Regarding David Szilagyi’s February 26,2014 letter to the Amboy Guardian, “Statement from the Proprietary House on Dissolution of M.O.P.A.,” I found it disingenuous of Mr. Szilagyi to criticize Mr. Ward on the subject of money. Mr. Szilagyi’s 16-year career as Perth Amboy Councilman coincided with the 18-year reign of Mayor Joe Vas.

Did Mr. Szilagyi ever write a letter about the huge cost overruns of the Safety Complex, some of which are still being litigated and potentially will cost Perth Amboy millions more?

Did Mr. Szilagyi ever write a letter when his running mate Joe Vas, who lives down the street from his house, received home improvements, worth $25,000, free of charge from a city vendor?

Did Mr. Szilagyi ever write a letter about the $58,000 in false invoices Imperial Construction submitted to pay for the catering cost of the false 2008 grand opening of the Safety Complex. The false grand opening took place just weeks before the election that ended Mayor Vas’ and Councilman Szilagyi’s long reign.

Did Mr. Szilagyi ever write a letter telling the residents of Perth Ambyo that he served on the Insurance Commission and that Gartland’s Federal Hill Risk Management Insurance Company was stealing millions from the BOE and from the City? Did the fact that Councilman Szilagyi received donations for his political campaign from Gartland’s insurance companies warrant a Szilagyi letter?

Perhaps Mr. Szilagyi should gaze at himself in the History Mirror before questioning the good name of Tom Ward, a long time volunteer of projects like the 911 monuments, the murals in City Hall and a long time member of the Board of Adjustments.

Mr. Szilagyi, after 16 years as a Councilman, you left this City broke and traumatized by corruption. Tax dollars were wasted, misused and stolen. While not all your fault, this happened on your watch: that is your legacy. That’s a record that makes you unfit to now become a crusader in pointing out alleged wrong doings of others.

– Ken Balut