Columns/Opinions

For the past few weeks, the township has been asking residents to be mindful of their water use. Last week, officials even said that “brown is the new green” when it comes to lawns, a status symbol that means you are treating water like the precious resource that it is.

As of mid-July, drought monitors consider Essex County to be “abnormally dry,” which is the stage below a moderate drought condition. Coupled with the hot weather, a week or two with no rain could easily put Livingston over the edge.

Although, at the moment, our wells are still producing sufficient water to meet demand, this will soon change if we don’t get some significant rainfall. Officials hope to head off this scenario by asking residents to voluntarily conserve water, before greater restrictions have to be formally imposed.

Over the past few months, it has been wonderful to witness the return of some of our great summer traditions, including the Memorial Day Parade, Fourth of July Fireworks, and, just this past week, National Night Out. We also concluded the annual summer concert series, a smashing success that packed the Oval each weekend.

There is so much going on in town, and it has been nice to see Livingston shine in the summer, as it always does. Part of what makes Livingston so special is that our community provides so many opportunities for summer activities and relaxation right here in town. Residents do not have to leave town to join a pool, participate in a group hike, play in a sports league, take part in educational programs, watch an outdoor movie, or listen to great live music. They also do not have to spend a lot of money to do so.

Dear Editor:

The Livingston chapter of the League of Women Voters is currently conducting a membership drive and we want you to join! The league is open to men and women and in the past year our student representative has started a chapter at Livingston High School.

The national and state League has a long history of advocacy, action and working to increase citizen participation in democracy with voting rights always at the top of the League’s mission. It was formed in 1920, six months before the ratification of the 19th amendment was ratified giving women the right to vote. This year the Livingston League will be moderating candidates’ nights for the Town Council and Board of Ed contests and offers monthly programs on topics of interest including the environment and protecting reproductive rights.

You can email regarding membership and other questions to this address: livingstonlwv@gmail.com

Amy Ipp

As is the case every summer, people of all generations are rediscovering the joys and exercise benefits of bicycles. Many of them, however, are not taking proper safety precautions, including adhering to helmet safety standards.

Last week, Livingston Police Chief Gary Marshuetz urged parents to ensure that their children are wearing their helmets, correctly fitted and fastened, when operating a bicycle. He noted that parents who allow their children to ride without helmets may face fines of up to $100. On a positive note, however, children and teens found wearing their helmets may receive free 7-Eleven Slurpee coupons from officers.

Next month, on August 8, there will be a municipal budget hearing at the Township Council meeting; the budget was first introduced at a meeting earlier this month.

Details are fairly standard – growth of 1.37 percent over the previous year and an increase of $53.77 in taxes on the average assessed home of $705,000 – and in broad strokes we agree with township officials who say it is a “good, responsible budget.”

But why is it taking until August of 2022 to pass the 2022 budget?

We obviously understand why the budget was delayed in 2020, when the township was faced with once-in-a-lifetime challenges without clear answers or directives. We also know why it was pushed back in 2021, as we waited to see how much federal relief funding the township would receive. But is this just the norm now?

As of this week’s deadline, Livingston has two candidates running for two open seats on the school district’s Board of Education. Current Board President Seth Cohen has announced that he is seeking a second three-year term, while two-term Board member Sam Messer will instead run for Township Council. Parul Khemka just announced her candidacy this week. The election will be held on November 8.

Dear Editor:

For the Town Council meeting of July 11, 2022, I emailed the questions below concerning our stormwater drainage system. My questions were read and then completely ignored by the Mayor and the four other Council members. No one on the Council said a single word in response to any of my questions. Here are my questions: “Sirs:

1. I respectfully ask the Town Council when the Scott Terrace Detention basin will be cleaned and repaired. The bottom of this basin is covered in soil which has weeds growing in it. Two places in this basin’s stone wall are improperly leaking surface water into the basin. The township engineer’s last email to me was June 28, and it stated that the developers were going to attend to these matters in two weeks. It has been two weeks, and no maintenance has been done.

Over the course of the West Essex Tribune’s 93-year history, letters to the editor have followed a very similar format. They need to be under a certain length (these days, 500 words), and must be attributed to a Livingston resident, who ends the letter by giving their name and address.

There are several reasons that we have historically asked those writing to the paper to provide this information with their letters. First and foremost, we want to assure readers that the letters are coming from someone in their community, that these are issues affecting your neighbors, and therefore are well worth your time and attention.

Dear Editor:

There is a bill being considered by the New Jersey state legislature that is extremely important to each and every student in our community. I hope the town rallies behind Assembly Bill 3096 and Senate Bill 2151 that entitle each public school student in New Jersey with up to five excused absences from school for mental or behavioral health reasons. With recent events that have truly grabbed my attention, I believe now is the time for the community to come together and make a difference.

Summertime safety is about more than sunblock and lifeguards. This is the time of year when many residents take family vacations and spend a bit more time out and about. As residents are enjoying the weather, attending social functions and traveling, we urge them to take time to think about ways to keep their home and property safe while they are gone.