Speak Out!

It’s been nearly a week since a 27-year-old township resident was killed in what authorities have said was a gunfight with township police. Diahlo Grant early in the morning of April 9 allegedly led two police officers on a short chase from the area of Somerset and Home streets, through a ravine and into New Brunswick. The officers had recognized …

By Bill Connell, Somerset. I had 15 minutes to revel in awe of Somerset County traffic engineers, at the intersection of Demott, South Middlebush and Amwell the other day. It was a consequence of the downed “utility” pole on Cedar Grove Lane. It reminded me of a recent interaction I had with the town and county. They are building a …

By Mayor Philip Kramer The 2016 budget is $59,488,016, which is $55,461.77 less than the 2009 budget. That’s essentially flat over 7 years despite 12 percent inflation*. If passed, the Township Council will raise the levy (the portion of the budget paid by property taxes) by 1.75 percent, or $601,307. That is the lowest tax increase again since 2009. Our …

By Syed M. Rizvi As Muslims, we don’t have to defend ourselves. Our record and our past, is an open book for today, yesterday and the day before. We have nothing to be ashamed of. We are not some political toys to be used for someone’s political advantage. Indeed, we are a force to be reckoned with. We are not …

By Bill Connell, Somerset. I was out holiday shopping and saw a t-shirt in a store. It was chess pieces on a treadmill. The Rook was trying to tell the Knight, just walk straight on the treadmill. I laughed at first, but it put me in a spiritual mood. How often is our first mistake assuming people see things the …

By Karen Trautmann, Somerset. It’s that time of year where children count down the days to experience the magic of Christmas morning and adults hope for just a few more days to decorate, clean, bake, buy, and wrap to get everything just right for the magical day. Saturday evening was no different. “Mommy, what’s going on?” my three-year old asked …

By Michael D. Purzycki, Somerset. One town over from Franklin, Princeton University is debating whether the racism of a former president (of both Princeton and the United States) is enough reason to cease honoring him. Several weeks ago, a group of Princeton students occupied the university president’s office and demanded, among other things, that the university rename both Wilson College …

By Dr. Sayed M. Rizvi, Clifton. The recent terrorism in Paris is sadly yet another heinous, deplorable and inhumane attack on humanity. These acts of hate and evil need to be confronted and halted one way or the other. Everyone, be it regular citizens, the government or members of a particular faith, must come in unison to stop these atrocious …

By Dr. Syed M. Rizvi, Clifton. Today we have great challenges because the terrorists and criminals are attacking the very essence and meaning of Islam. We have never seen such an upheaval in the world as we are witnessing today. In the name of Islam these terrorists are killing Muslims, Christians, Jews, and followers of other religions. Muslims are more …

By Bill Connell, Somerset. More than once in local politics I have seen where the answer or the reaction to the question is far, far worse than the question itself. This situation is no more evident than with Township Councilman Rajiv Prasad. His interpretation and reaction to his detractors was embarrassing for him and the whole Democratic Party. As a …