May 11, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 21 Letters to the Editor (continued from page 20) just me) voiced concerns including extensive re-grading of over 85 percent of the 10 acres, removal of many mature trees, multiple steep slope disturbances, possible nitrate contamination to drinking water, etc. The article gives the impression that plan changes were made in response to these concerns (and the impact on my property), but I’d be interested to see a list of these changes. There were extensive discussions, and I thank our Franklin Lakes Planning Board members who do a great job, but their hands are often tied (e.g. nitrate issue) due to lack of town ordinances. I’d like to see Mayor Bivona encourage these talented, hard-working board members to work with our outstanding environmental commission to develop ordinances that will support the health of the land and people of Franklin Lakes. In the meantime, accurate reporting would be appreciated. Cathy Stack Franklin Lakes Dear Editor: As a resident of Midland Park, I can tell you that many are heavily feeling the resignation of recreation director, Lori Dent. For 10 years, she tirelessly worked for our children as a faithful employee of our town. She single-handedly produced the best summer camp program around -- keeping our children safe and entertained at a very fair price. She kept our teens out of trouble by mentoring them into capable young adults and role models for younger campers. She made it fun to celebrate, play, and live in Midland Park. Her salary was lower than the pay for comparable positions in the area, and she waived health benefits. She obviously didn’t do this job for the money; she did it because she loved it and the families in our town. Dent ran self-funded programs and large community events on a small operating budget. I personally gave cooking classes in the town through the recreation department for five years. My classes came to a halt last year when mayor and the council pulled the plug on the inexpensive cooking program that was always filled to capacity, less than a week prior to the class start date. The reason, you ask? Suddenly, after five years, council decided to require worker’s comp insurance. I am a business owner with my own health insurance coverage. By law, I am not required in the State of New Jersey to carry worker’s comp. Why, then, did our leaders insist upon it? Perhaps to begin the sabotage of Dent’s programs. Midland Park is not interested in bridge and mahjong for its seniors at the barn. We have the senior center on Center Street for that. We are, however, interested in a fun and safe summer camp, a marvelous theater arts program, an interesting cooking class, and a festive Christmas tree lighting with a recreation director who adores our children as if they were her own. I personally have petitioned the board of recreation, the council, and Mayor Monahan to open a dialogue or have an exit interview with Dent. My pleas, along those of others who shared a packed room of residents throughout three consecutive meetings, have been ignored. The community is concerned about the number of unexplained sudden resignations on the recreation board over the last year, and now the director suddenly resigns. Our mayor is not interested in seeking a second term. Our borough administrator “retires” out of the blue. Clearly, something is happening on the inside, and we would all like to know what it is. We would like officials to investigate the problem so that it may be resolved and not carried on for years of trouble to come. We want the council to take us seriously as a community. We are interested in resolving the issues that are turning our town upside down. Wake up, elected officials! We voted for you, put our trust in you, and are paying your stipends and health benefits. Don’t you think we deserve a little more than you’ve given us? Listen to the people and do what is right. Samantha Fairless Midland Park It is the policy of the Villadom TIMES to have a signed copy of letters to the editor in our files. Please fax a signed copy to (201) 670-4745 or drop a signed copy in the mail to Villadom Times, P.O. Box 96, Midland Park, NJ 07432. Signed letters may also be dropped off at our office located at 333 Godwin Avenue in Midland Park. Celebration of creativity The Architects’ League of Northern New Jersey recently held a gallery opening at the Art Center of Northern New Jersey in New Milford. The exhibit displays the many facets of architects’ creative talents in a format that best exemplifies their work and personalities, from sketches and renderings to photography and sculpture. The public is invited to visit the exhibit, which will remain open until May 14. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pictured: Patrick LaCorte, Kurt Vierheilig, Kim Vierheilig, Stacey RuhleKliesch and Albert Zaccone at the opening. Wants officials to do what’s right How many households will your advertising message reach? Compare before you buy: Total Circulation The Villadom TIMES.................56,000 ..................56,000 Suburban News ........................ 34,292* .................14,970 The Ridgewood News................ 5,045* .................. 3,787 The Town Journal ....................... 6,739* ...................3,165 Glen Rock Gazette ..................... 3,909* ................... 1,131 *from US Postal Service Statement of Ownership & Circulation, October 1, 2010 By US Mail Plus S MORE READER Online at Villadom.com Receive the most coverage for your advertising dollar. 100% by US Mail Call The Villadom TIMES and get your circulation going! 201-652-0744 YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD NEWSPAPER