Hey Ed, everyone knows New Jersey is a big joke of the nation but does anyone around Burlington know that Browns Mills is an even bigger joke? In every other car, people are talking on their phones, going 90 mph. Kids are riding their bikes without helmets up and down the streets. Nobody is doing anything; even the cops don’t care around here. Browns Mills is a big joke.

Browns Millser

Must be something in the water.—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, can New Jersey take a page out of American Idol Give Back? If we want to get out of this budget deficit, how about setting up an event called New Jersey Gives Back, and every citizen who wants to can donate $1, $5, $10 or $20. This is better than people losing jobs and cutting services. It would be voluntary. People with a good heart would just give. I am proud to be from New Jersey and I would give back to help.

Good Heart

OK. So we pay income tax, property taxes and whatever other assorted taxes and fees, and now we’re supposed to dig deep out of the kindness of our hearts to bail out a bloated bureaucracy that can’t manage its money? If I’m going to use my “good heart,” I’d rather save a starving child or plant a tree.—Ed. Note

Hi Ed, I’m calling about the guard situation at the Statehouse and the outrageous overtime they’re getting. It’s a total disgrace. There are enough State Police in that building plus a camera system throughout. They could shut down half of those posts and get rid of those freeloaders. There are people who get two weeks extra pay each month just from overtime.

O.T.

If Corzine would just take all the cost-cutting suggestions from BackTalkers he could easily save a state park or two.—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I’m calling for my mother. Whoever broke into her car took her oxygen and breathing machine, but the dummies left the car. This makes no sense. My mother needs those machines.

Can’t Breathe

Who knows what they were thinking. Maybe they can retrofit the equipment to huff nitrous oxide.—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I saw BackTalk’s item about gas prices in other countries, especially in Europe. Well, I want you to know that in Europe we pay $6 to $8 a gallon for gas, but most of that goes for taxes, which pay for free heath care, free dental care and social programs. In the U.S., all the money is going to the oil companies’ pockets.

The Euro

No offense, but I’ll take the $3 and change I’m paying the great state of New Jersey.—Ed. Note

Hi Ed, I lost a white gold diamond hoop earring while attending my son’s first holy communion April 19 at 11:30 a.m. Mass at St. Anthony’s Church on Olden Avenue in Trenton. If some kind person found it, I am offering a reward. I am leaving my phone number with you, Ed.

Naked Ear

Hey, you with with the one hoop earring! Give it back. It looks silly without a match anyway.—Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, HomeFront in Lawrenceville accepts donations of all kinds to help area people in need. They take furniture, housewares, clothing, personal items (toiletries), car seats — you name it they need it. They have a store set up for their clients who get these things for free. There are a lot of people who don’t know about HomeFront. And remember, your donation is also tax deductible.

Homey

It’s another outlet for all you generous BackTalkers to open your hearts and wallets. Give!—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I recently spoke to Bordentown Township Committeeman Bruce Hill about disbanding our police dispatching and switching to county dispatch, like Cinnaminson Township just did in Burlington County. That would save our township about $500,000 in taxpayers’ money. Everybody has to downsize, everybody has to save money. Mr. Hill was supposed to get back to me with an answer about presenting this to the township committee. I wonder where he is; he’s been avoiding me. Maybe this item in BackTalk can prompt some discussion to save the taxpayers of Bordentown Township some money. And Mr. Hill, we won’t be voting for you next time because you have let down the taxpayers.

Dissed Patch

I’m sure he’s just busy. Right, Mr. Hill?—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, the state of New Jersey has an aging helicopter fleet that is in dire need. Perhaps this is a golden opportunity to send Mr. Corzine for a ride!

Radar

We can be sure he’ll fasten his four-point harness.—Ed. Note

Ed, When Mayor Rafferty was in office, he planted some beautiful flower beds. When Mayor Gilmore got in office, that was the first question people asked, are you going to keep the flower beds and have Septemberfest? Well, Gilmore enhanced on the flower beds and got grants to fill in with trees. Now Mayor Bencivengo is here, and all he’s doing is ripping out azaleas, trees and flower beds. Is this because we’re going to lay off public works employees and hire his landscaping company to do just mowing? I’d like to know.

Stopping to Smell

I’m sure Benci is planning to plant some bigger and better flowers to take their place.—Ed. Note

Ed, I’m a Trenton firefighter responding to the person who called BackTalk about the fire truck that got stuck out on call. First, we know this was no citizen, this call came from within. Every citizen in Trenton is always respectful and thankful for the job we do. I’m sure they didn’t care that a fire truck got stuck in the mud while putting out a fire. These things happen; it’s part of the job. I want to say to the person who called BackTalk, you didn’t have the guts to say it to the face of the officer who was in charge of that truck and you don’t have the intelligence or know-how to understand that these things happen. That’s exactly some of the problems within this department. If you’re going to say something, you ought to stand up and at least put your name to it. This is Gus Tackacs. I work in Rescue Co. 1, Trenton Fire Department.

Gus

You tell ’em, Gus.—Ed. Note

Ed, before environmentalists took over our country, gas was 35 cents a gallon, utility bills were low, U.S. steel factories and the auto industry were booming. It was also before the liberals took over our schools. Children were safe in the classroom, God was in our schools, and teachers didn’t try to push their own liberal ways on our children. Professors in our schools of higher learning spoke English, so the students could understand them.

Archie Bunker

“And you knew who you were then, goyles were goyles and men were men ....”—Ed. Note

Jack Knarr: This is Mayor Jack Ball, Ewing Township. I read your article Thursday, “Welcome to ‘Princeton South.’” I was a little upset to read that I was not concerned “one iota” that this development of Opus was being called “Princeton South,” as long as Ewing gets the ratables. That is not true; that is definitely, totally 1,000 percent untrue. I had absolutely nothing to do with that name.When I became mayor and met with the people running the project, their response was that it was named Princeton South even though it is located in Ewing, for marketing purposes. Yes, I’m happy to get the ratables; ratables are what we need .... But if it’s in Ewing Township, it should be so named.I’ve even spoken with County Executive Brian Hughes: I’m not happy that it’s the Trenton-Mercer Airport! It should be Ewing Airport! And the West Trenton Train Station should be renamed the Ewing Train Station.As for me calling Ewing “E-Wing,” that is just an affectionate name I have for Ewing Township. It’s not poking fun by any means. It’s done affectionately, and I am very proud of the town, and the fact that it was named after Charles Ewing.

Mayor Ball

Dear Mayor, Knarr has been bound and gagged. So far, we’re up to 15 lashes. Say when.—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, the State of New Jersey needs to investigate the department that disburses money to the home energy assistance program. There are people, I hear, who have thousands of dollars in their own private kitties for energy assistance and free oil at taxpayers’ expense. Something fraudulent is going on and needs to be investigated.

Tipster

Corruption? In New Jersey?—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, if the State of New Jersey can use off-road diesel in their trucks, which is cheaper to buy, why can’t the truckers use it? There’s supposed to be a heavy fine for using it. If New Jersey can do it, maybe everyone else can do it.

At the Pump

I smell a black market opportunity.—Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, can you ask John Cimmino and Sam Benson if they can figure out what offices they want to run for, or are they just doing it for power? And just get a message to John Cimmino. I’m a state worker and we haven’t forgot what his father did to us when he was a commissioner.

Grudge Holder

Should a son be blamed for his father’s deeds?—Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, Gov. Corzine certainly has a difficult task to bring the state budget into some reasonable form. The amount of overtime at Trenton Psychiatric Hospital on the nursing staff and direct-care staff is astronomical. Some nurses are making $150,000 with their overtime. Some nurse administrators are making near that as well. This needs to be looked into. The overtime situation across the state apparently needs to be reeled in instead of laying off people who need jobs.

O.T.

Cut the overtime. But first introduce me to one of these nurses.—Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, when is this governor going to stop bs-ing the voters of New Jersey? He’s hiring a person as deputy commissioner at $125,000 a year when he’s talking about layoffs and wants to cut jobs from people who are making a measly $35,000 and up? It doesn’t make any sense.

Reality Check

I can’t stick up for the guv, but your take on budgeting is oversimplification if you think there is zero need for a higher-priced employee amid reduced overall staffing.—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, In Hamilton, I just came down South Broad Street and then went to Veterans Park. I can’t believe the amount of weeds and grass, how high it is. But then again somebody just told me that Mayor Bencivengo owns a landscaping business, and when he lays off all the public works people, he’s going to subcontract his landscaping business to the township under a low-bid contract. Maybe this is how it works and we would become millionaires?

Lawnmower Man

Everything isn’t a conspiracy. Enough with the Benci bashing. At least until tomorrow.— Ed Note

Hi, Ed, whoever took my flag off my porch on Hanford Place should return it. If not, it’s not going to stop me from hanging my American flag outside. It’s wrong what they did.

Flag Flyer

A curse on you, flag stealer.— Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, Hamilton Township should take a page out of Trenton’s cleanup crew, and go around and see some homeowners whose backyards are loaded with garbage. Make them clean it up. Even fine them and raise some money instead of raising taxes. On my street I’ve got some people whose backyards look like junkyards.

Neighbor

Put up a fence.— Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, with gas prices close to $4 a gallon, I just want to give you some statistics worldwide that I got off the Internet today. Oslo, Norway, $6.82 a gallon. Hong Kong, $6.25. Brussels, Belgium, $6.16. London, UK, $5.96. Rome, $5.80. Tokyo, $5.25. Sao Paolo, Brazil, $4.42. New Delhi, India, $3.71. Sydney, Australia, $3.42. Johannesburg, South Africa, $3.39. Mexico City, $2.22, Buenos Aires, $2.09. Kuwait, 78 cents, Caracas, 12 cents. Doesn’t that just frost your patooey? The U.S. national average is $3.45 . How do you spell perfect? Take the New Jersey River LINE. Takes me six minutes to get from the Bordentown station to New Jersey State Prison for $1.35. How can you beat it? Take the River LINE, people. Do yourself a favor. Leave your cars home.

Next Stop

See you on the train.— Ed. Note

Ed, this new nuclear plant is the first Corzine action of any logic or value to New Jersey’s residents and businesses. Why don’t you have old Norm Cohen take gravy shots and shut up. We need safe, economical power, not green nitwits.

Fission

Well, the “nitwits” are countering the medium-range benefits of a clean-air energy source with the ultra-long-term hassle of storing radioactive toxic waste. And, of course, the risk of a meltdown or something. The technology has progressed in the decades since Three Mile Island, and Europe has modern reactors that are running with efficiency, but no one’s been able to eliminate the pesky toxic waste factor.— Ed. Note

How are you doing, Ed? This is a guy, a longtime fisherman and a first-time caller complaining that I’m tired of crossing the bridge every time I need some bait or a new fishing pole or anything involving fishing. I’m wondering why there’s no bait and tackle shop in Trenton any more. There used to be one on South Clinton Avenue. What’s up with that? Why can’t we get one? I think it would make a lot of money.

Rod and Reel

Any fish-minded entrepreneurs out there ready to capitalize on this fine fisherman’s business plan. You’ve already got one customer.— Ed. Note

Ed, I see where Trenton citizens are volunteering to clean up garbage-strewn areas. Why volunteer? Why not ask Mayor Palmer what happened to the $140,000 that the state gave Trenton to clean up garbage and graffiti? This kind of money would go a long way toward cleaning up Trenton.

Messed Up

Just because there’s money allotted for cleanup doesn’t mean there isn’t room for the efforts of volunteers. — Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I just had a great idea. Why doesn’t the Trenton Police Department expand its Zero Tolerance rule to all the crooked politicians that live in Trenton or just hang out in Trenton. They do as much bad for the state as these street thugs do.

Law and Order

Zero tolerance for corruption in this state? We’ll need to quadruple the Trenton force. — Ed. Note

Ed, Just a comment about the call on “Double Standards” in the Aug. 18 Trentonian. As much as I like your column, I don’t think you should print inflammatory statements like this where it would incite people, one race or the other. There’s been nothing stated as to the validity about why the man was taken out and the other was not. Thanks for letting me vent.

Censor

To quote the world champion Chicago Bears, “We’re not here to start no trouble.” I apologize if you felt the comments provided more irritation than insight. — Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, this is Mercer County Freeholder Tony Mack responding to the BackTalk item asking what am I doing, or what can we do collectively, to help young people who are not doing well in school, particularly in math. I proposed a science, technology and math high school to gain support of the freeholders, but it fell on deaf ears when it came time to implement it at the County Executive’s Office. I also proposed a science and technology middle school to prepare our children for science, technology and math, as that is the wave of the future. All indications are, if you do well in those subjects, you stand a better chance of doing well academically in high school and college. I’m also hosting my fourth Dropout Summit meeting on April 23 at Ewing Library, and I invite everyone to come and take part. It speaks directly to the parents in BackTalk. I can be reached at (609) 496-1578 or at my office 989-6961.

MackTalk in BackTalk

Let’s hope the parents sounding off in BackTalk can fit your summit into their schedules. — Ed. Note

Happy Day, Ed. Can you tell me why Hamilton Mayor Bencivengo’s photo was in The Trentonian cutting the ribbon for the grand opening of new men’s clothing store in Robbinsville? The clothier used to be in Hamilton. Wonder if it moved across the line after getting the new heavily increased tax bill? Seems like Mayor Benci’s spending a lot of time with Mayor Fried these days. Are those two planning to make Hamilton and Robbinsville one big township?

“Dapper Dan”

Another conspiracy theorist. Keep ’em coming.—Ed. Note

Ed, I’m calling because my father, a state employee, was taken in handcuffs out of the state Department of Education Office of Fiscal Accountability and Compliance on Spruce Street in Trenton and placed in a State Police vehicle because they said he had stolen something. However, a white man who stole mileage on a travel reimbursement report, from what I understand, was allowed to pay back the money. Mind you, the director of this office is a former major in the New Jersey State Police. The black man gets the jail time, taken out in handcuffs, put in the back of a police car. The white man still keeps his job and his paycheck, and all he gets is a slap on the wrist. Where’s the justice in that?

The Kid

What is your father accused of stealing? It’s hard to compare apples-to-apples here if we don’t know. —Ed. Note

Ed, I was just down at the Motor Vehicles office on Route 1 in Lawrenceville where I had three registrations renewed, and I was in and out in 15 minutes. Behind the counter every line had an employee taking registrations and forms; behind them there were people running into one another; behind them there were at least 12 suits milling around with coffee in their hands. Then I found out the governor was going to be there within the next half hour. It’s amazing how fast you can be in and out when everyone is working. Maybe the governor should go down there on the last day of the month and find out what really goes on.

In and Out

Or maybe the governor can have 77 lookalikes always showing up everywhere.—Ed. Note

Ed, I just read the small article on page 7 in the April 15 Trentonian about underage energy drink restrictions. I think that is pure garbage! Has caffeine ever killed anybody? No! If they saw the news report about drinks like Monster and Red Bull, they’d understand that those drinks don’t harm us if we drink like one or two cans a day. I bet Caputo is saying that because his body can’t handle it!

Monster Drinker

We see no problem prescribing Ritalin — methylphenidate (speed) — to hyperactive 7-year-olds, yet God forbid a 17-year-old gets his hands on adult-grade caffeine, taurine, ginseng and sugar.—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I live at 455 W. State St. in West Trenton, in a development for the past 18 years. This used to be well kept and very neat. Now security gates are not closed, two fire alarms are deactivated, doors are falling down. It’s just an overall mess. Who do I talk to about this? I know there are lots of slumlords in the city. I’ve called and written letters. What do others say about these living conditions and the quality of life?

Stuck in a Mess

It’s a shame when things go downhill. Maybe you and your neighbors can start an improvement initiative, working with your landlord to get things back in shape. Maybe there’s a break on rent in it for you.—Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, the reason they want to cut jobs in Hamilton Township is so Mayor Bencivengo can give his friends a raise by July 1. That’s what it’s all about!

Aha!

He may be planning raises, but not enough to offset the $3 million in planned cuts. —Ed. Note

Ed, I’ve got a miserable neighbor on McClellan Avenue who traps cats in his yard and calls the police on the kids in the neighborhood who are trying to stay out of trouble by playing basketball — away from gangs and drugs, just minding their own business. Maybe this neighbor should just move out, since he hates animals and children, and let the cops worry about gangs, drug addicts and crime instead of wasting their time coming to check on these poor kids who are doing absolutely nothing wrong.

Good neighbor

Some people are just miserable souls. Maybe bring him over a pie or something and see if you can soften his grinch-like heart.—Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, I’d like to know why “appointed sheriff’s officers” who are too dumb to pass the test start out with a salary of $60,000 a year while the sheriff’s officers who took the test and passed start out at $35,000. It also appears that some of these appointed sheriff’s officers are allowed to drive police vehicles to and from work. I calculate I use about $35 a week in gas. Nice little perk for these appointed officers on top of these outrageous salaries.

Testy

Perhaps the appointed officers have qualities that don’t show up on tests.—Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, tell them to put the stop signs back up on George Dey Road and take away the two police cars that are parked there eight hours a day, watching to see how many cars stop and do not stop at George Dey and Estates Boulevard. What a waste of taxpayers’ dollars.

Watchdog

But officers are so much more friendly than those personality-less stop signs.—Ed. Note

Many BackTalk readers were quick to call and offer suggestions to “Faithful,” who wanted to find a lively, spirit-filled church in Mercer County. Following is a sample:

—Ed. Note

Ed, If that church woman wants the most lively, spirit-filled church in Mercer County, tell her to come to Kingdom Church, 200 Ludlow Drive, in Ewing.
Ed, I suggest Central Church of Christ at 33 River Road in Princeton would be very good for her.
Ed, tell her to go to Word to the World Ministry at 347 Second St. in Trenton. If she does, she’ll never go to another church.
Ed, Send her to Via Della Rosa Ministries, (609) 499-0063. We’re spirit-filled and live action, not spectators. We participate in the kingdom of God. Please pass this on. And Ed, you need Jesus, too, you need to be saved. God bless.
Ed, I recommend the Fountain of Life Center in Columbus, right off the 295 exit. I went there the first time last week and it was very awakening.
Ed, tell her to come to Union Baptist Church on Pennington and Reservoir in Trenton.
Ed, I suggest Princeton Bible Church 10 a.m. on Sundays on the Westminster Choir College campus. It’s casual and the service is contemporary. We welcome her and anyone else. Visit us at www.princetonbiblechurch.org.
Ed, tell her to go to St. Vincent de Paul Church in Groveville. It’s a wonderful church with normal people.
Ed, tell her she can find what she’s looking for at the Wayne Avenue Baptist Church, 30 Wayne Ave., Trenton. She can also come at 7 p.m. Wednesdays and be filled with the spirit.
Ed, send her to Fountain of Praise Deliverance Tabernacle at 439 Centre St. in Trenton. That’s a good church, if you’d like to attend.
Ed, this is Kevin calling to invite her to Worship and Praise Center on Broad Street in Trenton, where your race, creed or color doesn’t matter.Ed, I attend a wonderful church that fits all her criteria, lively and spirit filled: Kingdom Church at 200 Ludow Drive in Ewing. Come visit and see.
Ed, First Presbyterian of Hamilton Square at 3550 Nottingham Way is just awesome with services and something for everyone, including awesome youth groups.
Ed, We would love to have that young lady come worship with us at Spotlight Holy Temple No. 1 at 341 New Rose St. off Calhoun Street in Trenton by the cleaners. We welcome her with open arms.
Ed, I’m Tony calling for a lively church in Mercer County at 2310 Spruce in Ewing. We have a very lively band and an excellent preacher. It’s a good, bible-believing, bible-teaching church.Ed, tell her we would be glad to have her visit our church, Beauty Grove Primitive Baptist Church at 666 Race St. in Trenton. We sing old-fashioned hymns at our Sunday devotion.
Ed, the church for her is Shiloh Baptist Church on Calhoun Street in Trenton. Check out our Web site at www.shilohtrenton.org.
Ed, tell her to try Calvary Christian Fellowship Ministries on Parkway and Concord Avenue in Ewing. It’s live and loud. Servicces start at 10 a.m. and end when the spirit says it’s done!

Ed, I’m calling about blunders at New Egypt’s Little League Baseball. When parents register their children, they don’t look to see if the league allows parents to vote annually for board members, as they are required to do. League organization rules require annual elections, but most leagues keep a clique in power. They must also provide bylaws and a constitution, and if you can’t get this, go to your district manager or call the state director, Tony Richardson. If things don’t work out, start going around to all the people who sponsor the league, let them know what’s happening and how you feel the money is going. There are things you can do with a little investigation.

Baseball Probe

I expect a 90-page report.—Ed. Note

Ed, this is in response to comments made about New Egypt Little League Baseball. I’m proud of what I’ve seen this baseball board do. It took a lot of guts for the much-needed changes they made happen. Nobody is saying it’s perfect, but keep in mind, these are all just volunteers dedicated to putting more emphasis on the kids, and it’s time for everyone to just play baseball. As Ed. Note said, perhaps this person could lend his expertise and make this even better, if he has the guts to step up. Otherwise, he did just strike out.

Batter Up

Volunteers doing their best are often faulted for “incompetence.”—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I’m calling about the cat reported missing in the vicinity of the Mulberry Street and Brunswick Avenue. There’s a yellowish cat in my yard eating the food I put out for the birds, and I think this is the missing “Tiger Lily.” The caller can come down and see if this is her cat.

Here, Kitty

Please call back and leave your number and address so we can pass it on to the cat’s owner.—Ed. Note

Ed, I’m calling to praise Jack Knarr’s column, “Travelin’ Jack sings the gas price blues.” It was great. We were just in upstate New York between Syracuse and Watertown and paid $3.50 a gallon. In my SUV that was $100, which was really funny because their pumps only go up to $50, so we had to pump twice. When we got back to New Jersey and saw the gas prices, it was a sight for sore eyes. And we do appreciate all those people who come out and pump our gas. God bless them all.

Double Pump

Someone should sell a slogan to the tourism board: “Jersey, where the gas is cheap(er) and we always pump it for you.”—Ed. Note

Ed, I’m calling to praise Jack Knarr’s column, “Travelin’ Jack sings the gas price blues.” It was great. We were just in upstate New York between Syracuse and Watertown and paid $3.50 a gallon. In my SUV that was $100, which was really funny because their pumps only go up to $50, so we had to pump twice. When we got back to New Jersey and saw the gas prices, it was a sight for sore eyes. And we do appreciate all those people who come out and pump our gas. God bless them all.

Double Pump

Someone should sell a slogan to the tourism board: “Jersey, where the gas is cheap(er) and we always pump it for you.”—Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, I’m calling about that guy caught selling steroids. Tell the prosecutor to investigate how many cops and troopers he was selling them to in various gyms in Hamilton Township.

Gym Rat

Something tells me they’re already one step ahead of you on this one.—Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, when is the Trenton Police Department going to enforce the double-parking rule with idiots who like to sit in the middle of the street and hold up traffic, when there’s an open parking space right where they are double parked?

Single file

They’re avoiding the double-standard rule because they enjoy the benefits of double parking whenever they want to.—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I work for a large septic tank cleaning company that serices residences and businesses. In any kind of service, such as waiters, waitresses and pizza deliverymen, most people will give them a tip. We perform one of the most vile services, cleaning out people’s waste. You’d think they would loosen the purse strings and tip once in a while. I just can’t believe there are so many cheap people out there who don’t even give septic tank cleaners a second thought.

Knee Deep

Some people just aren’t familiar with septic tank etiquette. Let it be known: It is most proper to provide gratuity to the pumper of your poop at a minimum of 10 cents per gallon. It’s the least you can do.—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, does anyone know any doctor who makes house calls? I’m a caregiver for a bedridden woman who had a stroke and cannot get to a doctor. She lives in the Hamilton Square area. I’d appreciate your help.

Take Care

How about it, docs? Any of you old-fashioned enough to get out the black back and make a house call?—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I’m calling about cemetery vandalism in Ewing. I went out there today and noticed my mother’s elephant was gone. I’d like to leave a message for whoever took that elephant. I hope you have luck with it because I will meet you in the cemetery on Sunday and kick your a--.

Revenge

Now, now. A big knock-down-drag-out in the cemetery will only lead to more vandalism. But if anyone sees a suspicious person lugging an elephant, be sure to impede his/her progress.—Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, it was so nice to see the article about Bertha Kish in the Sunday paper. I knew her when I was growing up on Division Street, and she was a very, very nice lady, with a very nice family. Her picture has it over all the Page 6 girls. She’s got class!

Bertha’s Fan

Bertha is a true American sweetheart.—Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, I’m a Republican, but I’d like to know who the hell this guy Bencivengo thinks he is, God or something? He takes over the position of mayor and puts all his friends and relatives in jobs there, while other people are losing their jobs. Now he’ stalking about laying off people. Every year they had the Civil War re-enactment over by the hospital, and now he is cutting them off this year. I don’t understand it. In the end it’s not costing the township anything.

Benci Basher No. 552

“Benci is God.” Has a nice ring to it.—Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, I think Zero Tolerance is great; we just need more of it! Whatever happened to the three-strikes law? I’m sure there’s a whole lot of gang members and drug dealers out there who’ve been locked up more than three times. We need to enforce that law. If there’s no room in our jails around here, why not buy an island? Our taxes are high enough! And give the people around here a little peace.

Intolerant

Know of any islands for sale in Mercer County?—Ed. Note

Ed, The Trenton Police Department needs to do something about the open-air drug market running basically 24 hours a day at the corner of Whittaker and Roebling Avenue. Cars are pulling up from early in the morning till late at night while the liquor store is open.

Tipster

If any cops are reading this, sounds like that corner could use some Zero Tolerance.—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, this is Mary from Tender Hearts. We’re doing our prom gowns for the girls for $1. Right now we’re looking for size 22-26 gowns for some of our larger ladies. The proms are going to start very soon, and we’re going to start distributing gowns on April 9, so, if you’ve got a gown to donate, give me a call at (609) 890-3517, or just come by 320 Scully Ave. in Hamilton and drop off the gown. Let’s make this another wonderful gown season. Last year 97 young ladies got their gowns and were able to go to the prom. And thanks again to everyone who helped us with the candy drive for the troops overseas. We sent 448 pounds of candy.

Tender Heart

Mary, you’re doing great work. We all thank you. And plus-size ladies, dig out those old gowns and make some girl’s day! What are you saving them for, another prom?—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, tell L.A. Parker he’s on the right track about Titusville Academy and Lighthouse Academy and to keep up the good work. Some of us taxpayers and parents are getting up a petition to get these people out and to hold them accountable. We already have plenty of signatures on the petition, which will be presented to every board of education that sends students to those schools. It’s an outrage that these people are not being held accountable.

Quality Control

They’re not public schools, but they are funded with your money and you’re right to demand accountability.—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, can anyone tell me where I can find a very lively, spirit-filled church in Mercer County? I’ll leave my number. Hope I hear from you. God bless you. Ed.

Faithful

Attention church-going BackTalkers, please call in with your suggestions.—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I have an old glass pharmacy bottle with a cork and inside there’s the pharmacist’s name; it looks like “J. Keuper Pharmacist, Trenton, N.J.” The lettering on the bottle’s front looks like “South Clinton Avenue.” I also believe I have one of the first motor vehicle handbooks. Can anyone let me know how old the bottle is and what year most of these handbooks were printed?

Bottle Collector

Do any historian-types out there care to date these items? Give BackTalk a call. —Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I’m a middle-aged woman calling about the idiot who asked if Hillary Clinton wants to be a man because she wears pantsuits. This person must be really stupid. Most women wear pantsuits, pants and slacks because they are comfortable, not to look like a man. I can’t remember the last time I wore a dress, maybe the last wedding I attended. I bet if I took a survey in church, I’d find the majority of the women wearing slacks. This idiot ought to have his or her head examined.

Well Suited

While I agree it’s absurd to equate pants-wearing with an attempt at masculinity, here in the civil world of BackTalk we try not to express our opinions through name-calling. Thanks.—Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, listen, I’m a taxi driver and we’re being harassed by the police for so long. We are hardworking people, we support our families from this job, and they are taking our money just like that! It’s time for them to stop harassing the taxi drivers. Thank you.

Taxi Driver

Perhaps if you adhere to their rules they’ll stop bugging you.—Ed. Note

Ed, we’d love to have “Zero Tolerance” come out to Garfield Avenue, where the same group of kids, or family actually, stands out here every day and sells drugs and throws garbage on the street. They live in the same house, rotating family after family. Can “Zero Tolerance” come to Garfield Avenue? We’d like some peace of mind, too.

Plea for Help

If everyone could have just a little “Zero Tolerance,” what a wonderful world it could be.—Ed

Ed, please print this message to Hamilton Mayor John Bencivengo. We’re the township workers who helped elect you, and what do you do, pull an April Fool’s joke on us? No, it’s not a joke, you’re laying us off. Well, this isn’t a joke, we’re going to start a recall petition on you. Lay us off, recall!

Revenge

Benci, brace for a war.—Ed. Note

Ed, I am an African-American woman and I think it’s a disgrace for those people to name a dog after an African country. I don’t like it at all.

Disgusted

Finally a fresh perspective on the whole Congo debate. Thanks for shaking things up.—Ed. Note

Ed, I’m glad Congo was rescued from death row. That yardman was told not to get out of the car, but he got out anyway. I don’t think that insurance company should have given him a dime. I deal with these people every day; you talk to them and tell them what you want, and they seem to have a problem understanding. They have very nasty attitudes. I’m glad Congo was saved.

Small Mind

“These people”? Please. Bigotry lends nothing to the cause of animal rights.—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, the right decision was made today for Congo, the German shepherd dog. Congratulations to the James family, Congo and his pups, and may they have a long, happy life.

Dog Lover

Congo and the pups are celebrating over a fresh bowl of Alpo right now.—Ed. Note

Hi, BackTalk, I live in Hamilton Township and just learned that from Christmas up to March 26, the mail we sent and bills we paid never reached their destination. Also we sent a certified letter, paid receipt, to a court house but it was never received. It looks like the people at the post office are just not doing their job. On March 26, we received a letter dated Jan. 16. The way postage stamps go up, they need to hire people to do the job. We shouldn’t be getting mail months later. They need to revamp the system and hire more qualified people who really care about their jobs.

Letter Writer

Maybe the idea is to delay your mail until the next stamp-price increase.—Ed. Note

Ed, my son’s algebra teacher at Trenton High has missed well over 50 days of school. He comes to school maybe twice a week. I have met with the principal regarding this matter and went to the dentral office. However, no one has gotten rid of him. My son has always done well in school, especially in math, but now he constantly gets an F. I am totally confused about this because the teacher is never there, so how can he fail any student? To make matters worse, he gave him a test one day when he returned to work! Am I the only person who sees this as a critical issue? If my son missed 50 days of school they would retain him! I am an extremely involved parent when it comes to my children, although I believe this is happening because Trenton believes “we” don’t care about our children and their education.” If this article does not prompt some change, I will be forced to contact the Department of Education and a major television network to investigate the horrible level of services to our inner-city kids. I am certain that Princeton, Hamilton, Ewing, Lawrence taxpayers would not sit back and allow their kids to be mistreated. Tony Mack, Doug Palmer, Rev. Armstrong, Annette Lartigue, where are your voices? How can you support my child and the other children at Trenton Central High School?

Angry Parent

I assume this teacher has some type of medical or personal problem, but it sounds like it’s time to find him/her a permanent substitute, at least for the remainder of the year. —Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I need your help to find my cat who answers to the name Tiger Lily. She’s a calico, long-hair mixed Maine Coon who went missing in the vicinity of Mulberry Street and Brunswick Avenue near the PNC Bank and Royal Healthgate. She likes to sit outside and I think someone at the bank picked her up. She had a litter and we kept one cat, and he’s devastated that she’s gone. He meows and searches for her. I hope they return her to me. I’m leaving my phone number, Ed.

Catless

If you have this cat, have a heart and call the BackTalk Pet Reunification Line. —Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I’m calling about “House of Cards” in BackTalk on April 1. Someone asked who they could reach to sell their baseball cards, and you said Jeff Edelstein. I was just wondering, who is he and how can I contact him to sell baseball cards to him?

Lady Cardshark

May I direct your eyes to the top of this page? See that hipster doofus whimsical wordsmith? That is he. —Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, in the morning between 7 and 7:30 a.m. on the corner of Roebling and Whittaker, they are dealing drugs from Pennsylvania, but the cops can’t see what’s going on? That’s why us innocent people are getting out of Chambersburg because no one wants to do anything. We don’t need a police force. They are no good. They don’t even do their job.’

Burger

Time to move “Zero Tolerance” to Chambersburg.—Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, please help me. I lost a round gold “mom” charm that was sent to me for Christmas by my son, who is in the service. If anyone found it, I’m more than willing to offer a reward. Ed, I’m leaving my name and phone number with you.

Charmed, I’m Sure.

Who’s got the charm? Call the BackTalk Lost and Found.—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I was outside last Sunday and noticed a lot of planes up in the sky, spraying something. I’d like to know what they are spraying for? Something harmful to us? Could someone give me some insight?

Looking Up

It’s a new mass-deodorizing government campaign. Now everybody DOES use Dial. Like it or not.—Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, the appellate court of New Jersey found a former Burlington County employee was fired illegally under the Whistle Blower Act for revealing the county freeholders were hiding $3.5 million in a secret account. He was told by the legal department to alter his reports and not disclose this information to the public. But the justice system ruled in his favor. This puts a spotlight on the corruption in Burlington County. New Jersey’s U.S. Attorney Chris Christie should get on the ball and do something in Burlington County. It’s out of control.

Plea for Help

Wait a minute! First we need Christie in Mercer County. He can start with the alleged welfare fraud scandal. —Ed. Note