I am very dismayed and disappointed to learn of the National Park Service’s approval of the Middlesex County government’s plan to transform county-owned Thomas A. Edison Park into a major sports complex destination.

Despite hundreds of public comments opposing this project sent to the National Park Service, it has the appearance of a done deal on the part of the county commissioners, U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, D-6th Dist., and even Gov. Phil Murphy. This is before many in the community even learned about the plan, reacted to it and commented on its environmental impact.

This project in Edison Township would eliminate a free neighborhood park with established trees in favor of a fee-based venue that would bring traffic, air pollution, noise and lighting, to an already high-traffic area. It would be in addition to a new baseball stadium and other construction on the campus of nearby Middlesex College.

Importantly, creating 14 plastic turf fields, some converted from natural grass, and a 1,300-space asphalt parking lot is environmentally wrong. This will create heat islands, utilize surfaces that will make sports injuries more likely. and possibly contaminate ground water when the plastic and rubberized particles break down and leach out of the fields.

The Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership wrote an excellent letter to the park service opposing this project based on science. Apparently, our political leaders are willing to bypass the input of the community they are supposed to serve, put the health of their constituents and the environment at risk, and negatively affect the quality of life in our area, in order to bring in the bucks.

Esther Barcun, Edison

Morris team best for environment

As a concerned resident and advocate for Morris County’s natural environment, I am writing to express my support for county board of commissioners candidates Justin Strickland, Jonathan Sackett and William “Bud” Ravitz, in their commitment to addressing one of the most pressing issues facing our community: overdevelopment.

Morris County, with rich history, scenic landscapes, and precious open spaces, is under increasing threat from unchecked development that endangers both our environment and our quality of life.

Democrats Strickland, Sackett and Ravitz understand that growth is inevitable, but it must be managed wisely.

They will work to steer development toward areas that can support it, such as already developed or underutilized sites. while protecting vulnerable habitats and green spaces. This will reduce sprawl and maintain the character of our communities.

Strickland, Sackett and Ravitz will push for thorough environmental reviews before any major development project is approved, to ensure that projects do not threaten our local ecosystems, water quality or public health. Their commitment to transparency means that these assessments would be made available to the public.

This trio will ensure that community stakeholders have a seat at the table when it comes to development decisions. Public hearings and consultations will be a key part of the process,

The Democratic candidates have pledged to prioritize open space preservation and work with local conservation groups to acquire and protect more land. They understand that parks, forests, and farmlands are crucial for maintaining biodiversity and providing recreational opportunities for future generations.

Morris County is at a crossroads. We can either allow short-term gains to dictate long-term consequences, or we can elect leaders who are willing to fight for a sustainable future. Strickland, Sackett and Ravitz will stand up for smart, responsible growth while safeguarding the natural beauty that makes the county special.

Irene Sergonis, Budd Lake

Note: Democrats Strickland, Sackett and Ravitz are running against incumbent Republicans Deborah Smith, John Krickus and Stephen Shaw, for three seats on a seven-member board that is currently all-Republican.

Time to send Gottheimer packing

Choosing between congressional candidates is a very personal matter. In the 5th District, should we continue in “La-lLa-Land,” as we have for the last several years with incumbent Democrat Josh Gottheimer, or shore up our britches and confront reality.

Gottheimer focuses on issues like pregnancy crisis centers that do not offer abortion as an option, while he ignores commenting on boys and girls that are being subjected to pre-K drag queen shows, public school libraries stocked with deviant pornographic reading materials, and school counselors ready to explore with children the gamut of sexual practices and gender preferences.

Whereas Gottheimer cautiously limits himself mostly to being an advocate of low taxes, his Nov. 5 opponent, Republican Mary Jo Guinchard, tackles all the aforementioned issues.

She also addresses that New Jersey is being overrun by an estimated 450,000 unauthorized immigrants. Gottheimer expresses little concern that non-citizens could be voting illegally in our elections. But Guinchard understands that a flood of non-citizens may not be bound by any respect for America’s laws and culture, something that may lead to serious problems for society.

Refusing to acknowledge serious societal issues is Gottheimer’s approach to winning an election, as long as the majority of the public also continues to ignore the consequences f But, if a majority of voters becomes more aware of the negative impact of these recent controversial events before Nov. 5, they can choose a true representative of their best interests by voting for candidate Guinchard.

Andrew Godfried, Park Ridge

Tell ‘em why your vote counts

Perhaps you’ve heard a younger person say this year, “I’m not voting.” Perhaps you asked, “Why?” And they said, “Why bother? What difference does it make?”

Why bother, indeed.

Remember the first time you voted? Why not share your story about that with a young person who states that their vote won’t matter?

As an 18-year old, I remember as the curtains of the voting booth closed behind me, feeling immense responsibility and privilege. In that space, I made a difference in our democratic process.

To younger people, I say, I vote because my maternal grandmother couldn’t vote until 1920, although her brothers could — since they were men. I tell those younger people, ”Talk to your older relatives and friends. Find out what those experiences of voting or being denied the vote felt like.”

If you don’t “like” a particular candidate, consider being a multi-issue voter. Consider all of the issues and not personal biases, because we live in a multifaceted country and world.

I vote because I believe in generations helping each other, older to younger; younger to older. This year, and every year, I cast my vote for our future.

Jane Egan, North Haledon

Supply chain goes bananas

Before the three-day-old dockworkers’ strike was ended by a partial contract settlement, panic buying and hoarding were back in full swing.

I shopped in a big-box store early last week and was surprised to see hordes of shoppers buying up products made in the United States. The same goes for the grocery stores. These items generally do not need to use port facilities.

However, shelves containing the bananas and other tropical fruit that must be imported, usually via international cargo ship, were piled high.

What am I missing?

Elizabeth Bride, Gillette

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