Vote NO on Question 

No. 2

This proposal raises the proportion taken from an existing tax “to help pay for some environmental programs”. The stated aims are diffuse. “Open space, farmland, and historic preservation” are treated equally when they really have varying priorities. Taking more from an existing tax means less for existing projects. Is that fair?

The stated purpose sounds good on paper. But there should be a new tax for a new purpose, or an explanation as to which existing programs would be cut back.

Should this spending priority become part of the state constitution? What if it is not needed in the future but the money could be better used on another project? I will vote NO and suggest other voters do the same. NJ doesn’t have enough tax money for its current needs.

Ronald A. Sobieraj

The Promised Land

Responding to Mr. Joseph JB Vas’ letter in the 10-28-14 Amboy Guardian – I respect your concern about Perth Amboy’s way of life, but I have lived here for over 50-some years and was born and raised in this town. Yes, things have changed over the years, but you have to understand: look who ran this town and who voted for them over the years. In the 1960’s Perth Amboy was a working class town with good schools, and it wasn’t as populated as is now. Then in the late 70’s thing started to change. Many of the working class jobs were lost because only some of the big company’s stayed until the late 80’s. And still the people voted with a broken promise from those fat cats you know: “Give me your vote and I’ll give you the promised land.”

By the early 1990’s to 2008 it started looking good, but then GREED and POWER got into office of the Mayor. Now we have a Mayor who sounds like she’s confused or someone from the higher ups is pulling the strings. I’d like to know who or what really controls this town. I hate to say this, but those people who vote and are still looking for the promised land will see it when HELL FREEZES OVER. We are living at a time when it will costs more to live here and those politicians will keep telling the voters the promised land is coming. Now, it’s up to you – the concerned citizens to change the way of life by going to a Council Meeting and voice your concern. Remember one voice means nothing, but many voices mean something. Government controls the tax dollars but people control the Government.

Orlando “Wildman” Perez

The Past

Saw a letter to the editor about Oct. 9. The word past caught my eye BECAUSE I use that word  and the Good Old Days in many of my articles.

Most of all, I am fed up with hearing and reading all the abuse the people of Sayreville and their families have to take from a bunch of out-of-towners or wherever they are from. Where do they get their facts or information from???? They probably have never seen Sayreville or know where it is. (They might even think  Bombers are some kinds of planes.)

Let an Old Timer tell you about Sayreville and I live in Metuchen. My father was from Perth Amboy and my Mother from South Amboy. My Mom was one of 10 kids, so as the clock moved forward, nearly half of my family was from Sayreville. Still I have some of my family still lives there.

This house that I’m sitting in was built before I was born. They didn’t slop them together like they do now. Think it took one or two years. The foundation for this house is partly supported by red brick. The name on that brick is Haeley Co., Sayreville, NJ. This was a long trip for these men. So my Mom had a hot lunch for them every day.

When I was a little kid, I played with kids from Sayreville every day. We got in trouble sometimes like other kids do, but we were never allowed to go around the river.

When I was 18 years old, I played for a semi-pro team in Metuchen called The Eagles. These guys were 20 or more years older than me.

One of the teams that we played was Sayreville. The men on the Sayreville team treated me not like only a family member, but like one of their own kids. (These guys are upstairs now, and are all saying, “Thanks Tom for putting in a Good Word for Sayreville.”

I have a message for the out-of-towners or wherever you are FROM: “ Clean up your own backyard because we don’t need your help.”

I also have a message for my friends in Sayreville: “Things seem wrong as they sometimes will when the road you’re trudging seems uphill.”

Yes, my friends. This is the time we cannot quit.

Thomas Francis Clark