Whenever anything new in terms of public facilities is built around here, there is a sharp division amoungst the townsfolk. One group asks about where the money came from to build, and whether it should it have been spent. Others point out the benefits, either in educational value, or recognition for the town, or revenues gained.
The "Bubble" - the new indoor athletic complex, and the Ritacco center are two high-profile additions that generate this kind of controversy. Now we also see that money is needed to save the Planetarium.
It seems to me that the root of the problem -- political considerations aside -- is that on the one hand we have a large portion of our community that consists of retired folks, and they are conservative by nature. Living on fixed incomes, they are understandably reluctant to see tax money spent extravagantly.
The younger portion of the community views expenditures in facilities and programs as an investment in their children. It is a competitive world, and our children -- and the working community itself -- has to compete in the marketplace. And yet there has to be a limit to what a community can reasonably provide.
So the question is....can some middle ground be found? Shouldn't we be careful with public monies, make everything and everyone along the way accountable....but also be open to providing our community, and our children with the tools and experiences needed to more forward? Can we gain a competitive edge for our community -- or not?
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Monday, March 26, 2007
Toms River Roadways are Scary
Maybe it's just me, but it seems that driving around Toms River has gotten especially scary lately. It could be that people have spring fever, but more likely it is that we've all become a bit frantic as traffic begins to increase.
Older drivers tend to slow down, and to become extra careful, perhaps further bogging down the flow of traffic. Younger drivers react by weaving in and out of traffic, and blowing the doors off someone that they think is going too slow.
And don't even get me started on people that are driving with one hand on the wheel and the other on a cell phone held to the ear.
There is only one cure to this toxic mix -- common sense.
Older drivers need to keep up with the normal traffic flow....going excessively slow will only increase the chance of an impatient younger driver swerving around you and creating a hazard. And can I add -- ever so gently -- that you get regular eye and hearing checks. No one wants to take your freedom to drive away, so you need to make sure that you're ready for the road.
Younger drivers need to realize that Rt. 37 isn't a drag strip -- think about the tragic deaths of of the kids in Neptune recently. And I know that many young drivers are actually good drivers, and tailgating or cutting in and out of traffic doesn't seem like a big deal to you, but what is does is cut down on everyone's margin of error. What happens if another car next to yours makes a sudden lane change just when you do? Believe me, you don't what the legal, insurance, and money hassles that come with an accident.
As for cell phones...get a hands-free kit or bluetooth so that you can at least have both hands available for driving.
Older drivers tend to slow down, and to become extra careful, perhaps further bogging down the flow of traffic. Younger drivers react by weaving in and out of traffic, and blowing the doors off someone that they think is going too slow.
And don't even get me started on people that are driving with one hand on the wheel and the other on a cell phone held to the ear.
There is only one cure to this toxic mix -- common sense.
Older drivers need to keep up with the normal traffic flow....going excessively slow will only increase the chance of an impatient younger driver swerving around you and creating a hazard. And can I add -- ever so gently -- that you get regular eye and hearing checks. No one wants to take your freedom to drive away, so you need to make sure that you're ready for the road.
Younger drivers need to realize that Rt. 37 isn't a drag strip -- think about the tragic deaths of of the kids in Neptune recently. And I know that many young drivers are actually good drivers, and tailgating or cutting in and out of traffic doesn't seem like a big deal to you, but what is does is cut down on everyone's margin of error. What happens if another car next to yours makes a sudden lane change just when you do? Believe me, you don't what the legal, insurance, and money hassles that come with an accident.
As for cell phones...get a hands-free kit or bluetooth so that you can at least have both hands available for driving.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
The Clock is Ticking on River Fest
Maybe someone out there knows the answer....maybe I just haven't heard...will there be a River Fest this year? There is a lot to consider, I know. It's a big undertaking, and a lot of things will need to be organized if the Fest is going to happen, and be successful. I'm guessing that the pros and cons are being considered heavily right now, but let's face it... the clock is ticking. People from out of the area are already calling around town, checking Toms River Online, and looking to find out if the event is on.
Political considerations aside, logistics will start to come into play. To have the Fest, the town will need to mobilize. Parts of the business community will want to jump on board, and they need notice.
I hope a decision is made soon. And that somebody lets me know. After all, this is Toms River 411....and we'd like to be the first one to announce it.
Political considerations aside, logistics will start to come into play. To have the Fest, the town will need to mobilize. Parts of the business community will want to jump on board, and they need notice.
I hope a decision is made soon. And that somebody lets me know. After all, this is Toms River 411....and we'd like to be the first one to announce it.
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