Gerald Keer writes that their main union backs Democrats who back government funding for Planned Parenthood.
To the Editor:
The presidential campaign is the hot item in the news, but the South Jersey Times recently published another notable headline and story: "N.J. mom, 19, strangled newborn, police say," concerning an incident in Franklin Township last month.
What seems to be lacking in news coverage is the statistical side of infant homicide rates. Killings of infants a week old or younger are most likely are committed by the mother. As children age, the involvement of a father or stepfather increases.
When is the proper time to prosecute the killing of a child?
Some Republicans have pressed for the reduction or complete withdrawal of government funding for Planned Parenthood, which uses other funding to perform abortions.
Without citing the arguments for or against public financing for women's services, when is killing human life a crime?
The Republican Party opposes abortions and related reproductive medical funding, and the GOP thus has been has been accused by select Democrats of a "War on Women."
Last year, the New Jersey Education Association's PAC supported 57 state legislative candidates. All were Democrats. Since Democrats generally support funding for Planned Parenthood, would it be wrong to say that NJEA-represented teachers are supporting a "War on Infants?"
I think that would be a stretch, but how far of a reach is it to say that such accusations are not very different from the "War on Women" accusations that are made against Republicans who oppose Planned Parenthood funding?
Gerald Keer
Turnersville
Carneys Point leaders found lacking
To the Editor:
In January, the Republican Party took control of the Carneys Point Township Committee. From the onset of their rise to power, the Republicans have replaced seasoned professionals who have served the township for many years with higher-priced professionals.
One example is that Joan Adams, the township's long-standing planning board solicitor -- a Republican -- was replaced by an attorney whose offices are in Princeton, and who is being paid more per hour than Adams was. Is Kevin Van Hise also being paid to travel back and forth to meetings?
Additional appointments made by the Republican-led committee are also the cause of much concern. For example, John Bibeau, a local developer who several years ago filed an affordable housing lawsuit against the township, was named this year to the planning board. Although the suit was ultimately dismissed, the township incurred legal fees in excess of $200,000.
The question must be asked: Are GOP Mayor Joseph Racite and Committeemen Wayne Pelura and Kenneth Dennis working for the good of the people, or to line the pockets of their political cronies?
Martin "Skeeter" Cleary
Carneys Point Township
Early support for Monroe Twp. candidate
To the Editor:
I would like to express my support for an expected Democratic primary candidate for the Ward 2 Monroe Township Council seat, Joseph J. Kurz.
As chief of Williamstown Fire Department No. 1, I have known Kurz for many years and find him to be a dedicated, knowledgable and passionate individual. He demonstrated his compassion for Monroe Township throughout his life by serving as a now-retired police officer in his hometown, a volunteer fireman since age 18 and a participant in numerous local organizations.
Kurz displayed his leadership while serving as president of the Williamstown Fire Department. I know he is a man of integrity and would be an excellent township council member. Please join me in supporting him.
Frank Murray
Monroe Township
Editor's note: Candidates for the June 7 party primary elections have until April 4 to file nominating petitions. The Ward 2 council seat is currently held by Democrat Rich DiLucia.
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