Speak Out!

By Bill Connell, Somerset. I am still reeling in shock now that I know the NFL focuses more on financial self-preservation than doing the right thing. No not really.  How can you be surprised with sponsorships and TV deals, that selfishness worked its way in to the DNA of the NFL?  This is an old story, told a different way. …

By Bill Connell, Somerset. I have concluded that people think in order to understand government, you have to be involved in government. In this digital age, that is not true. Let me introduce you to my little friend, the Sunshine Law. Most government action, especially local government, is well-documented.  That is either the Township or the Board of Education. Over …

By Bill Connell, Somerset.  I have been wondering something all summer. What does a normal BOE look like anyway? When someone is on the losing end of a debate, do they still feel it was a healthy discussion? Set-building is not nearly as sophisticated as a board of ed., but the process is similar. Creativity is great but at some …

By James Bevere. To the Franklin High School Community, As we all enter into what I know will be an exciting and productive school year, I could not let this week pass without offering my “Congratulations” to the students and staff of Franklin High School on their recently released High School rank!   If you are not yet aware, earlier this …

By Richard Seamon, Somerset. Over the past 14 years, I have had the privilege of serving two terms on the Franklin Township Board of Education – which encompassed a total of 6 years and 8 months.  During my first term, I played a significant part in the successful referendum for the new High School and then served on the Facilities …

By Ronald C. Rak, J.D., President and CEO, St. Peter’s Health Care System Saint Peter’s Healthcare System recently developed and launched a “patient-centered medical home” for high-need uninsured and underinsured adults with diabetes mellitus and hypertension who reside in central New Jersey. The “patient-centered medical home” is a way of organizing primary care that emphasizes care coordination and communication. Such …

By John Felix, Somerset A 2011 survey of school board officers conducted by the NJSBA concluded that most (>80%) school boards in NJ adopt a model of “Committee System” in which board members “break up into committees to do their work (such as the finance committee, curriculum committee, etc.) and the committee reports back to the full board.” The Franklin …

By Bill Connell, Somerset The Board of Education is once again considering moving back the date of the Referendum.  To this point the delays were based on getting as much state funding as possible before putting out the final number.  This delay is based on having a proper, well-organized group to support and articulate the need for the new building. …

By Doreen Clark, Somerset.  The Franklin Township Food Bank’s 25th annual Tour De Franklin bike ride fundraiser drew 660 participants, raising over $63,000 for the Food Bank. Held on April 27 in Somerset, NJ, it was the second most successful Tour, both in terms of participation and funds raised, since its inception 25 years ago. The Tour De Franklin is …

By Mark Grieco, Somerset. “Facts,” said John Adams, “are stubborn things…”  I was reminded of this quote by Adams when reading about the disbanding of the Hamilton Street Business and Community Corporation (HSBCC).  Over the past 10 years, the non-profit HSBCC had been tasked with overseeing the Hamilton Street Business District, over a 1-mile long stretch of residential and commercial properties …