Columns/Opinions

Chris Steffner, superintendent of Livingston Public Schools, attended a Town Council meeting this week to present township leaders with information about random drug testing for high school students. The school district is currently exploring the topic to determine if it would be a worthwhile initiative for the community. Mayor Shawn Klein had a great point when he said that the concept is “not amenable to sound bytes.” It is definitely something that may sound offensive on its head. We agree that it is a topic that requires some research before making a decision or formulating an opinion.

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Three ribbon cuttings for new Livingston businesses were recently held including Blaze Pizza, CycleBar, and Main Shoe Repair. Between the group of businesses which are coming to the Route 10 Circle, to the other new businesses that are moving into town, residents will have some additional food and shopping choices in the coming months. We welcome all new businesses to the community!

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We would like to let new residents know, or remind them, that next week the township will continue its annual tradition of welcoming new residents to town with its “Welcome to Livingston” event. This year the festivities are planned for Monday, September 18, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Livingston Senior/Community Center, located at 204 Hillside Avenue.

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The Livingston First Aid Squad (LFAS), which is opening its annual fund drive, is in need of support. It is important for residents and business owners to realize that the township’s First Aid Squad is an all-volunteer organization. Its 32 active members are not paid. They are our neighbors and friends, who donate countless hours to be there for us during emergency medical situations, as well as provide many other supports and services to the community. The organization recently sent out its 2017-18 donation request letter. Residents should look for it in their mailboxes this week and seriously consider helping to support this priceless asset to our town.

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Believe it or not, it’s that time of year again – back to school – which means increased automobile and pedestrian traffic in town. We shouldn’t need to say it, but the increase in activity necessitates extra caution by motorists.

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This Monday, September 4, the Livingston Clergy Association and the Livingston Committee for Diversity are holding a candlelight vigil. The “United Against Hate” event will be held, rain or shine, at 7:45 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church of Livingston, 271 West Northfield Road.

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While the eclipse in Livingston did not provide the pitchdark drama of the “Great American Eclipse,” it resulted in a special community experience. It seemed as though everyone in Livingston came out to witness the partial eclipse.

The Livingston Public Library provided eclipse glasses for the partial eclipse seen in Livingston and video of the total eclipse seen in other parts of the country that were in the path of totality.

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Some guys just can’t get seem to get a break. One of them is Russell Jones, the township’s deputy township manager and, once again, acting township manager. Russ has been doing both jobs since November of 2016. He had a brief – very brief – reprieve earlier this month.

Then, newly hired township manager Gregory Bonin stepped down after exactly one week in the job, and Russ, once again, had to climb back into the saddle.

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This week, Livingston proved, once again, what a diverse and welcoming community it is. The Township Council arranged for the raising of the Indian flag on Monday in celebration of that nation’s 70th anniversary of independence. More than 300 people attended the ceremony, over which presided Council members, Essex County freeholder Pat Sebold of Livingston, and representatives of Sanskriti, an organization which promotes Indian culture.

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The summer break from school enabled everyone to take a breath and prepare for new beginnings, one of which, we hope, is the renewal of the Livingston Education Foundation, or LEF.

It’s a good time to appreciate what the LEF has accomplished, thanks to the dedicated team that operated it for nine years, providing creative programs and technology purchases, and collaborating with many educational and townwide organizations.

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