Columns/Opinions

Thu
01
Feb
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Township Council

The Livingston Democratic County Committee has submitted three names for the pending vacancy on the Township Council. Laurence Bergmann, James McIlvaine, and Ketan Bhuptani have been nominated to fill Rosy Bagolie’s seat.

Thu
01
Feb
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Package Theft

While the holiday season is the most common time for packages to be stolen – due to the uptick in deliveries and nature of what is being ordered – thefts do not stop when the calendar turns to a new year. To wit, a package was recently stolen off the front porch of a Mt. Pleasant Parkway home; the Livingston Detective Bureau continues to investigate the matter.

Package theft has, unfortunately, become a common nuisance in recent years as people more frequently than ever rely on home delivery.

Thu
25
Jan
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Equity Addendum

At the end of December, an addendum to the Livingston Public Schools’ Final Equity Audit Report was released. The update followed up on two issues raised during the December 5 presentation of the report during a Board of Education meeting: special education, and retaliatory culture concerns. The report contained revealing and concerning information, showing that there is much for the district to improve upon when it comes to equity. Hopefully, it will be a useful tool to rectify these issues. To wit, Board members have already started discussing how to address the audit’s recommendations, and meetings are actively being held with administrators, advisors, and equity coaches on the topic.

Thu
18
Jan
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Muslim Heritage Month

In May of 2023, Governor Phil Murphy declared January to be Muslim Heritage Month in New Jersey. When this legislation passed, Muslim leaders called it an historic moment. New Jersey was just the fourth state in the country to create such a month. These leaders also noted that recognizing Muslim Heritage Month will help to combat discrimination against Muslims. Last week, following urging from some residents, the Township Council stated a plan to pass a resolution acknowledging the month in Livingston at its next meeting.

Thu
11
Jan
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Shovel Your Sidewalks

As New Jersey experienced its first snowfall of the season this past week, let us offer a friendly reminder to shovel your sidewalks.

After every major snowstorm, there are dozens of homeowners throughout town who do not clear their sidewalks. As a result, individuals trying to safely walk or jog around Livingston (including children walking to school) are put in unnecessarily dangerous situations, forced to walk in a lane of traffic on one of the town’s busiest roadways, for example.

We do understand that shoveling is difficult for some of our residents, but those residents still miraculously find a way to get their driveways cleared! Whether homeowners take care of the snow themselves, have friends or family lend a hand, or they pay someone to clear the area, the driveways get done, and so should the sidewalks.

Thu
11
Jan
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A Day On

Many years ago, when the Board of Education first announced plans to close schools in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday, one of our readers, Patricia Idrobo, came up with the idea of creating “A Day On, Not A Day Off.” Idrobo organized many community groups, and mobilized a cadre of kids to go to the high school cafeteria to perform a variety of community services. The inaugural “Day On” event was a great success. The cafeteria was filled with tables at which people were working on behalf of others. It was a joy to see, but more importantly, it helped to demonstrate to our children the lessons that Dr. King taught. At the end of the program, there was also a brief educational component which helped to teach Dr. King’s ideals.

Thu
04
Jan
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Reorganization

Earlier this week, on New Year’s Day, residents, elected officials, friends, and family members gathered in person for the reorganizational meeting of Livingston’s Township Council. We were heartened to see another packed event, with hundreds of residents filling the Livingston Senior/Community Center to witness the township’s government and committees be set for the year.

It cannot be overstated how wonderful it is to see that so many residents have volunteered to help make this town great. The dozens of committees included the Arts Council, the Committee for Diversity and Inclusion, various parade and event planning groups, and so much more. It’s that willingness to contribute to this community that makes Livingston so special, and that was evident this past Monday.

Thu
14
Dec
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Happy Holidays, Stay Safe, and Donate

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and as we continue through this holiday season, we wanted to reflect on some matters that are regularly brought up around this time.

It is well worth a reminder to drive safely this holiday season. As a deterrent to dissuade drunk driving, police departments statewide are expected to add extra enforcement on the roads through New Year’s Day, as part of the annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. This holiday season, make smart choices, and make sure those around you are doing the same. Sometimes we have to make others’ choices for them, which may cause some friction, but is well worth it in the end.

Thu
07
Dec
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Be Watchful on the Roads

As winter approaches in a few weeks and with the sun setting by 5 p.m. (Friday, December 22, will be the darkest day of the year), we must remember, as drivers and pedestrians, to be wary of others on the roadways. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic nearly three years ago, many more people have taken to the streets to get some fresh air and exercise, and drivers must remember to be careful, particularly when it gets dark out. And walkers, runners, and bicyclists should not assume that motorists can see you; particularly when navigating around leaf piles into the center of streets, be sure to look out for vehicles, wear reflective clothing, and use flashlights.

Thu
30
Nov
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Opinion

A Worthwhile Effort

We know that there are many residents who live in the area of the former Bottle King property who are quite upset today, as they have been for many months. That property will likely become a 195-unit apartment complex in a few years, after a redevelopment ordinance passed at Monday’s Township Council meeting.

We are sure that this does not quell the anger and frustration that they feel, but it is well worth noting that their efforts in opposing the project have made a difference. Yes, its size was not reduced nearly as much as its neighbors wished to see, but we are certain that without their constant vocal opposition over the past half year, that it would have been a larger project.

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