May 22nd - Subject: Budget Process Lacks Public Input

    Mayor Dr. Scharfenberger 's May 22, 2008 letter on the Middletown budget seems to have missed the thesis of Mr. Watson's letter, which was the budget process, with its lack of public input and openness.
    Many of us are weary of the mayor's constant politicizing of the issues, referring to the "Trenton Democrats" as the culprits. What is, is, so work within the parameters. For example, don't our police officers deserve their pensions and benefits, as the legal process has firmly confirmed, despite Mr. Reilly's stubborn waste of our tax dollars in appeals?
    My high school debate team coach taught me not to resort to attacking an opponent personally, but rather to follow rational debate techniques. Dr. Scharfenberger's rehashing of Don Watson's campaign poster involvement is irrelevant to the discussion. Mr. Watson chose not to refer to the much more serious issue of township committeemen former Mayor Ray O'Grady's criminal history and Mr. Pat Parkinson's sexual harassment settlement defense, the latter paid by our tax dollars, I suspect.

Carolyn Schwebel
Leonardo, NJ