Following is a flurry of comments regarding the Klockner Woods fiasco in Hamilton. Blame Benci? Blame Gilmore? Depends on which BackTalker you ask ....—Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, this is former Hamilton councilman Vinny Capodanno with a message for Mayor Bencivengo. Who are you and your council going to blame now that the New Jersey Supreme Court has ruled you must buy Klockner Woods after defying numerous judges’ decision. It’s going to cost another $750,000 in interest. All along you knew the property was worth that money but you had to use it as a campaign ploy, calling it swampland, to get yourself elected. Now the township owes nearly $5 million. When Glen Gilmore wanted to buy this property around 2004 when I was on council many people requested we use it for open space and there was a petition with 1,500 or more signatures. Back then we had money from the county, state and a developer, but you wanted to make it a campaign issue to run for mayor. You caused the problem, you owe $5 million, but you will blame Gilmore now that you don’t have the money. Blame yourself. Stop playing games. You and your council should also pay the legal fees for the horrible decision to defy the judge’s order to buy Klockner. It’s just another fiscal mess you got us into.

Vinnie

Ed, I don’t understand why Bencivengo is being blamed for Klockner Woods. He wasn’t in office when that was purchased. Wasn’t it Gilmore who did all this? How much money did he make on this deal? Why isn’t he being investigated?

Thanks A. Lot

Ed, well ex-mayor Glen Gilmore has put Hamilton Township into more debt because the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled that we have to pay for Klockner Woods at $4-plus-million, and the woods only sold in 2001 for $375,000. Thank you, Glen Gilmore, and your weasel council back then.

Much Appreciated

Hey, Ed, if the township is wondering about a way to pay for the Klockner Woods property, why not consider selling it to a builder. The previous administration said it could support 41 homes, and that would make it attractive to some developer.

For Sale

Ed, I understand Bencivengo has several contractors interested in buying Klockner Woods. I heard through the grapevine that Dave Fried has offered $3 million for Klockner Woods. Good job, Mayor Bencivengo! Keep Mayor Fried in business.

Deep Fried