Regarding comments made in the article on the Forney House ("Opponents Lose Fight to Save Forney House," Sentinel, Jan. 29), criticizing the mayor and the Borough Council for not using their "clout" to prevent demolition of the building, let me explain the judicial process to which all elected officials must adhere.

The owner of the property decided that he wanted to sell, and that is his right, as it is the right of any other property owner in the borough. The contract purchaser, Valley National Bank, went through the process of obtaining site-plan approval from the Board of Adjustment. This approval was challenged in state Superior Court, New Brunswick, but the board's action was upheld in a decision issued by the court.

Contrary to resident Michael Shakarjian's feeling, no elected official has the "clout" to override the law. As a lifelong Milltown resident, I, too, was saddened by the loss of this house, but officials must put their personal feelings aside and be guided by the law. This council did just that.

To chastise and suggest that elected officials use "their clout" to create a loophole in the law is unacceptable. Clout used for illegal activity is corruption.
Gloria M. Bradford
Mayor
Milltown