What's the story with the Economic Development Corp.?

As an Old Bridge resident for the past 15 years, I wonder what's going on with the Old Bridge Economic Development Corp. Council President Patrick Gillespie, who also chairs this committee, canceled six out of the 12 monthly meetings in 2006 and has canceled 100 percent of the 2007 meetings so far. The corporation has lacked an executive director to head the efforts of this important part of Old Bridge.

Does Councilman Gillespie think the residents of Old Bridge are fools, or is he waiting for one of his political cronies to fill the position? The last executive director was the former mayor of the town, and he made a good buck at the taxpayers' expense.

Why doesn't the town admit that the economic development of Old Bridge isn't important? Why not close the corporation down officially since it lacks leadership? Why waste the time and efforts of the good citizens who volunteered their time to better Old Bridge?

My hope is that Pat Gillespie gets off the fence and does what is right. Why should meeting after meeting get canceled when Old Bridge needs someone in place to develop a plan for "smart growth" and economic stability.

I love Old Bridge, and the businesses that are in our town are important to all the residents.

Irene Mannion

Old Bridge