(Open letter to Long Branch Mayor Adam Schneider)

What have you got against the citizens of Long Branch? Do you not know that "compromise" runs two ways? Do you think because your "friends" voted you in that you have no responsibility to the rest of the city? Why must "we the people" be open-minded while you do not? First you pick on folks who've lived on the beach all their lives (some for generations). Now it's the seniors' turn to receive your dictums! You want them to move, they don't. They say, Gregory School "needs a lot of work" (more likely it needs a ton of work), but you tell them "let's just keep an open mind and find out what 'we' are doing and where 'we' are going with this."

Why? Why do you insist on just representing just the developers? They did not elect you, the people, well some of them, elected you — to represent them — the citizens of Long Branch, not those outsider interests! And, what's wrong with this move?

Lots of things. To mention but a few: First, the Center is one level — Gregory is three. Seniors don't need to be climbing those stairs! Second, the Center is mid-town — Gregory is far northwest. Third, the Center has many roads to it — Gregory has but two roads to it. Fourth, the Center is on a less-traveled road — Gregory is on a corner of a highly congested highway! Fifth, why must you talk about this move now? What's the point? Hovnanian has left the building! They are out of funds and have given up on Beachfront South due to this dire economic crisis.

So, tell us Adam, which developer

do you have in mind that will transform" the area where the senior

center is now? And into what — more luxury condos, that we don't need? And that no one can afford in these times? (And that the experts say will for another four to five years!) That you are pressing this issue now, is pointless and arrogant! Why do you want to reshape Long Branch into your own vision, without regard to what the citizenry of Long Branch want. Get off the pot Adam, let it go. Let the people of Long Branch tell you what they want in their town for a change!

Just for the record, I am not a member of the senior center, but must speak out when our "elected representatives" go awry.
Kathy Lo Pinto Vignolini
Long Branch