To the editor, Peter E. Engler, Ph.D: I have recently undergone an experience that I fear most readers of the Independent Press are not — but ought to be — aware. I recently received an invoice for more than $1,400 from the Atlantic Ambulance Corporation of Newark following a 911 call that my wife made on my behalf on Jan.... Full story »

To the editor, from Dale Canfield: Yesterday, four outstanding young musicians performed before an audience of 100 at the Chatham Methodist Church. This was the best concert of this type I have seen at the music club in recent years. Their ability had to be developed from an early age of six to appear as professional musicians at 16. With... Full story »

Independent Forum We feel the time has come to clear the air in regards to the proposed Business Improvement District (BID) for downtown Chatham. There are some points that need clarification. BID Solicitation. First Team Management approached the borough many times, eventually securing an advisory position as part of the mayor’s campaign agenda. The borough was willing to spend $10,000... Full story »

To the editor, from Lee Webber: Of all the homes from 50 Bedford Road. (on the corner of Woodland) to Wade Road, 62% (13 out of 21) are opposed to sidewalks. Going from Wade Road to Canoe Brook Parkway, 100% (7 out of 7) are opposed. When all this is added up, 71% of the residents impacted (20 out of... Full story »

Lost in Suburbia by Tracy Beckerman When my husband and I tied the knot, I promised to love and honor him and learn how to ski. He had grown up skiing and had dreams of having his own family of skiers. I had dreams of owning a castle and my own private chocolate factory, but at least I was smart... Full story »

To the editor, Juanita P. Lovett: Over $100 million cash flows through Summit City Hall, a big enterprise by any standards. The city’s financial controls need updating, especially the arcane budget process which allows four months (33%) each year to expire before formal adoption. The taxpaying citizens’ of Summit also need to be able to understand how their money is... Full story »

To the editor, from John Lago: Monday night’s NJN broadcast featured the rants of Democrats including Bob Smith (Piscataway) complaining about Christie’s budget cuts including $269 million for solar panel and energy audits. Why are we currently taking $100 from every household in New Jersey to buy solar panels and pay for energy audits? I have a word of advice... Full story »

To the editor, from Gordon Bond: Effective July 21, Union County’s communities will lose what has been a valuable educational resource for the past 43 years. The Board of Trustees and Board of Governors of Union County College (UCC) have decided to close Sperry Observatory, and convert the space to additional classrooms. There will no longer be a facility for... Full story »

Independent Forum We feel the time has come to clear the air in regards to the proposed Business Improvement District (BID) for downtown Chatham. There are some points that need clarification. BID Solicitation. First Team Management approached the borough many times, eventually securing an advisory position as part of the mayor’s campaign agenda. The borough was willing to spend $10,000... Full story »

To the editor, from Mayor Victor J. Sordillo: This weekend I saw a commercial on television which stated that up to 8% of Americans are going hungry and asking that we donate to the local food banks. This is a sad state of affairs for a wealthy nation. There is a way to encourage support for the charities in our... Full story »

Lost in Suburbia by Tracy Beckerman I am not the world’s savviest technophile. This is one of the reasons I married my husband; so he could install all our software and fix the computers when they crash while I sit there with a look of sheer bewilderment on my face. Having a techy husband also means that we have the... Full story »

To the editor, from Deborah Halpern: In response to the letters over the past few weeks discussing the Woodland Avenue sidewalk issue, I would like to add some perspective. I am a Summit resident whose street was also designated a “Safe Passageway” for students and pedestrians, and approximately two years ago new sidewalks were installed by the city in spite... Full story »

To the editor, from Tom Graham Recently, a few friends and I gathered around a table at the Summit Diner for some breakfast and conversation. Someone mentioned they were at the Summit Zoning Board meeting where the Overlook Hospital helipad application was being heard the night before. As he dug into his oatmeal, he told the group about the hospital’s... Full story »

To the editor, from David Gordon: Since 2005, Millburn Township has been dishing out our tax dollars to a Hackensack law firm as special counsel, and has seen fit to initiate two lawsuits to put a halt to some Jewish families in town to pray together. What a waste of much-needed funds. Let’s be frank. Jews by and large –... Full story »

To the editor, from Charlie Blecker: Change is never easy . Change is good. Most people don’t like change, but it is inevitable. The Berkeley Heights Community Pool (BHCP) is undergoing change. This summer you’ll see new management, the first Youth Triathlon in town, new activities, and a lot more. But it will be the same safe, clean pool you’ve... Full story »