Ed, I read in BackTalk that you can get rid of squirrels with anti-fungal Desenex. I’ve tried finding this product in stores but no one knows what it is. Can one of your readers please help me?

Desperately Seeking Desenex

Well, BackTalkers ...— Ed. Note

Ed, I’m a mature woman and I need a job. I worked as a home-care attendant. I don’t depend on public assistance. I have a very good work ethic. The job must be accessible by public transportation. I’m leaving a phone number for you.

Job Hunter

Um, perhaps you should check our help wanted section or place an ad.—Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, call ’em “confused.” I’d like to know who was elected mayor of Hamilton Township. It seems Bill Guhl has more to say than the elected mayor. You hear more from Guhl than Mayor Bencivengo in all matters concerning Hamilton. As for the union, I think they better get off their duff and start talking to somebody about making deals.

Hamiltonian

It’s sounding like the union is one step ahead of you.—Ed. Note

Ed, I just read in The Trentonian the article about Mr. Alexis. Isn’t this considered a victimless crime, since the person who is the victim is anonymous? Mr. Alexis should be released from jail immediately, and there should be no charges because there is no victim or no name of a victim.

I. Dentify

So every accused criminal whose alleged victim isn’t made public should be released? No offense, but I’m glad you’re not running the courts, or a newspaper.—Ed. Note

Ed, if Gov. Corzine wants to save money for the state, then why does he put his cronies into positions, especially as commissioners, and allow them to have chauffeured state cars — not a small, junky car, but a big vehicle. Why can’t these commissioners drive themselves to work just like everybody else? Why should the state be paying for them to have chauffeurs? It’s nothing but a waste of taxpayers’ dollars.

Drive Yourself

Well, you can’t deprive them of a smooth ride. You might be able to save a little money by downgrading the quality of the seat leather.—Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, I’m calling about all these intersections in Hamilton Township, where the illegal stop signs were removed. The solution is so obvious: why doesn’t the state Department of Transportation just approve putting up stop signs at the intersections? Duh!

Traffic Stop

Duh, indeed.—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, let’s see if you can settle an argument. I went down the shore over the holiday and took my bike with me in the back of my car. I did this so I could ride home and not get a DWI ticket. But my friend says you can get a BUI, bicycling under the influence. Now, a bike is not a motor vehicle, so how can they charge you with the same penalties, as if you were driving a car. Is that true? If that’s the case, I think I need to get out of New Jersey

Two-Wheeler

It’s not a motor vehicle, but it is a vehicle, and you could swerve it into the road and get killed, or cause a motorist to swerve around you and get killed.—Ed. Note

Ed, I owe The Trentonian and BackTalk my gratitude for helping me recover my orange cat. I put a lost ad in your paper, but you also published my appeal in BackTalk. A gentleman named Rich Wills called me and told me he found my cat near his yard, and I was able to collect my pet, who was a little skinnier but happy to be home. Mr. Wills actually refused the $200 reward we offered, he said he just wanted to help. Thanks again.

Grateful

Yet another heartwarming reunion of pet and pet lover brought to you by BackTalk. But by refusing the reward, that fine citizen really meant “Offer me the reward six more times until I accept it.”—Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, Mercer County Community College students should recognize that we are freeholder constituents, just like everybody else. Did you know that Freeholder candidate John Cimino is the favorite son of our Trustees President “Skip” Cimino? That’s too cozy for me! Think about it. I plan to vote for Lucy Walter and Tony Mack. They’ve always stood up for Mercer County students.

Holding Freedom

Skip, care to comment on this unruly student’s suggestion of coziness?—Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, there should be an ordinance passed as to when you are allowed to put your trash out. I live in Hamilton Square, and my neighborhood’s trash pick-up days are Wednesdays and Saturdays. This past Saturday, after the trash was picked up, one of my neighbor’s decided to clean out what looked liked a wet crawl space and put all of the trash out to the curb on Saturday. The stuff was not in bags or trash cans and it looked like crap. We had to look at this trash till Wednesday, plus we had to look at it on Memorial Day when people have guests over for picnics and they had to look at the mess, too. Have some consideration for your neighbors and put your trash out the night before, not right after the trash has been picked up. Thank you.

Neat Freak

But one man’s trash is sometimes another’s treasure, and if you don’t put it out early there’s no chance to pick through it.—Ed. Note

Ed, when is the Hamilton Township Web site going to be updated? The first part is all about Bencivengo, but the rest is all the old commissions, rules and Mayor Gilmore.

Webby

Call Benci. He can fix anything.— Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I just wanted to let you know the “tooth sculpture” from the Hamilton Train Station is now in sunny Sarasota, Fla. I visited it not long ago, and it looks great among the palm trees.

Great Smile

That news will surely prompt a pilgrimage of Hamiltonians to Sarasota to catch up with the tooth.—Ed. Note

Ed, I know there’s nothing you can do about it, nor the president nor Congress, but these increased prices happening every day, especially with the energy situation, and now food, has put a person like myself on a fixed income in a very tenuous position. I have to alter my entire lifestyle. The American Dream is dying, in my opinion, and I don’t see any end to it. The only increases I get are offset by increases in Medicare. I feel contolled and manipulated, and I’m very depressed over the situation. My real concern is my grandchildren: What will they have when they reach my age and situation? It doesn’t look good at all. Thanks for letting this depressed citizen vent.

Downer

You’ve got enough to worry about on a day-to-day basis. Don’t add in concern for future generations or you’ll never cheer up.— Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, with the scarcity and high price of gas, why don’t we go back to the 55 mph speed limit? I think that would cut down on many things.

No Rush

Yeah, it would cut down on how much time I have to do anything but drive.— Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, once again it’s Memorial Day and I’m calling again about the monument at Broad and Centre streets. Last year when I called it had an overflow of weeds, which the parks department cleaned up, and they took down the tattered flag. It’s sad, but there’s been no flag there for the past year. I hope they see this and do something.

Monumental

Keep bringing it up. Squeaky wheel gets the grease.—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, on Friday I read the “other paper” and to my surprise, it was like reading Thursday’s Trentonian. The Times appears to be a day behind the news. It’s been that way for I don’t know how long. To me, we only have one paper and that’s The Trentonian. If you missed the news of yesterday, then buy the Trenton Times.

Astute Reader

Thanks for noticing.— Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, what’s with all this crap about superdelegates for the Democrats? I thought the people were supposed to decide elections or primaries, not some wheeling and dealing behind the scene with superdelegates. As a registered Democrat, I’m insulted. How about the people in Michigan and Florida, they don’t even count? We should all get together and vote Republican to send a message to the Democratic Party that we want our vote back, so our vote counts. And while we’re at it, how about a national primary, get it over in one day. It will probably be cheaper and less painful for the public. Does that make sense?

Traitor

If you want to elect a Republican president to punish your own party, you might at least consider voting for a third-party candidate. —Ed. Note

Ed, I am sick and tired of reading about murder suspects who have been released on bail and kill again while awaiting trial on earlier charges. When their asses get in the jail, keep them there! I’m outraged by this gas station attendant’s murder by a person who was already going to court for an earlier crime he committed. When the hell is this governor and senator going to wake up? Crime, crime, crime! We have crime because they are not doing their damn jobs. Keep these little jackasses where they belong — in the jail. If we have to build more jails, build them. Put them away! The whole purpose of penal institutions is to separate the good from the bad. This 10 percent bail nonsense must stop, and right away. I’m going to start a petition to stop 10 percent.

Lockdown

And whose tax dollars will pay to build enough jails to house all these criminals and pay their room and board? The “good” people. —Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, I see Governor Corzine wants to cut hours at Motor Vehicles. I just renewed my truck registration at the Medford office and had my new registration in hand before I finished signing my check. Now that, Big Jon, is customer service. If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it! By the way, you like to cut things so much, how about a hair cut? The Bozo cut is definitely not in this year, Big Jon. You’re bald; get over it.

Stylist

Perhaps Mayor Palmer can lend him a razor.—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, Sunday’s Page 6 girl is a makeup artist. Just wondering, who did her breast implant? It’s very obvious, outrageous, ridiculous, and not natural at all.

All Natural

Are you sure? I didn’t see any scars.—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, L.A. Parker is finally telling it like it is in his May 15 column. We’re not safe to walk day or night in Trenton and it’s sad because this is the capital city. It’s a total disgrace. Trentonians, get off your backsides and do something! I’m tired of paying taxes for nothing.

Scared Pedestrian

Are you doing anything to set an example or just yelling at your fellow Trentonians?—Ed. Note

Ed, I read about the prom night blues, where the 18-year-old girl couldn’t take her 21-year-old boyfriend, a decent kid who went to school there, because of his age. That’s ridiculous! These are good kids. Sure there are rules, but use some common sense. I hope they see the light, especially the principal, and let these kids enjoy themselves before they graduate.

Chaperone

They’ll enjoy themselves, but not at the prom.—Ed. note

Good morning, Ed, we always hear people saying all the low-life gang bangers should be put into the Army and sent off to Iraq. As somebody who saw combat operations, this is the last thing anybody should suggest. Who would want to depend on these useless, lazy, ignorant and just plain stupid individuals in a war zone? To be in the Army one must have respect for themselves and others, intelligence and discipline. These people don’t even have souls.

Sgt. Standards

Besides, you can’t maneuver on a battlefield with your pants pulled down below your butt.—Ed. Note

Ed, I read about the illegal immigrant who had sex with a 14-year-old girl at the Hun School. He was sentenced to five years in jail and a psychological evaluation, and when he finishes his sentence, he will be deported back to Guatemala. Why don’t we simply deport him now and save all the money to keep him in jail with health and dental, and even psychological care? Why should the U.S. taxpayers foot the bill for his expenses, if he is only going to be deported at the end? Or are we hoping he will find a nice woman (or man) in jail to marry and then become a U.S. citizen?

D. Porter

We want to make sure he’s punished and punished our way. And if he meets a nice man in the process, so be it.—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I’m recommending that everyone avoid gambling at Philadelphia Park Casino. Those people are so obnoxious, they jump right on your machine when you step away for more change and they win what should have been yours.

Slots

I’m sure the struggling casinos in A.C. would be glad to feature you in an anti-Pa. ad campaign.—Ed. Note

Ed, tell Jeff Edelstein to get himself educated about that “Zenith” sculpture at the train station. Can’t you tell that’s a train wreck? You can see the cars strung together, and if you look real close on top, you might even see a Cadillac grill. I think the train had a collision with a Cadillac. At least it’s better than the tooth that used to be out there on Sloane Road; somebody put a molar out there. I guess beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder.

Artsy Fartsy

Don’t knock the tooth. Take anything small and make it huge enough and it’s instant art. Look around. Giant clothespins. Giant Parcheesi game pieces ....—Ed. Note

Ed, I agree with Angry Lady about people who collect from soup kitchens and food pantries. I worked in a church and we had people who would come and collect food not only from us but also from other food pantries and donations places. We had a woman who was selling the stuff out of her apartment, running a little store. We had people who would come to every giveaway and take a basket for Thanksgiving. One family had seven baskets. It gets ridiculous. My philosophy is this: If you can afford to have your hair braided, to wear big earrings, to drive around in a Cadillac Escalade and afford the best clothes, you don’t need food pantries.

Philosopher

I’m with you on the Escalade, but I wouldn’t penalize a poor person who cares about her appearance enough to groom her hair and wear jewelry. The size of earrings does not indicate their value.—Ed. Note

Ed, I got squirrels! Where can I get Have-A-Heart animal traps? I really need one. A squirrel ate through my hose. I can’t even water my plants. Help me out.

Would B. Trapper

Try a hardware store.—Ed. Not

Hi, Ed, I am so happy to see the feds in Trenton. It’s about time. You’ve got to take control of the situation; it’s been out of control for years. God bless you guys. Whatever you need, we’re doing it for you. Thank you.

Federalist

It’s a sad day when we’re happy that we need the federal government to police our local streets, but that day is here.—Ed. Note

Ed, I’m calling about the story about gang war over a girl. What’s the difference between a home-grown gang and a street gang? This officer sounds so ridiculous in what he’s saying. In my opinion they all started homegrown with a couple of people and then they spread. That’s all I wanted to know.

Wordsmith

Perhaps a better term would be “budding street gang.”—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, this is for the FBI and Trenton police. You are doing a great job in rounding up “zero tolerance” people in the streets. However, this message is for David Cardaciotto. the fellow who photographed a woman standing in the street barefoot in her nightgown. That wasn’t necessary. It was offensive to me to see a woman in her gown barefoot. What was she doing that the police couldn’t control her without walking out her in the street like that? Let’s be considerate of our women. Let’s be considerate.

Puritan

First of all, it’s 2008 and this isn’t Saudi Arabia. Women have legs and feet and you might as well come to terms with it. That said, your issue is with the cops and FBI for parading this woman out in public, not with Mr. Cardaciotto, a journalist whose work in this instance alerted you to the treatment of that woman.—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, just a comment on the May 12 article, “Trenton swept up in Zero Tolerance.” It’s just a case of damned if you do and damned if you don’t. People are bitching and complaining that Trenton doesn’t do much for anything at all, and some in this article, even the police, are complaining it’s just a waste of time. Well, let me tell you something: If it gets one gun off the street, one ounce of drugs that can harm my children, and our men and women, it’s worth it. So to hell with all who complain. I’m for it!

Clean Sweep

Don’t you know that people are only happy when they’re complaining?—Ed. Note

Ed, I’d like to commend The Trentonian on the great article about Tony the Tailor in Chambersburg. I live out of town and I come all the way to Tony. He’s a great businessman and he knows his stuff. It was great to see something nice in the paper. Good job.

Inseam

You can’t underestimate the value of a fine tailor. As ZZ Top said, “Every girl’s crazy ’bout a sharp-dressed man.”—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I’m calling about the trivia question that asked how many soldiers were used to raise the flag in that historic Iwo Jima photo. The answer is zero. It wasfive Marines and one Navy corpsman who raised the flag. The army was not on Iwo Jima. It was a completely Marine operation.

Semper Fi

You are correct, sir. Our apologies to all the Marines out there.—Ed. Note

Ed, at first renting movies was fun, but then all the workings they did to enhance the video to fit on your TV made it seem fine but only for the video part of the movie. Why is it that the volume seemed always lower, as if the actors were whispering? If you raise the volume, then when music plays your eardrops explode! This seemed to carry over with the new video technology. We see enhanced video movies, graphics, special effects, but the volume has become intolerable. We noticed this while watching a TV show and we couldn’t hear, so we raised up the volume. But the commercials are blasting away as loudly as possible, so we lower the volume. Most times nowadays we’re watching TV with the control in our hands; volume up, volume down!

Sound Effects

I hate when my eardrops explode. —Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, this message is for Councilman Goodwin, Kenny and Pone. We voted you in, we can vote you out! Us Republicans do not like us voting down the school board and then you guys pass it. Go ahead and pay for Klockner Woods and get it over with. What about our taxes? We voted it down, we can vote you out. Just remember that!

G.O.P. Power

You tell ’em.—Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, this is my response to Angry Lady. I volunteer at area soup kitchens and our policy is not to turn anyone away. But I never knew that people in need were supposed to look a certain way. Only a narrow mind would think that way. Maybe you need to go into that Church of St. Raphael’s and listen to the message: Judge not and you will not be judged.

Understanding Lady

For those readers who missed it, “Angry Lady” ranted about people with cell phones and others who appeared less-than-needy taking advantage of free services. Perhaps cell phones are not a sign of financial stability. Maybe the soup kitchens should give out daytime minutes. —Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, it’s Mary from Tender Hearts calling to ask if any of your readers might have a hospital bed, preferably one with a power control. The husband of one of our volunteer workers is recovering from a stroke, and he’s being charged a fortune for his rented bed. If someone has a bed, please call and we will come pick it up. We also need bed clothes, padding, adult diapers, shorts for a baby girl size 18-24 months and a baby walker. We want to remind the girls and schools that we have about 300 prom gowns for $1 apiece. The girls should just stop by our shop at 320 Scully Ave. Call us at (609) 890-3517.

Mary

Always nice to hear from you, Mary. You’re doing great work. BackTalkers, Mary needs your help. Step up.— Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, this is about the Trenton cop who was arrested and his addiction. How come the only time something’s written about addiction is when it’s a cop or celebrity who gets in trouble? Every day people are suffering from addiction, get arrested and go to jail, and you don’t hear anything. But as soon as it’s a cop, it’s a big issue. He should be treated just like everybody else. He’s an even bigger scumbag than most of them.

Fair Treatment

It’s a big issue because cops bust people for drug use, so the irony of a cop involved in drugs makes for a news story. — Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I’m calling about the Trenton cop arrested for selling dope. Yes, Trenton police have been cutting corners for the last several years. Before this kid we had a new officer who is on methadone because he’s a heroin addict, but he’s related to two sergeants who are well connected with the higher-ups. Just say, we don’t welcome these guys and we don’t want these guys in our police force, but they are being slipped in because of who they know.

Insider

You don’t welcome working with drug addicts? Open your mind, man.— Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I was watching CNN and saw Bill Clinton stumping in South Carolina for his wife Hillary for president. The cameras flashed, and lo and behold, I saw Trenton Mayor Doug Palmer with him on the campaign trail. I’m just wondering, when does our mayor have time to go around the world touring with Bill Clinton to help Hillary Clinton get elected president, while Trenton is running an $8 million deficit, the school system is in shambles, economic development downtown has been a complete failure, and crime, well, take your own guess, two murders in one week. We have to stop electing folks who get in office and then put our city on cruise control.

Doug Watch

Mr. Palmer can’t keep his eyes solely on Trenton. He has a long career ahead of him. — Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, on Monday, May 12, at 6:30 p.m. at the Catholic War Veterans, Trenton’s blue collar union will vote on a contract. We’ve been without a contract for almost a year and a half. Also, if the city is thinking of laying off employees, how about laying off the non-residents first!

Organizer

Good luck.— Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, as a Hamilton Township cop, I have to let you know word on the street from our police department says Mr. Recine cut a deal to become the public safety director with a big salary increase. That’s the reason for the big shakeup. Bencivengo owes him. Recine wanted to be chief, they didn’t let him have it; now he’ll be public safety director with a big salary increase.

Internal Affairs

There’s nothing illegal about that. —Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, please help! My black and white cat Mitzi got out of our house on New Cedar Lane on May 6. She’s very friendly and will go to anyone. My daughter is heartbroken. We called animal control and no one has seen her. Please put out the word.Here,

Kitty Kitty

Keep your eyes peeled, BackTalkers. Give us a call here at the BackTalk Animal Control and Reunion Bureau if you’ve seen Mitzi.— Ed. Note

Ed, I’m calling about “ex-cons run prison.” Kudos to Ms. Williams for turning her life around. But she’s earning over $80,000 a year and I’m just curious whether she has to pay anything back for the robbery and theft she committed. If not, maybe the Violent Crimes Commission should take some of her salary and pay back her victims. Other than that, I’m glad she turned her life around. As far as the convicted murderer, he doesn’t deserve to work. He took a life, so why should he get paid? His money should go back to the Violent Crimes Commission.

Payback

The murderer is a free man. We can debate whether he should have been released and whether he deserves that job, but his wages in whatever job can’t be forever docked because he took a life. — Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I’m calling about your story about ex-felons working with juvenile offenders. People do their time for their crimes, get out of prison and have to prove themselves to society, which Francine Williams did as a productive citizen in our society. We often talk of those ex-felons who don’t make it, get reincarcerated and soak up tax dollars. But we’re going to take time from our busy schedules to talk about someone who has made it? That’s a front page story? Francine Williams did her time, got out 17 years ago and made it in this society. We should be praising her for becoming a productive member of society and for rising above her troubled past, not bashing her for it.

Praises

I can see where you’re coming from, but if you don’t see the news value in a former felon gaining the top post at a correctional institution, then that’s why we’re in our business and you do whatever you do.— Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I’m calling about your story about ex-felons working with juvenile offenders. People do their time for their crimes, get out of prison and have to prove themselves to society, which Francine Williams did as a productive citizen in our society. We often talk of those ex-felons who don’t make it, get reincarcerated and soak up tax dollars. But we’re going to take time from our busy schedules to talk about someone who has made it? That’s a front page story? Francine Williams did her time, got out 17 years ago and made it in this society. We should be praising her for becoming a productive member of society and for rising above her troubled past, not bashing her for it.

Praises

I can see where you’re coming from, but if you don’t see the news value in a former felon gaining the top post at a correctional institution, then that’s why we’re in our business and you do whatever you do.— Ed. Note

Ed, regarding “IrReverent’s” criticism of Al Sharpton: Al Sharpton cares about Al Sharpton being on TV, Al Sharpton being on the radio, and Al Sharpton being in the newspapers. Oh, and he possibly cares about food and hair grease as well, but that’s about it.

Reverent

We would’ve been impressed had the Rev. Sharpton gone down to Philly to memorialize the police officer killed with an assault weapon last week. Maybe he was primping his hair to get ready for his arrest in NYC.

— Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, It’s about time someone wrote about Mountain View Golf Course. I can’t belive the bad shape it’s in. We played all winter, and this is the worst it’s ever been. They should get on them county guys to do their jobs. If they don’t want to do their jobs, hire someone else. It’s ridiculous. A lot of other public county golf courses are in great shape.

3-Wood

Would someone from the county please step up to the first tee and address the MVGC issues we’ve been hearing about lately?

— Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, one more thought on the conditions at Mountain View Golf Course. Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes should really get out and take a look at these places, not only Mountain View, but also Mercer Oaks East which is deplorable. Oddly enough, Princeton Country Club, long the doormat of Mercer County golf, may be the best. Mr. Hughes, take a look for yourself.

Angry duffer

A top-notch university AND golf course? P’shaw.

— Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, President Bush has stashed millions and millions of barrels of oil in Texas. So, why are we paying so much for gas with all he has stocked up?

Slick

It’s good to be king.

— Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I’ve lived on Short Street for 52 years, and I had a car parked on the side of Comcast, near a garage. The cops removed this car, which I had planned to give to the cancer fund because five of my neighbors died from cancer. I felt if I gave this car to the cancer fund it would help someone get to the hospital. I am mad at the police for removing that car and not leaving me a notice or parking ticket, although I can’t fault them for doing their job. I’m ashamed of my neighbors for not saying, “I’ll get in touch with her.” I’m ashamed of Comcast for calling the cops when they know I live across the street. They should have given me a notice or warning.

Ashamed

OK, who called the cops to have this cancer-fund car towed? Was the car parked illegally? Had it been parked there for months?

— Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, with all this talk about removing azaleas and shrubs from Hamilton, did anyone ever stop to think that they might be going to “BEMCO,” so Benci can resell them to his customers? Nice profit for established plants.

Green thumbs

No, Benci’s probably just using the plants to redecorate his office.— Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, one can’t help but notice that BackTalk has not printed any of the comments from myself and others that I know who have called you about Santiago and Mayor Palmer. Maybe The Trentonian is now siding with the mayor and Santiago?

Conspiracy theorist No. 348

We’re nobody’s apologist, and especially when it comes to Hizzoner and Santiago. Plus, we reserve the right to withhold comments.— Ed. Note

Hi, Ed. Note, I love reading your column every day. Two weeks ago I found a set of seven keys on Youngs Road near Basin Road. Most of the keys are for lawn eqquipment. The owner can identify them by key type or color of tags on the keys. I’m leaving my phone number with you.

Eagle Eye

OK BackTalkers, which of you lost a set of seven keys?— Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I’m calling to respond to the article that Chuckie Sarinelli wrote with L.A. Parker. The reason the golfing fees were up from 2006 to 2007 is simply because the course was closed for about four months because of such terrible conditions under Kevin Bannon’s regime of know-nothings out there. With the dandelions, the greens were unplayable. That’s the reason there was more play last year than the year before. Once again misrepresentation by Kevin Bannon. The course is still in terrible shape. There’s rocks in every sand trap at the Mercer County east course; their greens are still horrible. And indirectly they will tell you, if you don’t like the rocks go join a private country club. They could care less. This is Todd Wilkinson. You’ll be hearing from me again.

Todd Wilkinson

How are we ever going to get Tiger Woods to play Mountain View if the county can’t keep the darn dandelions off the greens?— Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I have to agree with the man who complained that Mountain View Golf Course is not up to par. Being the wife of an avid golfer, I have heard nothing but grumbling about the lack of care for greens at Mountain View. If the county doesn’t make the greens playable, my husband and his crew are threatening a boycott. That means my girlfriends and I would have to give up our afternoons of shopping without the fellas. Oh, I can feel a headache coming on. Mr. Hughes and Mr. Bannon, please get that golf course up to par, so we ladies can keep our sanity and our husbands.

Mrs. Bunker

If this doesn’t spur the county into restoring the course, wives throughout central Jersey will revolt.— Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, I’m sitting here doing an Internet general search of the New Jersey Department of Corrections for black males between 28-29 years, and I found a white male sex offender whose victim was under 13. This inmate is due to get out in 2016, which is not really that far from now. Imagine, if someone wanted to look him up to check his status, they wouldn’t find him because he’s white and they have him listed as black. Something to think about and maybe something they want to fix?

Mouse Click

Let’s hope the data-entry problem with this offender is an anomaly and not indicative of widespread shoddiness in the administration of a Web source that is crucial to the safety of New Jersey residents. — Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, I read about “stolen slide” in BackTalk, and I believe somebody stole that kids’ sliding board for scrap value. These scrap metal guys are getting really bad; they’re taking anything out of your yard, they’re taking out of the other guys’ scrap trailers. One day they tried to take my kids’ trailer. I looked out my door and they were backing up to it.

Scrapped

Word to the wise: Don’t leave anything metal in plain view. Lock up your kid’s Radio Flyer with the lawnmower in the shed.— Ed. Note

Dear Ed, what a shame, all this time, money and effort wasted on Santiago’s residency. Had Mayor Palmer simply moved Santiago’s billet to the Trenton code officials department none of this would have happened. Under Mr. Pucciatti’s jurisdiction, residency has no effect on city employment. It doesn’t make a difference where you live. All you need to do is check the records of employees past and present and you will see many never lived even close to Trenton. One former building inspector lived in Allentown, N.J., from the beginning of his employment to his retirement. Two electrical inspectors lived in Camden and New Brunswick. A building inspector left the city for a year and should have lost tenure and still lived in Lawrenceville, which is at least close to Trenton. The money being spent for Santiago’s case could be spent on more important matters, like busing students or figuring out how to attract people to the newest empty investment rental property on Montgomery Street, where you need to make $140,000 a year to live. Where are these jobs that the mayor is looking at? Alas, that’s not a residency issue now. I’ll comment on that later.

Resident Expert

Most of us can agree that all the money spent on lawyers in this case is a disservice to the taxpayers. But are you saying the police director should be classified as a type of inspector? Inspector Santiago. Does have a ring to it. We’ll get him a magnifying glass.— Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, here in Hamilton, I just went past the Sayen Gardens in front of the firehouse on Mercer Street. What is going on? The water fountains are not working, the creek bed is all dried up. That’s spring water fed by a pond. The weeds are unbelievable. I thought Mayor Bencivengo was a landscaper at one time. Then again, that front section was done by Mayor Gilmore. Maybe Bencivengo is going to rip it up and make it just a field. I think it looks like “blank.”

Green Thumb

Mr. Mayor, add this to your list.— Ed. Note

Ed, as if gasoline prices aren’t high enough, now I see where the gasoline distributors are putting water in the gasoline so they can make more money. I wouldn’t doubt that some of these gas station owners are doing the same damn thing. It’s over in this country. We need a physical revolution. If it has to get violent, so be it.

Rambo

Whoa, there, buddy. Put down the rocket launcher for a minute. Are you planning to overthrow the government or just the gas stations?—Ed. Note

Hi Ed, it’s been brought to my attention that for the Memorial Day parade in Beverly and Edgewater, both towns usually donate $1,500 apiece to fund the parade. This year I found out Beverly will give its $1,500 but Edgewater won’t because of all the cuts. This is how they respect the fallen veterans of the wars. I want this printed to show that Edgewater’s politicians are cheap.

American Pride

Times are tough, I guess. But they’d be a lot tougher without the sacrifices of soldiers who died for this country. —Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, about the parking problem at Nottingham High, maybe raising the driving age wouldn’t be such a bad idea. This way all the kids in our schools would be forced to take the bus, and we pay for the buses anyway, right? My kids go to Nottingham High, which has a parking lot about one-third the size of Steinert’s. Nottingham kids sometimes park two blocks away from the school. Hamilton West also has a parking problem; those kids park on the street all the time. Actually the parking lots at Hamilton West and Nottingham combined would probably fit inside Steinert’s lot. That said, they should just suck it up. If they can’t, then I want to let out a “boo hoo” to the reader who complained for her kids and the “Emerald City” school.

Parallel Parker

Maybe they can buy their kids miniature motorized scooters to take them from the car to the school.—Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, the New Jersey Attorney General’s office must take over this Steinert High School sexual contact case because the young lady’s father is a Hamilton cop and Joe Bochinni, who is the Mercer County Prosecutor, is also from Hamilton. This is a real conflict of interest. I wonder if that was the real reason Mr. Jordan was charged after all. This case stinks! In closing I say to the press, watch this one so that Mr. Jordan can be judged fairly.

Interested in Conflict

We’ll all be watching.—Ed. Note

Hi Ed, correct me if I am wrong, or call me stupid, if you will, but if my memory serves me, I think I voted in a primary election back in February 2008, in New Jersey. Now I see a notice in The Trentonian and the other paper that there is another primary election coming up on June 3, 2008, again in New Jersey. Does our illustrious state want to be the first in the country to have two primaries in one year or what?

What’s up with That?

June 3, 2008, is the primary election for statewide offices and Congress. —Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, all I have to say about “heat aid scandal” is, you cannot believe anything you hear and only half of what you actually see. I work for home energy, and we don’t have any cash on hand. We don’t see any actual money. There are no privileged kitties. The free oil you speak of, that’s true, but only in an emergency situation and only up to a specific anount. The program is funded by federal dollars and designed to help people that are income-eligible, 150 percent of the federally stated poverty guidelines. Most of these people are seniors, so I ask you, should we let the seniors freeze? It could be your mom one day.

Hot Stuff

Well, I certainly don’t want my mom to freeze.—Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, I read about the person who had to pay a “convenience charge” to pay his tax bill in Ewing. Well, I recently renewed my auto registration, and there was also a $2 convenience charge. We need to be aware of this because they are taxing us and we’re not even knowing it. So I guess I’m back to check writing.

Bill Payer

If you ever wonder where all your money goes, add up the convenience charges, the fee for using another bank’s ATM, the 12 line items on your cell phone bill that are tacked onto the great deal you got for monthly service ... all adds up.—Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, I’m calling about the man who bragged about riding the River LINE for $1.35. I guess he didn’t read The Trentonian article about cost overruns for this light rail project; I believe they were two-to-three times the original cost estimate. The true cost to run this lemon is $10 per ride, not $1.35, which your New Jersey taxpayers are paying so this man can have his cheap ride. This is one of the many politically-run projects that are wrecking this state.

Railroaded

But if you packed those cars to capacity it would make back some of that money.—Ed. Note

Ed, I need help, please, please, help. How can I keep squirrels out of my bird feeders? I’ve tried mineral oil and Pam cooking spray but nothing helps. I hope some of your readers can help me conquer this problem because the squirrels are eating all my bird seed.

Feed the Birds

Take a page from Bill Murray’s gopher-chasing character in “Caddyshack.” Got any plastic explosives?—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, the Ewing School Board is questioning why there is such a big drop in the enrollment this year. They say 140 pupils have left in the past school year because of the ordinance the sets fines for parents who are using phony Ewing addresses. But I know of five students on my street who are leaving Ewing to avoid going to Fisher Junior High because of the violence. Their parents are sending them to private schools. Perhaps the board should look in that direction; parents don’t want to send their children to places that are unsafe.

School Zone

Silly parents — expecting their kids to be all safe and stuff.—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I’d like to complain about speeding in New Jersey, which is ridiculous. Some of these people don’t even believe in not tailgating; they’re practically pushing you off the road. Yet nobody does anything about it. If Mr. Corzine wants to raise taxes, how about raising the fines, make them triple, nail them good, and then take half of that money to offset taxes. It’s time to raise fines on the road and then maybe they’ll understand what 40 mph means.

Slow Down

Driving at excessive speeds is a Jersey tradition. Don’t mess with that.—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, this is Bill from the Card Locker on South Broad Street in Yardville. I was reading about respect for foster parents. She was doing a really great job and got a raw deal at a local store. If she brings her foster son in with his last report card, I’ll give him a couple of packs of baseball cards that we give kids for their report cards. She deserves more and I’d like to extend my respect to her for what she’s doing.

Card Slinger

So it’s straight-up show the report card, get the baseball cards? Aren’t the grades factored in?—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I have four large dictionaries from 1892. It’s supposed to be every word in the English language. I was wondering if there’s anyone out there who knows book collectors who might have some use for them.

Well Defined

It might be nice to have a dictionary that doesn’t include some of the new words created in the last 116 years. No “Internet.” No “cell phone.” The simple life. Though I don’t think I can live without “bootylicious.”—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I’m calling about Rod and Reel, who is looking for a bait and tackle shop in Trenton instead of going across the bridge. I want to let him know there’s a bait and tackle shop called Brunswick Sports Inc. at 1177 Brunswick Ave. in Trenton. They have everything you need and then some, and they’ll even tell you where to go fish.

Fisherman’s Wife

I knew there had to be at least one in town. Rod and Reel, hope you’re reading this.—Ed. Note