Letters

I am writing concerning the affordability of housing in New Jersey.Homeowners in New Jersey have benefited from the real-estate boom, as skyrocketing home values have provided them with rising home equity. However, the flipside to this equation is that more and more families cannot find affordable housing in New Jersey, which is now the third most expensive state in which to live.

The National Low-Income Housing Coalition estimates that in New Jersey the average household requires a yearly salary of $42,000 to rent a “fair-market” apartment. But the state Department of Labor reports that more than one-third of New Jersey workers earn less than $25,000 a year. Most new jobs created here in the next 10 years will pay near or under that amount.

Unfortunately, the Bush administration has not only turned a blind eye to this problem, it has actually continued to cut Section 8 funding for affordable housing on a yearly basis. The federal government’s cuts have offset New Jersey’s attempts to address the need for affordable housing.

New Jersey is one of the few states that recognizes affordable housing as a constitutional right. Unfortunately, the need for affordable housing is not being met. New Jersey must address this problem so that the less fortunate are not left behind by our state’s rising property values.

Concerned citizens can start by contacting their representatives in Congress and asking them to oppose continued cuts in Section 8 funding.

Eddie Konczal

Monroe

Hospitality, energy marked Open Doors of Faith event

This is a thank you to the pastors, ministers and rabbi of South River who so graciously opened their doors to the members of the community on Sunday, June 12. Nine churches and synagogues participated in the Open Doors of Faith event, which allowed the public to tour these houses of worship.

Our family was overwhelmed by the charm and beauty in these old buildings, and we were especially impressed by the hospitality, enthusiasm and energy of the leaders of these faith communities. We learned not only about the history of these buildings and communities, but a little about their theological perspectives as well.

South River should be proud to have such vibrant congregations within its 2-square-mile boundaries.

Thank you to the members of the clergy who put this lovely day together. We look forward eagerly to other opportunities to be exposed to the hidden treasures of the borough of South River.

We also urge other communities to do something similar to this. We would love to visit some representative houses of worship from other faiths.

Mara, Ed and E.J. Zukowski

South River

Grateful to firefighters, police department, first aid squad

On behalf of Baker’s Nursery, Monroe, we want to take this opportunity to thank the Monroe Township fire departments, police department and first aid squad for the stellar job they performed on Friday night, May 27, to bring the fire in our storage building under control. The Helmetta and Spotswood fire departments also assisted the Monroe fire departments, and we also thank them.

The fire departments responded quickly, and the firefighters worked conscientiously and diligently throughout the night to bring the fire under control. We have a newfound respect for firefighters, realizing how these individuals, some paid and some volunteer, put their lives on the line to protect the public.

We want to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to all the individuals who selflessly gave of their time and risked their lives.

Frank Baker

Matt Rusnock

owners

Baker’s Nursery and

Landscape Service Inc.

Monroe

Let’s get politicians working for the people of the state

Oh, it is so easy to say, “cut state and local spending.” OK, let us cut 10 or 15 percent across the board. Education, roads, services to the poor, sick and elderly. Take away many benefits from the state employees and do not go after the millions upon millions that New Jersyans owe, or try to hide from the state and counties. By the way, do you know that in our state there are about 200 enclaves called boroughs? They are basically based on personal snobbery, costly in the millions and of little value.

Yes, there are many ways where we can either get more for the dollar spent, make changes in our spending by forcing joint large purchases, school designs, where deviations are paid by local taxpayers, greater purchase of hybrid cars, and to get more involved by government in the use and making of renewable energy.

There are so many ways that we can help ourselves, but one has to stop complaining, and stand up, speak loud and clear to the politicos, who usually have their hearing aid in the off position. Work as our representatives, not as a politico. Every day we see a few more in handcuffs. The time has arrived. Either you listen and do an honest job, or get out.

Milton M. Itell

Lakewood