Milltown commissions do have value; letter spread misinformation

In response to the letter in the Oct. 26 issue of the Sentinel from Thomas J. Cappella and Thomas D. Fallon ("Borough Must Examine Questions Concerning Commission"), I feel compelled to respond to some inaccuracies and misconceptions stated.

The authors state that a municipal commission "can promulgate rules and regulations indiscriminately ... ." Any individual with any legal expertise whatsoever knows that a Borough Council must approve all legislation before any rules or regulations can be enforced by any commission.

The authors also comment on "any success or debacles achieved by these commissions." Do the authors know the definition of debacle? I don't know of any debacles, but I certainly know of many successes.

As a recently retired 20-year employee of the New Jersey Shade Tree Federation and a former member of the Middlesex County Advisory Board, I can state that Milltown has received in excess of $50,000 in grants due to the hard work of the Shade Tree Commission. And the grants have resulted in tree plantings in municipal parks, the swimming pool and our streets. One of the benefits of a commission is the ability to apply for and receive various federal and state grants.

The Environmental Commission also has received numerous grants and continually serves as an effective body overseeing environmental issues of importance to our municipality and county.

All commissions (and committees) are staffed by volunteers who devote immeasurable time and talent. What is the exorbitant amount of tax dollars spent that the authors are alluding to?

If there is a debate concerning a historical committee or commission, then the authors should stick to that issue and leave the decision to the Borough Council. Perhaps their motives are of a self-interest nature. But misinforming the public on the costs, values and successes of commissions in general is an insult to the volunteers who work so hard to provide a healthy environment for Milltown.

Clare Laskoski

Milltown