Speak Out!

By Raleigh Steinhauer, Somerset. Councilman at Large Rajiv Prasad has accused opposition to the Catalpa Park project of being racially motivated against Asian Indians. Councilman Prasad singled out the Facebook group leading the opposition known as the Tranquility Protection Alliance of Franklin Township, and directed the Human Relations Committee to issue a statement denouncing Tranquility’s Facebook page, which was founded by …

By Erik Ransom, Somerset. An Open Letter to Ms. Patricia Stanley of the Franklin Township Board of Education: I attended last night’s Board of Education meeting, which was devoted almost entirely to the issue you created surrounding Mr. Potosnak’s lovely, moving Graduation speech. You sat, as stoically as you could, and listened to almost 40 people vehemently disagree with you. I often watched …

By Christine Danielsen, Somerset. Not only will I NOT be asking Mr. Potasnak to resign, I offer kudos on his speech. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the graduation ceremony, but I have had the opportunity to watch the video of the entire ceremony, including Ed’s speech, a few times. The speech, in my opinion was engaging, thoughtful, and relevant. …

By Barbara A. Kelly, St. Petersburg, Fl. I am writing to you in support of the President of the Board of Education, Ed Potosnak. I am a proud graduate of Franklin High School, class of 1967. I believe in what Mr.Potosnak said at the High School graduation ceremony. FYI, I believe in LGBT Rights, Same Sex Marriage and by the …

By John P. Felix, Somerset. Ms. Patricia Stanley, with whom I have a cordial and valued friendship and whose presence on the Board is constructive, is correct in her pronouncement that Mr. Ed Potosnak has the right to free speech; however, I strongly disagree with her that he should resign as Board President because he “hijacked” the FHS graduation ceremony, …

by Nancy Lacorte, Somerset. I attended the 2015 Franklin High School commencement at Sun Bank Arena in Trenton on June 26th. I meant to send this letter sooner but I was celebrating my grandson, Lucas’ first birthday. In fact, it was looking at what the world might become as Lucas graduates high school in 17 years that made me want to …

By Bill Connell, Somerset. I was at the Memorial Day parade this weekend and enjoyed it very much. The essence of the parade is to remember and acknowledge the effort and sacrifices of those who came before us. It is also a chance to celebrate the present and the future. There are a lot of people in Franklin who volunteer …

From the Franklin High School PTSO. The week of May 4th is National Teacher Week! Tuesday May 5th is National Teacher (Appreciation) Day! The National Education Association (NEA) describes National Teacher Day “as a day for honoring teachers and recognizing the lasting contributions they make to our lives.” The FHS PTSO Executive Board fully concurs with this apt description, but …

By Mark Grieco, Somerset.  In 1779, a skirmish was fought in East Franklin between local Patriots and Loyalists raiders led by Colonel John Simcoe. The Patriots were fighting to defend liberties which they believed were being attacked by the Crown. The Loyalists had an unswerving allegiance to the Crown and, arguably, to a far-flung empire that trampled the rights of …

By Skip Schaeffer, Somerset.  Updated: Schaffer wrote this to the board after its Nov. 20 action: Thank you Dr. Seitz, Ms. Biesiada, and Board of Education members for choosing to pull the vote on Item B-06 from the agenda in last night’s meeting. I commend you for your willingness to further evaluate additional suppliers for the district’s natural gas requirements …