Columns/Opinions

On Monday, the intersection of West Northfield Road and Hillside Avenue was closed between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. for milling and paving. The work was certainly essential – we need to maintain our roadways, specifically at major intersections – but it caused a traffic nightmare for many during the morning commute. Sure, road work is typically an inconvenience whenever it occurs, but why start at 7 a.m. on a Monday?

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It is once again time to play that broken record and remind residents to LOCK YOUR CAR DOORS!

Week after week, year after year, we have reported about car break-ins on the front page of the Tribune. We have run out of new ways to state it at this point, but it still needs to be said, as the thefts are as prevalent as ever in town.

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College graduation announcements are starting to come in and the Tribune staff has received inquiries from parents about how they can share their good news with their neighbors.

While we believe it is our job to educate our readers as to official happenings in the municipality, the Tribune is also here to publicize family milestones such as births, deaths, weddings, religious celebrations and other important personal achievements. As a result, we are happy to publish the news of a graduation in your family – at no charge. Information should be submitted in writing by mail at P.O. Box 65, Livingston, NJ 07039; by fax at 973-992- 7015; or by e-mail at TribuneEditorial@Verizon.net.

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Several dozen parents, residents, and school administrators attended a School Safety Forum at Heritage Middle School last week for a discussion that came nearly three months after the fatal shootings at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

Some who spoke requested an armed official, likely a police officer, be permanently stationed at each school. Livingston Board of Education president Pamela Chirls said the Board has discussed having armed officers in schools, but has decided not to pursue that avenue at the moment.

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Several worthwhile events held this past week helped showcase Livingston’s impressive array of services for people with disabilities.

Last Sunday, April 29, was the Abilities Expo at Livingston High School, a family-friendly event with a rich variety of resources, products, services, and technologies for people with special needs. Each year, it provides a unique opportunity for families of children and adults with disabilities to find resources, collaborate with professionals, and explore the supports available in and around the community.

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Every so often, the Tribune hears comments from residents concerned about the transparency of Township Council meetings. A common refrain is that most matters discussed during the regular meetings appear settled long before they even begin, resulting in limited discussion and unanimous approval before the public.

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A public hearing on the 2018 municipal budget was held at Monday’s Township Council meeting, allowing residents to share their thoughts on its contents. The budget was introduced at the March 19 Council meeting, and it was published in the April 12 edition of the Tribune.

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Despite the rain, wind, and mud, last Thursday’s Israel at 70 was a big success, with hundreds of people in attendance despite the less-than-ideal weather. Spearheaded by the Livingston Committee for Diversity and Inclusion and the Jewish Federation of MetroWest NJ, the event was supported by many synagogues, Jewish schools, and other local organizations.

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With warmer weather on its way, it’s a great time to make good on that New Year’s resolution to get more exercise. The Livingston Business Improvement District is making that a little easier next week with a Fitness Crawl, giving people access to a dozen township gyms and studios free of charge from Monday, April 23, through Friday, April 27.

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Later this month, on Saturday, April 28, the Livingston Police Department will collect unwanted prescription medication as part of Operation Take Back NJ. The collaboration is an effort between local police departments, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s HIDTA Task Force, Partnership for a Drug-Free NJ, and ADAPT of Essex County.

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