October 30, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 15 Letters to the Editor (continued from page 14) his own ideas and opinions, but has always been willing to listen to others and look for better ways to accomplish goals. This skill is important in today’s world of differing opinions. Limited budgets make it more difficult to take needed actions to move for- ward. Gregg will work with the other coun- cil members to find consensus and allow the council to address our concerns. Gregg has also shown a willingness to take on leadership roles. He recently chaired the project to bring about Mahwah’s first Parks Day. He is working with our town administrator to help focus Mahwah’s efforts to achieve certification as a sustain- able community. His latest initiative is to involve our local businesses in achieving that goal. These businesses are our neigh- bors and incorporating them in our goals will help us find the right balance between economic development, community con- cerns, and environmental issues. I believe Gregg will make a difference in our community and we should all consider him when we go to vote for our new town council member. Rich Wolf, Chairman Mahwah Environmental Commission Endorses Marcus Dear Editor: On Nov. 5, I will be voting for Jonathan Marcus for Mahwah Township Council. I first met Jonathan over six years ago after I had returned home from my second deploy- ment in the U.S. Army to Iraq and before I was deployed for combat in Afghanistan. Though I was otherwise a total stranger to him, Jonathan saw potential in me. He kept in touch with me through my deployment, encouraging me to seek a college education and offering to assist me in whatever way possible to achieve that goal. After having suffered injuries in combat, I took Jonathan up on his offer and went from the battlefield to living in Jonathan’s home. Jonathan and his family embraced me and my ethnic culture and I have become a member of his family and will be graduat- ing from Ramapo College this winter. Over the years I have lived in Jonathan’s home, I have witnessed in action a compassionate man who has a deep sense of community and values and always puts others before himself. Jonathan has no other motives other than to serve his community and make it the best town for both his family and yours. I ask that my fellow Ramapo alumni, veterans, and all voters in Mahwah vote Marcus for Mahwah, Column 4 on Nov. 5. Rahim Charania Mahwah Pleased to serve again Dear Editor: Although the race for Mahwah Board of Education is uncontested this year, I just wanted to say that I am looking forward to serving a third term on the board. The people who know me know that I am always open to hearing what they have to say, good or bad. I take pride in keep- ing up with what is going on in the HSOs, the MSF, and other organizations in town so I can make informed decisions and set high, yet realistic goals for our students. I believe we have a school system in Mahwah that we can all be proud of, but that there is always room for improvement and these improvements should be made using funds strategically. I can only do this with feedback. Please contact me anytime at suzannecurry@hotmail.com. Thank you for the opportunity to serve again. Suzanne Curry, Trustee Mahwah Board of Education