Stranded tourists need to contact DOT re bridge
      As I write this at 9:30 p.m. on this warm Sunday evening, there is still a very long line of car lights trying to exit from Sandy Hook. Due to the construction traffic on the new bridge it has been — like every nice day last year — unfairly backed up all day long and into the night. Hungry, thirsty, tired, sunburned, diapers to change, etc.
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Substance abuse on rise during tough times
      It is no surprise to read headlines stating drug and alcohol abuse are on the rise as we suffer through these tough economic times. It's an unfortunate fact that when times are tough, substance abuse increases. And we must realize that life has changed for many families — the stress of a mother or father seeking employment naturally flows to the children in the home.
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RCAs did not effectively address housing need
      There is a critical shortage of housing throughout New Jersey, making it impossible for hundreds of thousands of working families to live within reasonable distances of their jobs. This predicament leads directly to increased congestion, pollution and time spent on the roadways for all of us, and a decrease in everyone's quality of life.
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NPS should be aware that informed public is watching
      One day before the National Park Service (NPS)-imposed 90-day deadline period was to expire, Sandy Hook Partners (SHP) submitted data in an attempt to satisfy the NPS's mandatory requirement for possessing financial capacity/ funding for its proposal to rehabilitate Fort Hancock buildings.
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Agency laments loss of pet advocate, Bea Arthur
      Bea Arthur had a truly golden heart and will be sorely missed by everyone at PETA. She joined our organization in 1987, when the Golden Girls did an anti-fur episode, and because of her unending compassion and tireless efforts to make the world a kinder place, she won multiple Humanitarian Awards.
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City set to introduce $47.8M budget
Unger proposes cutting overtime, clerk post
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
      LONG BRANCH — City officials met with department heads on April 22 to gather input for the 2009 budget. The $47.8 million spending plan proposed for 2009 was expected to be introduced during the April 28 City Council meeting.
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