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Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Brat slobs

Ed, this is very disturbing. Out in Yardville on White Stag Drive and Fox Road we senior citizens have to pick up the garbage that these spoiled brats who live in the rich area behind our homes throw out of their rich cars. I have their license plate numbers and now they are going to pay a heavy fine. They are rich and they are spoiled and they need to be locked up.
Senior Moments
You go, granny! —Ed. Note

School switch

Ed, it is certainly a shame that some schools may have to close and people may lose their jobs. My brother lives on Genesee Street and he has a kindergartner who attends Harrison School. Now that child will be bused to Columbus School, right on the Lawrenceville border on the Brunswick Circle. Has anyone ever looked into the cost of busing these kids? I understand the budget crisis, but I can’t see the sense of busing kids, especially the younger ones, to the opposite side of town. I can’t believe school board members wouldn’t pick up on these things.
Walking Distance
Well, it’s hard to think clearly at 8 o’clock in the morning. —Ed. Note

Cost of kids

Ed, in regard to “Another Cut.” Easy answer, do what many of us do. We don’t put our children in after-school programs. We work part-time and take care of our own kids and don’t expect the government to take care of our children. We are responsible for our children.
Aftermath
Oh, taking care of your own kids. That’s so old-fashioned. —Ed. Note

Dennis the menace

Ed, Dennis Gonzalez is leaving. Trenton might have some hope after all. He is one of the problems here in Trenton. He has been arrogant to businesses that want to come in. You can get rid of City Council now, which we are, basically, and get a new mayor and maybe Trenton will have an opportunity to rebound. Dennis Gonzalez has contributed to many of the decisions that have been made and they were all bad.
Gonzo
Addition by subtraction. —Ed. Note

Fat Slasher

Ed, I am calling about Christie slashing these schools. Who can argue with the guy? There is so much waste and fat in these schools there is no money left. Who can argue with Christie? They are cutting swimming and hockey and yet they are building a half-million-dollar field for football and soccer. The rank and file are applauding Christie. It is long overdue.
’Bout Time
Who can argue with Christie? Um, like millions of people. But he needs to tune them out for a while. —Ed. Note

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Ben got play

Ed, my husband and I are very major sports fans. L.A. Parker is not correct about ESPN not talking about Ben Reothlisberger. Our TV is tuned to ESPN from morning to night. They did not bury this story. They talked about it all last week.
‘Berger Time
L.A. didn’t mean to imply that Big Ben’s story never gained a mention in the press. His issue was with the scale and the doggedness of coverage versus that of a black athlete in the same situation. —Ed. Note

After school

Ed, in regards to the call about the after-school programs in Trenton. Parents were getting the after-school program for free. Now, parents will have to pay a nominal amount based on a sliding scale of income. Usually the third or fourth child is free. What they should do is call Child Care Connection, which is the local child care referral agency, and they will be able to get information about programs available in Trenton. Don’t expect it to be free. Just pay what you have to pay, but they are good quality programs.
Parental Guidance
You sound like a voice of reason. What are you doing here? —Ed. Note

Save our cops

Ed, our new governor would like to eliminate some cops in the city of Trenton. I think it is a disgrace to get rid of one cop. Christie doesn’t care because he has got protection.
The Force
I don’t think Christie really wants to micromanage the city budget, beyond sucking a bunch of money out of it. —Ed. Note

Here’s your waste

Ed, if Chris Christie is looking to save money he needs to investigate the Department of Human Services, Division of Developmental Disabilites, off of Kuser Road. We have new faces appearing every day despite the job freeze. What is up with this? Why are these people from Ohio here? They are the assistants to the assistants, they work a couple of months, then they go on vacation, then they are back again.
Old Face
Didn’t you know? We’re outsourcing all of New Jersey to Ohio. —Ed. Note

Lobbyists

Ed, maybe the New Jersey Education Association should stop giving millions of dollars to lobbyists, who are the biggest impediments to a free society in the world. If I were a member of the organization I would put a stop to this. They think they are like Hoffa and the Teamsters, they can do whatever they want. They are arrogant, smug people.
E. Nuff
And if you’re going to be paid millions to be arrogant and smug, you better be on television. —Ed. Note

Down there at the pawn shop

Ed, I have an issue I want to talk about. Why don’t they check into these pawn shops? They are ripping people off. They give you so little money for your stuff.
Rooked
“They” should also check into fast-food joints for selling crappy-tasting food and check into Ikea for selling furniture that falls apart in six months. —Ed. Note

Big Ben

Ed, L.A. Parker really seems to have a problem with Ben Roethlisberger, or should I say the lack of Ben Roethlisberger stories. He seems so angry and also seems furious at ESPN not mentioning Ben. L.A. also seems to be saying that had that been Tiger Woods or Kobe — oh boy, would it be different! I am very tired of hearing him whine about this. It really seems to be a matter of color to Mr. Parker.
Deep Thoughts
Indeed. L.A. leaves no doubt that he’s talking about race here. You’re not really breaking much ground with that analysis of his analysis. —Ed. Note

Blame the Polish

Ed, let’s not just pick on the Latinos, Puerto Ricans and the Guatemalans, the people coming in and getting the jobs illegally and either staying here and going back home. There is also another whole nationality that is doing that. And that is the Polish people. They bring people over for six months on a visa then they go back home and come back again for another six months. The only thing that they pay out is the person who gets them the job. They stay in the home and work as a health aide for $700 a week. For people to get a nurse or an aide they normally would have to pay $1,000. I think that is unfair. This is taking away from the nurses and health care workers who studied for this specific job.
They Took Our Jobs
Right. There isn’t enough ethnicity-based hatred out there; let’s drum up some more. Good job. —Ed. Note

Good people live here

To Mr. Parker, my name is Mary Ann Dunn and I am a resident of the Escher Street SRO. I am not an ex-junkie, sex offender, social dreg or someone who is down on their luck. I highly resent the statements that you made concerning myself and the other tenants at the SRO. Every person in this building has an income, some of us even have jobs. The majority of the individuals who reside in our building are in recovery and are attempting to rebuild their lives. Who are you to judge? Are there no skeletons in your closet, Mr. Parker?
Resident Resents
Have you seen that possum lately? —Ed. Note

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Owners Socked

Ed, about “Christie Bleeds Trenton.” Why is it only property owners who have to pay an increase in taxes? It should be equally spread among all the people in Trenton. People struggle to buy a home and just get taxed, taxed, taxed, taxed. I am not only leaving Trenton; I am leaving this whole darn state.
C. Ya
How about a tax on the homeless? Let’s really spread the pain. —Ed. Note

This Calls For A Riot

Ed, we finally have a governor that is going to do it. This guy is getting rid of so many jobs that I hope the state falls apart. I hope that there are massive riots, that there are so many robberies going on, people sticking guns in people’s faces. I hope they put so much pressure on these politicians that they have to let the money come back. I can’t believe what they are doing to people. People should stop paying taxes. They can’t put all of us in jail. But people are scared to death to fight. They are going to tax us until we die. County workers that I know — whole crews are going to be let go. Who determines who goes and who stays? It should not be the governor and should not be the politicians. I hate him, I hate him with a passion.
Anne Archy
Whoa. Take a deep breath and count to 10. Try to think of happy things. Bunnies, maybe. —Ed. Note

Years Behind

Ed, I would like to know why it is that when I moved from Trenton to Hamilton Township and tried to enroll my children in elementary school I was told that my children, and everyone in school in Trenton, were two years behind the Hamilton Township students. Can someone please explain this, Chris Christie or Doug Palmer?
Transfer
Perhaps the question should also be addressed to Mr. Lofton. —Ed. Note

Chips and Dip

Ed, I am a citizen of Florence, N.J. We are getting sick and tired of all the increases in taxes. I know we have a high cost of living right now. Here I found out that in Florence we have a fire inspector who basically works part-time who earns more than $100,000 a year. Why doesn’t our mayor do something about this? The township had a woodchipper, one of the township employees threw a bicycle in it, and now they can’t even use the woodchipper. They need to cut back on some of these employees to save us money rather than tax us more.
Ridden Outta Town
At least cut back on employees who throw bicycles in woodchippers. That’s gotta be a fireable offense. —Ed. Note

Monday, March 22, 2010

Cuts That Hurt

Ed, I am a state worker. I would like to know how Chris Christie thinks cutting employment in all state departments will boost the economy. Most of these little Mom and Pop businesses rely on their income from working people who venture out at lunch time. I have already begun to pack my lunch due to the furlough days; so have many of my co-workers. Now that tuition will rise, and many of us are one income to a household, we will hold on to our purses just a little tighter. The sad thing is that he will send most people to unemployment and possibly welfare, which will put a strain on our oversized budget. Mr. Christie came in with a hatchet, hurting the less fortunate and the poor, they are the ones who will suffer. This guy is not for the people of New Jersey. I would like to see where he will relocate to when he puts this state in dire conditions. Hopefully everyone is paying attention and will put a end to this insanity.
Next Stop
So he should let the state continue to spend beyond its means to keep the economy stimulated. Where in your plan does the budget get balanced? —Ed. Note

Education Cuts

Ed, why is our children’s education being cut? I am angry with Mr. Christie’s action toward the education cuts. I might have to quit my job because of these cuts. After-school programs are a single parent’s necessity, along with the summer programs. If he continues with these cuts, there will definitely be higher unemployment in Trenton. This is the capital of New Jersey, and to tell you the truth this is the worst county I’ve ever seen.
Slashed
Guess you’ve never had a full tour of Kentucky. —Ed. Note

From Experience

Ed, Palmer said Christie’s plan is a catastrophy. Palmer should know, because it was on his watch that the mass exodus from Trenton began, businesses closed up, gangs and crime rose to record highs, and the school system crumbled. So I guess that makes him an expert on catastrophy.
Tough Timer
And this is shaping up to be the mother of all Trenton catastrophes. Hope our next big-gutted mayor has the appetite for it. —Ed. Note

Broken Promise

Ed, Christie said before the election that he would reinstate rebate checks. Now that he is in office Christie has proposed a bill that will eliminate income tax rebate checks soon. What does that say? That politicians lie.
Reversal of Fortune
He had the guts to lie (see above). —Ed. Note

Love His Guts

Ed, isn’t it great to have a governor with guts? Maybe if we quit having mayors with no guts then this would be a better state to live in.
Gutter
To that end, we’ll be measuring the guts of all the Trenton mayoral candidates. We need a tailor to host the event. —Ed. Note

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Bounce Ball

Ed, I am calling about Mayor Jack Ball being out of control in Ewing. The Lower Moody Field needs repairs, and he went and tore down the Upper Moody Field, where the kids were to play baseball, to build a football field. But he doesn’t have money to build a football field. He has basically ruined Babe Ruth, Legion and high school games. We have no fields to play on. I wish somebody would check into this. If this guy is running for re-election, forget about it.
Buster
He killed baseball? Talk about demonizing a guy. Geez! —Ed. Note

Roethlisberger

Ed, once again, Mr. L.A. Parker has gone off on his racially motivated tantrum here against Roethlisberger. I pointed this out to you the last time he did it when he was talking about Charlie Sheen. You gotta put a stop to him. It is not black and white, it is about a man who did what he did. Race should not be a factor.
Color Blind
Like it or not, race is still a major factor in this world, regardless of whether you agree with L.A.’s take on it. —Ed. Note

Mr. Clean

Ed, the man they are talking about in BackTalk who cleans up along the ramps is a janitor at Klockner School. He also can be seen up and down the main streets in Hamilton Township. He says it is because instead of going to a gym this is the way he likes to get his exercise. He is a very nice man, very quiet. I agree with you, he does need to be recognized, but no one will step forward and do it. You can see him sometimes from 4 to 6 a.m., cleaning up trash from the ramp area.
Recognize
We’ll give him recognition, whether he wants it or not. Way to go, Mr. Clean! —Ed. Note

Poison Place

Ed, I am calling about the article about American Standard and the Trane Co. A lot of people was dying in there of cancer, that is absolutely true. There is something there in those machines. If they know it is there they should do something about it. It has been going on for years. The new company that bought the site is worse than either one of the two before. They are working people like they own them or something, acting like a slave company. You can’t do this. They are working people and paying worse than nothing. There is a lot going on there that needs to be spoke about.
Speaker
We’ve heard this sad story from enough BackTalkers that there’s gotta be something there. —Ed. Note

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Forensics

Ed, I read in the paper that the first thing Manny Segura said he would do when he was appointed mayor would be to order a forensic audit of the city’s finances. He got my vote right there. While he is at it he should also order a forensic audit of Union Local 2286 to see where all those millions went.
Manny
Before he can investigate all that money he has to spend a bunch of money to get elected. That spiffy billboard is a good start. —Ed. Note

Irish Shout-Out

Ed, since the St. Patrick’s Day Parade is celebrating its 25th year, I would just like to remember a couple of people from the past who helped make the parade possible, Billy Briggs and Bill Sweeney. Without them the parade would not have gotten off the ground.
Origins
Here’s to Bill and Billy! —Ed. Note

Ear-Head

Ed, this is Mary from the Tender Hearts, (609) 850-3517. I was just wondering if any of your readers could help me. I am trying to find an Amelia Earhart-style hat for a young girl who will be playing Amelia Earhart in a play. Please call me. Also, we need candy and many other things for the Easter baskets we will be handing out again this year.
Mary
You help so many people, the least BackTalkers can do is find you a hat. Get this woman a hat, people! —Ed. Note

Bigger Issues

Ed, I am writing in regards to the articles about prostitution in South Trenton. I feel as though Muschal and Martinez should focus their efforts on the bigger issues of South Trenton, such as slumlords, gangs and drugs. I’m not saying that this prostitution issue is not a priority, but if you’re worried about the quality of life of the residents of South Trenton, then they should focus on the bigger issues. You can’t put all your efforts in prostitution in the bars, but need to focus on the bigger picture as a whole. I’m a resident of South Trenton for over 20 years, and I’m tired of living next to trashy renters who don’t give a --- about anything. George and Juan need to wake up and focus on the real issues of South Trenton.
Alarm Clock
You have a point. The average resident is more affected by unsafe streets and slummy neighborhoods than by some immigrant getting a $12 you-know-what in some dive bar. But hookers sure do make good headlines. —Ed. Note

Friday, March 5, 2010

Shady Collection

Ed, I came through a light on Route 29 across from KatManDu. I was making a left. Two times this past month I was approached while sitting in my car at close to 9 p.m. at night by two men with a clipboard asking for donations for an organization that sounded like “Wing House.” They suggested a minimum donation of $20. It strikes me as odd that they were out there so late at night. The clip board looked the same each time. It looked like the same signatures on the board each time, too. It just did. I just wonder if this is legit.
Windows Up
Yeah, Wing House. You know, they take in the homeless and give them spicy chicken. —Ed. Note

Bumpy Ride

Ed, I am a New Jersey resident. I just happen to be drivin’ down 295. Is the state going to do something to reimburse the motorists about all the mufflers and things fallin’ off from under the cars because they have to drive down these raggedy highways?
Mina Key
Nope. —Ed. Note

The Scream

Ed, upper management at the airport got paid more than anybody. That’s another waste. The people that park the cars got overpaid. Highway construction on the Atlantic City expressway or some place at the Jersey shore got overpaid! Why is Chris Christie such a f---ing stupid governor!? He had better listen to the s--- I am screaming into the telephone every day!
Volume Dealer
What’s that? I can’t hear you. My ears are shot from the LAST TIME YOU SCREAMED INTO THE BACKTALK LINE! —Ed. Note

70 Years!

Ed, I am calling about the Trenton High School class of 1940 reunion. This should be our reunion year, 70 years, and I haven’t seen anything in the paper about it or received anything in the mail from them. Do any of your readers have any information about it? I would give you my name and phone number, but I wish to remain anonymous.
Class Act
You might be the lone survivor. But that’s still reason to celebrate! —Ed. Note

Unresponsive

Ed, the other day I came upon a young man double parked and passed out behind the wheel of his car at 6:30 in the morning. My wife called 911 and the Trenton police dispatch, and after 11 rings they picked up. Five minutes later the fire engine responded, followed by the EMS and then an ambulance. Twenty-five minutes after the call the Trenton police showed up. No wonder the police station got robbed.
Alert System
Wow, you got a representative from each branch of the emergency services. Hope they aren’t sending you a bill. —Ed. Note

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Oldies Not Goodies

Ed, I see the American Association of Retired Persons is supporting Obama’s health care plan. As a senior, that is why I never joined, and never will join, because I think the AARP is nothing but a big joke that just takes seniors’ money. Seniors need to get out of AARP.
Flee the ’P
Talkin’ ’bout a revolution! —Ed. Note

Nosy, Lazy Neighbors

Ed, I live in an apartment complex in Hamilton Township. My wife and I are working class people who go to work every morning. We have people that live near us who have Section 8 housing subsidies who are abusing the system. People are coming and going all the time, there is so much traffic because they have lots of company, and they seem to stay up all night long. Who can we contact to resolve this? We have talked to the management of the apartment complex and to City Hall. No one has done anything. We need help with this situation.
Sleepless Nights
If they’re loud enough, they’re disturbing the peace and you can call the cops. If you can prove they’re cheating the system, you might get someone to crack down. But if you’re just annoyed because you’re a hard worker and they’re having more fun than you, join the club. It’s a funny world. —Ed. Note

Fishy Water

Ed, I am a Trenton resident. I was reading the Palmer to Palmer article in BackTalk. I believe that down in Trenton City Hall the corruption is really bad. Why isn’t Palmer in D.C.? Somethin’ ain’t right. I think it is corruption, especially this water bill thing, and the taxes going up. There is trouble in Trenton.
Bubbling Troubling
Trying to follow you here. Somethin’ ain’t right because he’s not in D.C.? You mean he’s such a skilled politician that he’d be in D.C. were it not for the greater opportunity to be corrupt here? —Ed. Note

News Flash

Ed, reading BackTalk this morning I am amazed that the citizens are just starting to figure out that Trenton has a corruption problem. We have had a mayor here for 20 years; he is leaving it as a ghost town. I hope that somehow the new governor will investigate Trenton for the corruption. What happened to Trenton? Is it so perfect that a politician can stay here so long and nothing gets investigated. We cannot get this city together until we root out this corruption.
Root Root
The time for him to investigate was back when he was U.S. Attorney. We invited him to do so a few times. —Ed. Note

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Pay Benci

Ed, about that pay raise for Mayor Bencivengo. Personally I think this mayor does deserve a raise. You can’t compare him to Gilmore; that is a slap in the face. Gilmore didn’t take a raise, but you mean to tell me he didn’t take anything under the table? Please tell me why we got into such a terrible debt, Mr. Gilmore. He went about taxing us little by little until he built up a surplus. Mayor Bencivengo is a good guy, a family man, and he is doing the best he can. What about the police chief, I understand he is a very lax police chief. If he needs to make more money, pay him a dollar more than what his highest paid police officer gets. Let’s see what he does for the community. I do feel that you can’t put Bencivengo and Gilmore on the same square. Please use your intelligence. And Capodanno, don’t know what his problem is, but you can probably guess.
Cash Machine
So, yes on the Benci raise, nothing for the chief. You’ve solved the town’s problem’s just like that. —Ed. Note

Tiger Needs Golf

Ed, golf doesn’t need Tiger Woods; Tiger Woods needs golf. He has countless sex with women. Has he been tested for AIDS? He should be. There are plenty of good young golfers coming up. He has the money to retire; he should just go away and let golf be golf again.
Tee’d Off
“Countless” sex? I bet he could give you a rough count. He’s not in Wilt Chamberlain territory or anything. —Ed. Note

L.A.'s Gives Hope

Ed, L.A. Parker’s article on Tiger Woods was one of his best. It was filled with compassion and hope. I know that it took someone who had been there to make us understand the depth of an addict’s suffering and pain. One thing L.A. didn’t mention, though, was that if he had not walked out of the darkness we would not have had his insightful articles in The Trentonian. I have come away with a new respect and admiration for L.A. Parker.
L.A. Story

Ed, I just read L.A. Parker’s article in Saturday’s paper. I can attest to everything he said about walking out of the darkness and into the light after recovery. It is a beautiful journey. Everything he said is true. I hope that his article can bring someone else out of the darkness.
L.A. Confidential
Few would have the courage to reveal expose themselves to the masses, as L.A. did in that column. I’m not sure I buy Tiger’s apology, but I know L.A. is sincere. —Ed. Note

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Palmer For Palmer

Ed, this is in regard to Mayor Palmer’s outburst the other night over the sale of the water works. You know, his motive is to look good as far as balancing the budget etc. and holding down the job of mayor of a large city for 20 years, but Palmer is all about promoting Palmer. He is charming and knows how to schmooze to get what he wants. But when his feathers get ruffled like they did the other night he resorts to street talk. He should have left politics 15 years ago. Anything he tries to do is too little, too late.
Timing
“You better check yourself.” —Ed. Note

Water World

Ed, I sat through the water deal presentation by Mayor Palmer in City Council. To the residents of Trenton, I wanted to inform them that this is the worst case of corruption that I have ever seen, including cases I have studied in school as a political science major. It includes the mayor and the council and all the top people in the administration. I would encourage the residents to come out for the next presentation and watch it unfold in front of their eyes. That water deal did not happen overnight. It is corruption at it’s best.
Allie Gations
If it were corruption “at it’s best,” wouldn’t it have gone through without attracting so much attention? There’s nothing “at it’s best” going on here. —Ed. Note

Influenced

Ed, recently in a story you said that a woman involved in an auto accident in which a man was killed was charged with DUI for using prescription drugs. I am calling about the law. There is a law for determining if you have consumed too much alcohol; I think the limit is .08. Where is the law for prescription drugs? The only way to know if you have any drugs in your system is to take a blood test. How can you tell if anyone was consuming anything if you can’t smell it on their breath? They should really straighten these laws out.
Prove It
If your eyes are glazed over and you’re slurring your speech and you just crashed your car, and I’m a cop, I might have a good idea that something’s up. And I might determine I have cause to arrest you, and a subsequent test might confirm my suspicion that you were whacked out on pills. Or something like that. —Ed. Note

Chairs In Street

Ed, I saw on the TV news last night that the city of Philadelphia sent their public works department people out to pick up all the chairs in the street and throw them away. That way people can park on the street like they are supposed to.
Bad Seats
Good. Makes our chair-filled Trenton streets all the more special. Charming, even. —Ed. Note

Friday, February 19, 2010

Benci's Worth It

Ed, this is in response to Vinnie Capodanno’s remarks. I just want to say that we finally have a surplus under Bencivengo. Gilmore squandered the township money. If Benci wants a raise, give it to him, he deserves it. I guess Capodanno would do his job for free? He should remember how the township was run under Gilmore before he opens his mouth.
Zip It
Just to be clear, you’re asking Vinnie to acknowledge that Benci’s doing a good job? You got the wrong guy. He’s stuck on the “Bash Benci” setting, and there’s no changing that without sending him back to the factory. —Ed. Note

Benci's Raise

Ed, are you kidding me? I just read where Benci and the crew were up for raises. Just because Hamilton Township has a surplus, we have to blow it on raises. Don’t they realize that we are still in a recession? I haven’t had a raise in three years. These folks should be grateful they have a job, let alone trying to get a raise.
Cash Flow
You see, mayor, it’s not even that most people think you don’t deserve the money. But they deserve raises, too, and they’re not getting them, so it’s tough to swallow paying for yours. They expect sacrifice. —Ed. Note

Objection

Ed, the new attorney general just got into office. She is already talking about giving her employees raises, her lawyers. The attorney general needs to stand down. I bet the average lawyer down there makes twice as much as the average New Jersey taxpayer. There will be no raises for anyone in the near or distant future. People are putting their pets up for adoption because they can’t afford to feed them and take them to the veterinarian.
Dog Gone
On the bright side, maybe those pets will find a new home ... with a nice lawyer. You think your dog wouldn’t rather be eating leftover steak tips than that crunchy discount crap from Walmart you’re feeding him? —Ed. Note

Pass the Nyquil

Ed, I know how that guy got into the police station. I bet “Capt. Sleepy” was in charge of security that night.
U. Better
Um, he wasn’t. But if we can find out who was supposed to be in the bubble that night we’ll have a whole new hero with his own nickname. “Sgt. Smoke Break,” perhaps? —Ed. Note

Cop Shop Madness

Ed, I am not surprised that the police station was broken into. My sister went there to report that her boyfriend was beating her up. While she was there her boyfriend came in to the station and almost choked her to death.
Stationary
Maybe the sign’s not big enough. Perhaps a flashing sign. This is the police headquarters, people! Where the cops are! Wrong place for a crime! Hello! But when you don’t give a damn, you really don’t give a damn. —Ed. Note

Friday, February 12, 2010

State Worker Steamed

Ed, whoever wrote that article about the six-day weekend for state employees is off a wall. Number one, it is not six it is five. Monday is Presidents Day. We don’t have off on Presidents Day. We did not ask for the snow day. Don’t make light of it like state employees are lazy; I hate that because they are not. Thanks for nothing.
Fiver
Um, you’re welcome? —Ed. Note

Placeholders

Ed, I am calling about the people who put chairs or other objects to reserve their parking spot on the streets of Trenton after a snowstorm. I think this is absolutely ridiculous. I have every right to park in the city of Trenton when I find a parking spot. I don’t know why the Trenton police are not doing something about this. I think they should drive around and take the chairs out of the road and put them on the sidewalk, and then try to find out who put the chairs there in the first place.
Parallel
This should be the top priority of every detective on the force. —Ed. Note

Who Was That?

Ed, I am calling pertaining to the Super Bowl halftime show. I just want to say one thing, and then I am going to be very brief. I have been watching the Super Bowl for many years and that was the worst halftime show I have ever seen. God, that was horrible.
Beer Run
Yep, it sucked. You know you’re washed up when they let you lipsync and you still sound like crap. Warning to the NFL: “We won’t get fooled again.” —Ed. Note

Load Of Thanks

Ed, this is just a very grateful resident who wants to publicly thank a Hamilton Township road crew worker who really helped me out after the recent snowstorm. On Wednesday night around 9:30 p.m. I was doing my best to dig out my residence on Flock Road in Hamilton. A worker must have seen my efforts and was kind enough to use his front-end loader to clear out the end of my driveway, doing in 10 seconds what may have taken me two hours or more to accomplish, assuming I could even find a place to put the snow after shoveling it. To this worker, if you read The Trentonian, and I sincerely hope you do, I wanted to extend my heartfelt thanks for your help. You did a great job on the road and a truly wonderful job on my driveway. Thank you very much.
Positive Gratitude
First of all, everybody reads The Trentonian. Even the people who won’t admit it. Secondly, can you send that guy over to Edelstein’s house next time so we don’t have to hear him whining about his sore back? —Ed. Note

Saturday, February 6, 2010

TV Is Evil

Ed, today after one of those Civil Defense tests on television where the screen goes black and a loud alarm sounds, waaaa, waaaa, my television did not switch back, it switched to a radio station. And it said something crazy like if I don’t want to listen to the Spanish version of Martha Stewart I should switch audio back to main audio. I called Comcast, and NBC 10. But it is still like that. I wonder if anyone else has experienced that — where after the Civil Defense test was on then their audio did not go back to TV it stayed on a radio station?
Notta Test
Um, did you ever see “Poltergeist”? Yeah. You might wanna call somebody. —Ed. Note

Lost Smarts

Ed, we don’t send morons to Congress but when they get to Washington they sure do get stupid. New Jersey has two prime examples in Sens. Lautenberg and Menendez, who don’t have a clue about how the average state residents live but must believe that they are far smarter than the rest of us.
Smarty
They are smarter than the rest of us. They’re United States senators. They make more money than us, they have a better pension than us, and they control the world. Not a bad gig. — Ed. Note

Tax'em

I see where Goldman Sachs had record profits in 2009. The average salary per employee is $498,000; that includes janitors. And we are supposed to help these big businesses that are too large to fail? I say tax ’em, 99 percent tax.
Taxed
Great idea! And your mortgage rates will be roughly 98 percent. — Ed. Note

Why-o In Ohio

Ed, I am out here in Ohio on business. We have had six inches of snow overnight. It is now 2:47 p.m. and the side streets are as clear as can be, just like the main drag. The kids went to school on time in the morning. Out here they did not prep the streets with beet juice or beetle juice on the highway like Hamilton Township does. This Ohio city puts sand down. Maybe Mayor Bencivengo should come out here and learn something about the way it should be done. All we need in Hamilton is sand and good ol’ manpower.
Sandy
You can have your Ohio. Don’t come back. So they have “clear roads” and “kids who make it to school” ... booooo-ring. —Ed. Note

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Fool's Guarantee

Ed, I see where our illustrious homeland security secretary, what’s her name, Janet Napolitano, is touring the site of the Super Bowl. She is quoted as saying, “We are doing everything we can in preparation for such a great event.” You know what? I ain’t going down there with her settin’ up the system.
Getting Bombed
I hear you. With her at the helm it might even be dangerous to watch the game in HD. —Ed. Note

Road Work

Ed, first of all, I apologize for my dog barking in the background. This is for the man who commented that the police were texting all the time in their squad cars. They are not texting. That is ludicrous. The computers they have in their cars are there for NCIC checks. If the police did text I am sure they would get reprimanded, if not suspended. The computers make it possible to enter information instead of broadcasting it over the airwaves. It makes it impossible for those who have scanners to eavesdrop.
K-9

Ed, in reference to the BackTalk article from the man who complained about cops texting. What they don’t realize is if the police are on duty they need to have the scanners so they can see what is going on, to see if there is a crime being committed. Also if one police officer is driving, it is the other police officer who is using the computer. I think the man who made the comment should think before he talks.
Thinker
It’s hard to believe, but the cops are actually doing work with their mobile devices. Unlike everyone else who’s using them to reduce American productivity. —Ed. Note

Beat Busters

Ed, Gov. Christie has only been in office a short time, and one of his first official acts is to try to cancel a scheduled rap concert in Trenton! Should we expect that no rap concerts will be held in the state of New Jersey in the next four years? If they are allowed, will the promoter be forced to hire state police officers as security for each event? That would make it costly for the promoter. I am a 38-year-old woman who rarely attends these shows, however I am appalled at the blatant discrimination to the rap and hip-hop community, which is comprised of people from all racial and cultural backgrounds.
Dissed
Don’t blame the guv. I hear he’s a big Wu-Tang fan. Good dancer, too. It’s that lieutenant of his that’s all stiff. —Ed. Note

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Great Job, Trentonian!

I just wanted to congratulate you on the wonderful article you printed in your paper, the tribute to our local high school students’ academic achievements, athletic performance, and community service. The photography was great, a really classy piece of news. Keep up the good work.
Hugs and kisses
We aim to please. — Ed. Note

Bring On The Sheik

I was reading about New York not wanting to hold the terror trials there. Obama is about to attach $200 million to the area that does hold the trials. This is a great opportunity to help out the state of New Jersey. We could hold the trials at Fort Dix. They already have the security in place and they have prisons in that location also. We have the ability to make that happen. Best law enforcement in the country.
A vote for Dix
Actually, the new name of the base is called McDixhurst. And it could probably use a few hundred million bucks, even if we have to bring a terrorist here to get it. — Ed. Note

Tax Headache

The New Jersey 1040 tax book is not available in libraries this year. When you call the tax line at (609) 292-6400 to request the book, their first suggestion is to print the entire book and its forms on your computer. Yeah, right. Their second suggestion is go to the library and they will print the entire book and its forms for you. The Hamilton Township Library is charging 10 cents a page. Their third suggestion, only if you push, is to tell you they will mail you only one copy. I say to the State of New Jersey — no book, no taxes. Signed, A computerless senior.
Computerless senior
Well, you might be a 1040-formless senior, too. — Ed. Note

They'll Take Books

Ed, for the reader who has the 3,000 books to donate, there is a place down in Kentucky, the Christian Appalachian Project, they accept donations of everything except food. You can get a hold of them at www.christianapp.org. They have a truck that comes around and picks stuff up. Take care, Ed, and have a good day.
Mr. Binder
Another classy BackTalk reader coming to the rescue. — Ed. Note

How Low Can You Go?

Ed, I want to respond to the article about providing low income housing. In my opinion that is nothing but just spreading a cancer. These people move into those houses and then find they can barely make the mortgage payments. Then they rely on taxpayers to pay all their utilities, free energy, free welfare, free everything else courtesy of the taxpayer.
I. Rate
It’s the class system. Life counts on the bottom-feeders to make every one of us feel better about themselves. — Ed. Note

Friday, January 29, 2010

Unbecoming

Ed, this is concerning the Trenton City Council meeting this past evening regarding the city clerk. I am actually just a little appalled at Councilwoman Annette Lartigue; her actions and conduct were totally absurd. It was like watching a bad circus act. The idea that she is actually running for mayor is just ridiculous. She probably needs to run in another city because I would never, ever, vote for someone who acts in such a manner.
No Vote
Well, as you can read on page 4 of this issue, she’s totally sick of her fellow council members, so you were just seeing the manifestation of her frustration. —Ed. Note

Let Good Times Roll

Ed, I am calling about all these alleged DWIs in Plainsboro. It must be really tough up there; it must be like the OK Corral. All these guys they go over their lane, they don’t hold their lanes, or they swerve to avoid a squirrel and they get charged with DWI. These laws have really gotten out of hand. Either ban alcohol altogether or you have to cut some people a break. And on another page in your paper you have Jayson Williams who gets a booze bracelet. I doubt that these guys in Plainsboro will get a booze bracelet. They will probably lose their licenses, receive heavy fines, and their insurance will go through the roof, maybe even get some jail time. These laws are, uh ... backward.
Loosen Up
Can’t say I agree with you on cutting a break to drunk drivers. We’ve seen too many fatal accidents in these pages. And how stupid do you have to be to not only get loaded and drive — but then swerve to miss a squirrel? Just squish the squirrel you sloshed numbskull. —Ed. Note

City Housing

Ed, about the article “Small housing projects can revitalize Trenton” by L.A. Parker. I love Mr. Parker. He tells it just like it is. I most certainly hope a new mayor and City Council will address the new housing market. None of those running will I vote for because in my opinion they don’t have our best interests at heart. They are self-serving; they want their 20 minutes of fame. It would be nice to see some of those abandoned houses purchased. At 66 I probably wouldn’t get a chance at one, but there are some young people who could benefit from the housing.
I Love L.A.
If you don’t vote for anyone I don’t want to hear you complaining when they don’t get it done. —Ed. Note

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Note To Guv

Ed, this is for Gov. Christie. Yesterday I tried to lodge a complaint against the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office. I contacted the AG’s office and I was told to write a letter. I asked if there were any forms available or if I could come in and speak to somebody. And that’s what my instructions were. I asked if I could speak to somebody. If you want to stop corruption, this is not the way to do it. Governor, you should look into this.
Christie’s Helper
So you chose the fastest vehicle through which to obtain the governor’s attention: BackTalk! Why navigate all that red tape when you can go straight to the most powerful and widely read forum in New Jersey? —Ed. Note

Too Many Chiefs

Ed, you know it is not the small elementary school teachers that you have a problem with, it’s the principals and vice principals. Some schools have as many as four. The schools have too many principals and vice principals. That’s who you have to get rid of, not the elementary school teachers that you have now.
To the Office
Yeah, but if you get rid of the vice principal, then the real principal has to do dirty work — like yell at the bad kids. And the vice principal is just so good at that. —Ed. Note

Let's See You Teach

Ed, This is in response to “Teach Reality.” I don’t work for the school district, but I have seen the children and God bless those who are dealing with them. School district employees pay taxes, too. Everyone who works deserves a salary, why begrudge them? For everyone who feels negative toward school teachers and officials, here’s a challenge: Walk a day in their shoes before you hurl harsh criticism. I would bet you would not be so quick to criticize; in fact, you will say give this person a raise.
Shoe Horn
I guess I would give them a raise if I could stay in their shoes to collect it. What do I do with my old shoes? —Ed. Note

Teacher Talks Back

Ed, I would like to comment on your response to “Teach this lady” in BackTalk. I teach in Ewing Township. There are few, if any, deadbeats and many good and outstanding teachers in Ewing. How many schools have you visited to see how hard teachers work in order for students to learn? Not just the subject matter but about what path to take in life. We plan our lessons, develop our goals and maintain order. And in the second article in BackTalk, “Teach reality,” the person does not know what he is talking about. Teachers are held accountable. They are observed and evaluated three to seven times a year depending upon the number of years of their experience. And they don’t get three months of vacation each year.
Proud Teacher
No three months? So we’re not counting the summer, right? —Ed. Note

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

The 'Slinger

Ed, about the playoffs. Brett Farve, you can actually tell threw that game on purpose. He just threw it away. I think this guy should just go and retire and leave the NFL alone. This guy thinks he invented this position of quarterback. For six years he has done nothing since the Super Bowl in Green Bay. Minnesota should go out and grab an NFL quarterback kind of like what Mark Sanchez did with the Jets.
The Draft
On purpose? No, he just likes to balance out every 25 amazing passes with one incredibly stupid one. It’s a pattern. —Ed. Note

Gracious Blue

Ed, as a Giants fan I would like to congratulate the fans and the people of the city of New Orleans. Four years ago it was a living hell on Earth; now the fans and the city can celebrate football heaven.
Deserving
Amen to that. —Ed. Note

Discrepancy

Ed, former Gov. Jon Corzine claimed he left a $500 million plus surplus. New Gov. Chris Christie can’t find it. Somebody is telling a lie. What kind of man is that man Corzine? Somebody needs to make this man come forward, stand in front of the public and tell us where that budget surplus money is. We will now have to make that money up in taxes and cuts.
Who’s Lyin’?
There are no lies in politics. Just versions of the truth and small collections of strategically selected facts. —Ed. Note

Clarification

Ed, I am calling about an article in your paper entitled “Mr. Benci Goes to Washington.” The reporter referred to the U.S. government more than one time as the “national government” as opposed to what it truly is, the federal government. The reporter needs to be reminded that we live in a Republic not a monarchy. The national government is a centralized goverment that holds exclusive and supreme power, whereas the federal government holds limited power given to it by the sovereign people of the several individual states.
Get It Right
You are correct, sir. —Ed. Note

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Dog Lived

Ed, I want to let all the people who were driving down South Broad Street recently know that the little white dog that was running down the center of the street is OK. I saw her from my office window and chased her for three blocks, finally caught up with her near South Clinton and was picked up by a woman who was one of many who stopped their cars to help. I took her to PetSmart, she had an ID chip, her name is Aurora, the owner is in Hawaii, and the dog sitter is extremely lucky. So, as a reminder, everyone should take their dog in to get an ID chip implanted.
Sparky
And I’ll take one of those chips for myself, while you’re at it. Might as well beat the government to it. —Ed. Note

Tested

Ed, I have to pass a drug test to work and to pay taxes. Why don’t the people who get unemployment and this welfare have to pass a drug test in order to receive it? That is what I would like to see.
Inna Cup
I like it, other than the logistics. That’s a lot of peeing going on. —Ed. Note

Billy the Kid

Ed, I see in your paper that an 18-year-old kid got busted with a .38-caliber handgun with the serial number scratched off. The cops should have gone to the people that you are supposed to file with when you buy a gun. They can track them down real easy that way. I am positive about that.
Detective
I’m pretty sure the cops know the protocol on that one. —Ed. Note

Respect Teachers

Ed, teach the public that Colleen Rand should be put on one of the highest pedestals that the public has created. She is teaching at an inner city school in Trenton. Many of her students have a good chance for getting college degrees because of her dedication. My wife taught fifth grade for 37 years at a primarily white school in Hamilton. She retired making possibly $50,000 a year with a college degree. Teachers don’t get paid overtime for homework. She always gave her best effort all through the work day and during the night doing school work. Most of her fellow teachers were like she was — committed, loyal, striving and loving every student despite race or religion. Teachers don’t steal money and raise taxes; they do quite the opposite. Let’s see Gov. Christie try to teach one of Mrs. Rand’s classes. Good luck, guv, you are going to need it.
Hubby
Your wife sounds like a great teacher. But they aren’t all gems. (Wives or teachers.) —Ed. Note

Uninvited Visitors

Ed, please tell the Jehovah’s Witness don’t knock on people’s doors if you are not invited. People have things to do. They knock on your door and want to come in and you don’t even know these people. You know people have their own religion. Please, please, please don’t come unless you are invited.
Not Welcome
They’re always polite. Just tell them you’re not interested. You don’t need to be bitter. —Ed. Note

Get This Party Started

Ed, in one year President Obama and Miss Pelosi took over something that was on the brink of disaster and have lifted it back up to life. That being the Republican party. Good job.
Analyst
Oh, snap! —Ed. Note

Womanizer Heroes

Ed, I never knew there was such a thing as sexual healing. While Tiger Woods is going through those classes can I pinch hit for the Tiger? In the 1950s and 1960s we never had classes for this. That’s why they have Viagra. He’s my man — he and Bill Clinton. Oh my God.
Old Stud
If rich and famous hotshots want to have sex with a parade of women, more power to them. But for heaven’s sake don’t get married first. Cheating on your wife is sleazy and shouldn’t be celebrated. —Ed. Note

Ink Or Stink

Ed, for the person who is calling about stink bugs. If they would call the help line for the Master Gardeners of Mercer County at (609) 989-6853 you could get some information on the brown marmorated stink bug. You will get a sheet mailed to you to tell you all about stink bugs.
Bugging Out
Man, the full name of that thing makes it sound twice as disgusting as it already did. —Ed. Note

Spray To Slay

Ed, to the person who calling about the stink bug situation in Hamilton Township. I live in Cream Ridge and we have the same exact same problem, a lot of stink bugs. They love wood and all. Here is how I kill them: I spray them with hairspray, and they freeze up and die.
Aqua Net
Yuck. —Ed. Note

Christie's Burden

Ed, I feel very sorry for Gov. Christie. Jon Corzine gave Chris Christie the shaft by passing all those bills before he left office. I would like to see Gov. Christie personally enforce the fact that no state vehicles should leave the area at the end of the work day. These people should be accessed for taking these vehicles home instead of talking the cars and trucks home at taxpayers’ expense.
Driven
Don’t feel sorry for him. Corzine’s antics gave the big guy some easy talking points. As for this “personal enforcement” ... what, do you want to see Christie in a mall cop uniform on a Segway patrolling the state parking lot? —Ed. Note

Monday, January 18, 2010

Fisher Biting

Ed, I have been saying for two years now that Fisher Middle School needs to clean house in that office in that new wonderful administration that is so concerned about the Web site as opposed to the children. When is Fisher Middle School going to clean house, straighten up their act and stop hiding what is going on in that school? This better get printed because I am furious.
Grrrr

Glad you got to vent. Take a deep breath. —Ed. Note

Where's My Relief?

Ed, Wonderful: Obama is sending $100 million in aid to Haiti, and all I need is $30,000 to prevent my house from being foreclosed on. There you go, Barack — help them out, not us.
For Me
The good news is that you’re not buried under a pile of rubble. Try to run with that and dig yourself out of your hole — grateful that it’s a figurative and not a literal one. —Ed. Note

Go To Market

Ed, I have lived in Lawrenceville for two years. I think it is wonderful that they opened a new farmers market on Route 1. I want to let people know it is there. Give them a chance — they are wonderful people.
Farm Fresh
Who’s not giving them a chance? Anti-produce gangs? —Ed. Note

Fire Fighting

I read in your paper about the Hamilton Township Enterprise Fire Co. closing. I think it is time for the mayor to step in and put a paid fire department in the township. If they have a million dollars to buy a fire house then the taxpayers are paying too much. Each fire district is a different tax. They already have a paid EMS; they might as well have a fire department.
Hosed

Ed, I have a way to solve the Hamilton Township Enterprise Fire Department’s problem. Instead of having all these volunteer outfits and their 15 commissioners who think they are bigshots, make it the Hamilton Township Fire Co. One fire company, and one flat fire tax throughout the township. Do away with volunteer status. This will never happen because “Mr. Bigshot” fire commissioner will lose his precious little job. Let’s see Hamilton Township fire districts get together and make one fire department run by one person, not 15.
Unifier

There’s a lot of pride, identity, camaraderie and tradition in those individual districts. If you can unify without sacrificing all that spirit and dedication, great. But you’re going to need excellent leadership at the top to get it done without taking a step backward in experience and preparedness. Ultimately, it’s not about politics; it’s about keeping your house from burning down. —Ed. Note

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Heroes In Action

Ed, it’s Mary from the Tender Hearts. I just witnessed something so horrific I had to vent a little. We were working in our shop and heard an explosion. We looked out our backdoor and we saw a house totally engulfed in flames. I want to say something about the emergency response to this. The police and firemen were there so quickly; they did a wonderful job. We hope everything is OK and everyone got out of the house. Our prayers and blessings are with them. It really makes you feel grateful for what you have. My other two sisters were with me. It makes you hold closer to your heart those that you have.
Mary
Everyone was OK thanks to the work of the aforementioned heroes. And thanks for reminding us that life is precious. —Ed. Note

Jeff's Look

Ed, you need to tell Jeff Edelstein that he needs to have a nice shape-up on his beard. He has hair growing everywhere. It don’t look sexy. He might want to go to High Class on East State Street.
Snippet
Speak for yourself. Jeff gets bags of mail every day — some with risque photos and/or undergarments — from women young and old who are driven wild by that scraggly, lanky hunk. They love them some Edelstein. —Ed. Note

Tea and kookies

Ed, why does the media characterize the members of the Tea Party movement as Tea Baggers? This is in very poor taste.
Tea Time
It’s only in poor taste if you know the dirty reference, you Dirty Minder. —Ed. Note

Sgt. Testing

Ed, can you please tell me how a standardized written test can discriminate against black and Latino police officers? They said in the article that the police sergeant’s exam does. It is a written test based on case law and situations, and personnel management. How can a written test possibly discriminate against someone’s race? We keep lowering the standards over and over again. I thought you wanted the best people to make the decisions in the Trenton Police Department. We should not change the standards to make the test easy.
Sgt. Standard
It seems they’re working backward from the test results to determine that the test is discriminatory. —Ed. Note

Chris, Tiger & Charlie

Hey, Ed, I guess you and Mr. Parker are very happy now that Charlie got fired, huh? But don’t play the race card; Chris and Tiger deserve every bit of the criticism them got.
Charlie’s Angel
I don’t feel sorry for any of these guys. —Ed. Note

Monday, January 11, 2010

Gettin' Chilly, Al

Ed, I wonder if Al Gore is watching the Weather Channel and finding out that maybe there is no global warming. If he steps outside his nice cozy mansion, where he probably has the heat turned up to 85, maybe he will realize that there is no global warming. We are all going to freeze to death.
B.R.
You’ve been led astray by what appears to be a chilling trend. Gore is not so easily deceived! His personal team of world-renowned Ph.D. meteorologists in concert with the world’s most powerful spinning supercomputer deliver him a daily personal weathercast that shows how hot each day “feels like” when you add in the Future Heat Fear Factor. For instance, a sunny 8-degree day with a -15 wind chill factor — when adjusted for the FHFF — “feels like” 85 with a 50 percent chance of hail and/or tornadoes. —Ed. Note