Letters
Sayreville schools should not be in session on Veterans Day

With regard to the Sayreville Board of Education considering omitting Veterans Day from the school calendar, I stand strongly in support of Councilman Stanley Drwal’s and Eddie Strek’s stand on this issue. As the wife of a Vietnam veteran who has worked with veterans for many years, the idea that this is being considered makes me very angry.

There were two days at the very beginning of the school year when only teachers reported. The students could have been attending on these days. Why is there early dismissal the day before Thanksgiving? The New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) Convention could be held in the summer. Why do they need the whole week off between Christmas and New Year’s Day and a whole week during for spring recess? Schools could remain open for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Good Friday, and those observing these holidays could be out with excused absences.

Our high school bears the name Sayreville War Memorial High School. Wars have been fought by our veterans, and they deserve to be honored. It is bad enough that when our government makes budget cuts, veterans programs are among the first to be cut, but when our school administrators start considering Veterans Day to be omitted from the calendar, the people who make these decisions need to take another look.

Maybe Superintendent of Schools Frank Alfano and the Board of Education members should take a trip to the Veterans Administration Hospital in Lyons or East Orange, or the Soldiers Home in Menlo Park, or Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., and talk with the veterans being cared for in these facilities.

I know this for sure — our child will not be in school on Veterans Day no matter what they decide to do. I also would like to know how many of them actually served our country in the military.

Carol Ioannides

Parlin section of Sayreville

Candidate gained more than she lost during run for council

Shortly after the polls closed on Election Day, supporters of mine were calling to say they were sorry I lost. But I honestly do not feel that I lost.

I try to look at the positive, and to me, I have gained more than I have lost. I have gained knowledge of the political process, and I think it leaves a lot to be desired. I gained insight into how the Township Council functions, and I think it needs less “yes men” and more sincere individuals (who are currently outnumbered) who really have a strong desire to stand up to the status quo. It is a shame that the Republicans were not able to gain just one more seat to shake things up. And lastly, I have gained a strong desire to become more involved in making a difference in this community. No matter what side you are on, we all agree that Ward 1 needs more help to improve quality of life and stabilize taxes.

The final numbers of Election Day were also positive in that they show a shift in the way the residents are thinking. Considering Republicans are outnumbered 8-to-1 in this town, the final tally certainly did not reflect the same percentage. At least half the residents of this ward are trying to tell their representative they are tired of the way things are going.

I have come to understand that this race was as much sentimental as it was political for this particular ward because of the heartfelt loss of the late Joseph Hoff. I understand he was probably one of the best representatives this town will ever have, and I wish I had an opportunity to meet him just once. In the future I will have to prove to this town that there are other caring, sincere people out there (no matter what their affiliation) who also have the ability to make good things happen for this town and to have things done in a timely manner when it would benefit those who want change.

At this time I would like to thank the late Mr. Hoff for his efforts to get the beautiful beachfront community project on the books years ago. Now it is finally on our shores for all to enjoy. Thank you.

The council members will be seeing more of me, as will the Zoning Board regarding Metro Park in Ward 1. The fight is not over — in fact, we, the residents of this town, are just warming up.

I also want to thank those residents who supported me, who came up to me on the streets to shake my hand and let me know how hopeful they were that I would get voted in just to put a stop to the “good-old-boy network.” And since I am a woman, I would have had no other choice but to do that. But I promise to be involved in other ways.

I want to thank my family and friends for their patience and continued love, and the newspaper reporters and editors for being as impartial as possible. Keep up the good work.

Joanne Schiffres

Cliffwood Beach section of Old Bridge

Grateful for many positives during Ward 2 campaign

When I decided to run for councilman for Ward 2 back in May, I had no idea how the election might turn out and how the residents would react to somebody like me, who had never entered the political fray before.

Although I lost by a slim margin this go-round, there were many positives I can take away from this election. First and foremost, my wife, Terry, and my kids were just terrific during this long journey. They helped me get through any doubts I had and kept me focused.

I met many, many great people who offered to help me during my campaign. Most of all, I received some tremendous feedback from the folks whose doors I knocked on, asking for their support. As a newcomer, I am proud to have received more than 1,000 votes — it shows I got my message out and people listened.

Those of you who supported me, I thank you. Additionally, I knocked on many doors of folks who supported my opponent, and I’d like to thank them as well for taking the time to listen to what I had to say.

Clearly, it’s tough to lose an election after you have worked so hard for all those months. However, the real shame would be not to take away the many positives that were gained during the campaign.

Now that Election Day has come and gone, I implore my fellow residents to get involved and to ensure Old Bridge continues to be a great place to live. Get involved, let your voice be heard — I guarantee you will find it a rewarding experience.

Brian Cahill

Old Bridge

Successful candidates honored by, grateful for election

We wanted to take the time to write a note of thanks to the citizens of the borough of Sayreville on the occasion of our election to the Borough Council.

First, to everyone who voted, whether you voted for us or not — thank you for your participation in a very important responsibility of citizenship. We need more people to cast their ballot, and you are setting an example for others to follow.

To those who voted for us, worked on our campaign or gave us a word of encouragement — thank you.

To those who may not have voted for us — please know that we will work hard for you every day to earn your support and trust.

It is an honor to have been chosen by the people of Sayreville to serve on the Borough Council. We intend to repay that honor with hard work on behalf of all the residents of Sayreville.

Dennis Grobelny

councilman

Rory Zach

councilman-elect

Sayreville