READER'S WRITE

To the Editor:

Keansburg has finally settled down since the last election.

While I personally did not vote for the current majority of our council, I do support working together for the good of all Keansburg residents.

I have seen from the few of the meetings I have been able to attend that there seems to be “healthy disagreement” in council discussions these days.

This needs to continue if Keansburg is to move forward in a positive way.

Voting for incumbent Patrick Pecora and newcomer Angelo Melillo will ensure that different points of view are heard and that unbiased information will keep the public informed about what is happening at the level of government that is most important to Keansburg residents. Local government affects you, the voter directly.

Patrick and Angelo represent the integrity Keansburg needs to have for an open and ethical government.

They will listen to, and take seriously the input of their constituents on the issues that matter to them. Issues like accountability in government, and ethical appointments of important positions to boards or commissions in the community that avoid any air of impropriety.

Unfortunately the majority that has the power on the council at this time has been less than ethical in their decisions. Decisions such as reinstating a police chief whose termination was recommended by an administrative law judge for charges regarding inappropriate use of his position and power for personal gain, the appointment of Ms. Strydio’s husband to the planning board and by appointing to local boards and committees individuals who were previously found guilty of unethical behavior while serving on the Keansburg Board of Education.

Past Keansburg BOE members Thomas Keelen and Judy Ferraro were involved, along with others, in an attempt to extort money to fund their political ambitions from a company that was about to bid for the continuation of their contract with the school. Despite a signed petition by Keansburg tax payers and the objections of other respected members of the community and housing authority it self, the council majority of Restoring the Pride appointed Ms. Ferraro to the housing authority.

This same majority also placed Mr. Keelen on the water committee, ignoring his past disrespect for the position he previously held. Restoring the Pride has acted irresponsibly and unethically. By supporting Pecora and Melillo for council you support honesty and integrity for our town. Keep our government accountable! Please vote and let your voice be heard.

Arlene Savitsky
Keansburg, NJ