In prison, 22 months is no easy walk in the park
GREG BEAN Coda
      So, our old friend John Merla, the corrupt former mayor of Keyport, was sentenced to 22 months in federal prison last week. And just in time for Halloween, too. If you're a Keyportian, you couldn't ask for a better addition to your Fright Night goodie bag. Much better than a toothbrush, or even a nice, big Butterfinger.
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No off-year election for Middlesex towns
      No doubt, fewer voters will go to the polls next week, as there are no federal or gubernatorial races to be decided. But those who do pull the levers on Nov. 6 will have that much more say in who takes the reigns of their local government for the next four years.
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Who gets a $1.5 million party for their birthday?
DAVE SIMPSON & GREG BEAN Red State/Blue State
      This week we are starting a new occasional feature, a political discussion between Red State conservative Dave Simpson - a former reporter, editor, publisher and columnist - and Greg Bean,
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