting backpacks and school supplies through August 31st. Drop …

By Bill Connell. Last night (June 20) I attended the Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting regarding the Levin/Kmart property proposal for mixed use housing-retail, similar what is being built on Hamilton Street. Most of the residents who attended were completely unaware that the Zoning Board is a semi-judicial body whose sole purpose is reviewing the applicant’s proposal. The theatrics of …

By Bill Connell. Ted,    I promise you my perspective is not as narrow as my short letter implied. I was just asking the question, What next?   Do you hit pause, feed people and then resume fighting?  That was the thing on my mind after watching public session. If you want a cease fire I don’t think you can ignore this question. For …

By Ted Poonawala. Bill, It’s regrettable to see an article presented with such a narrow and singular perspective, especially on matters as profound as the life, death, and survival of a people deeply rooted in their ancestral lands. When faced with crisis and devastation, our primary focus should always be on saving lives and alleviating suffering, rather than engaging in …

By Bill Connell. Tonight, I thoughtfully watched the Township Council meeting. A large group of Muslims and Palestinians spoke to the Township Council requesting a resolution for cease fire in Gaza. Compliments to all the kids who got up and spoke. Many adults including me, find speaking intimidating but those kids knocked it out of the park.  Well-done.  I don’t think …

May 13 will be remembered as a sad day for transparency in government in New Jersey, as if there already weren’t enough of those. May 13, 2024 is the day that the state Legislature, in a rare bipartisan fashion, voted to decimate a law that for two decades has aimed a bright light into the dark corners of governmental affairs, …

Submitted by the Care For Creation Student Ministry Green Army Team St. Thomas Syro Malabar Catholic Forane Church in Somerset, New Jersey, embraced Earth Day with a series of impactful activities, demonstrating their commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. The church community, comprising parents and children, came together on May 4th to partake in various eco-conscious endeavors. From cleaning and …

By Bill Connell. There is an evolving story regarding signage policy that has caught my interest.  Often people ask me regarding town issues “how did this happen?” thinking I know something. More often than not, I don’t have special knowledge, I just pay attention. Many times over the years I have seen the Township Council or the Township Manager be …

Submitted by the Franklin Township Environmental Commission. In 2022 the Franklin Township Environmental Commission initiated an early Spring alternative lawn care project that would improve the population of pollinators in Franklin and engage the public to participate and have fun. Pollinator is a collective term for insects, such as bees, that are a critical component of our environment and agriculture, …