Letters and Commentary

268

Re-Elect Our Rocket Scientist, Rush Holt, to Congress

To the Editor:

Last month, Rep. Rush Holt and Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen visited Princeton Plasma Physics Lab (PPPL) and announced that the Congress passed legislation to restore $76 million in funding for fusion energy research. Over the years, Rep. Holt has secured significant amount of federal funding for scientific research.
Last year, Rep. Holt inspired the formation of Einstein’s Alley, aiming to showcase Greater Princeton area’s science and technology powerhouse, and enhance the synergy between academia and business essential to innovation.
In 2008, Rep. Holt, Princeton University President Shirley M. Tilghman and U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and other national leaders in politics, business, research and education, had the “Innovation Agenda” roundtable at Princeton University and called for renewing America’s commitment to science and technology. They understand that innovation is the best long-term cure for our nation’s ailing economy.
The only physicist in Congress, Rep. Rush Holt is an advocate for education in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) and fundamental scientific research. He is the go-to guy for science in Congress. There is no one who takes on difficult issues in science in Washington like him. Mr. Holt knows the strategic importance of innovation, scientific research and STEM education to our nation’s security, competitiveness and leading role. In turn, he fights for federal funding for these areas.
Paul Krugman, a Nobel laureate and Princeton professor, proclaimed proudly in his blog: “My congressman IS a rocket scientist.” We are proud that Rep. Rush Holt hails from our D-12 district. In November, let’s re-elect him to the Congress.
Yu Zhong,
Plainsboro

Looking to Go Back to School? Think Brookdale

To the Editor:

For community members who have considered going back to school – not sure how to get started? Maybe looking to brush up on job skills? Or are you interested in meeting new people while learning something new?
If so, then Brookdale Community College has something for you! For more than 40 years Brookdale has provided the citizens of Monmouth County with access to quality educational programs, lifelong learning opportunities, and so much more!
We in the Office of Recruitment Services will be presenting two information sessions, “The Benefits of YOUR Community College-Brookdale Community College!” to be held at the Monmouth County Library. We invite community members to join a representative from Brookdale to learn more about the credit and noncredit course offerings, affordability, and class locations. Presentations are scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 16 at 7 p.m. at Monmouth County Library-Headquarters (Manalapan) and Tuesday, Sept. 25 at 6 p.m. at the library’s Eastern Branch (Shrewsbury).
If neither of these dates or locations are convenient or for more information, please contact Brookdale’s Office of Recruitment Services at 732-224-1857 or recruitment@brookdalecc.edu so we can coordinate a time and place that works for you – and if a friend or family member would like to also come, we welcome everyone.
Hope to see you there.
Kristin Worthley,
Admissions Representative,
Office of Recruitment Services,
Brookdale Community College

Buy Theater Tickets to Say Thank You to the Community Benefactors

To the Editor:

We are blessed to live in a very special community.
Thankfully, there are many people, therein, who do recognize need within it. And, thankfully, those more fortunate individuals contribute mightily to the general welfare of the “Monmouth neighborhood.”
These benefactors neither seek nor expect recognition. Nor do they anticipate payback.
Seldom can we, the beneficiaries, actually do something in return.
Case in point, the principals of the Two River Theater Company, Joan and Bob Rechnitz have only lately come forward as many benefactors in so many local arenas. We can show our appreciation by “packing the house” at their beautiful theater in Red Bank.
How better to say thank you than by attending one of their productions and be entertained to boot!
Dr. Eugene F. Cheslock,
Little Silver
Christie Makes Mistake Vetoing Women’s Health Care Funding

To the Editor:

As a mother and grandmother, I remember when birth control was not available to all women.
Unfortunately, by vetoing (S788) after it was passed by the legislature, the governor has again denied gynecological services, including birth control, lifesaving cancer care and other health screenings to thousands of needy New Jersey women.
For the third year, the governor has omitted funds for family planning from the state budget when some Democratic legislators found available funds.
Vetoing the section of the bill that would have expanded Medicaid coverage for family planning to persons with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level is a real shame.
Expansion of family planning services would generate 90 percent federal reimbursement. This veto is not going to save money, but will create problems that will be more costly to solve.
Betty Schulte,
Red Bank
 

Two River Moments


This beam bridge, over the Shrewsbury River between Sea Bright and Highlands, is four bridges back in time. Twin Lights, which is in the background, is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. The beam bridge was built in 1872 and did not last long, because it was rammed in 1875 by a steamboat. That bridge was later replaced by a swing bridge, built in 1878, which was replaced by a drawbridge in 1932. The newest bridge, named the Capt. Joseph Azzolina Bridge, was dedicated on May 23 in memory of the former assemblyman. This photograph is provided courtesy of Dorn’s Classic Images.