Politics heats up with an­other meeting outburst Middletown mayor says public comment out of order By elaine van develde Staff Writer      Middletown’s proposed affordable housing plan is adding fuel to the town center debate. More ...      VERONICA YANKOWSKI Youngsters at the Leonardo beach party crowd the DJ’s stage during some fun and games Friday. More ... Veterans want meeting space Former Nike missile site set to be transformed into new Holmdel park By maura dowgin Staff Writer      The first phase of construction on Veterans Memorial Park has been approved by the Holmdel Township Committee. More ... Township Council passes 2003 municipal budget      ABERDEEN — After waiting to see if it would receive state extraordinary aid, the Township Council passed its municipal budget with no tax increase. More ... New bill prevents contract imposition By josh davidson Staff Writer      MIDDLETOWN — A bill slated to change the future of contract negotiations for teachers throughout the state has been signed by Gov. James McGreevey. More ... Planning Board denies two proposed subdivisions By maura dowgin Staff Writer      KEYPORT — Residents opposed to two subdivisions in their neighborhood were victorious when both proposals were denied. More ... Cop cleared of rapes is fired; appeal in works By elaine van develde Staff Writer      MIDDLETOWN — Being cleared of criminal rape charges lodged by two separate women was not enough to keep police officer Christian Cofone on the beat. More ... Holmdel recreation needs to be studied By maura dowgin Staff Writer      HOLMDEL — The Township Committee has hired a consultant to evaluate the township’s recreation needs. More ... Keyport police win DARE competition      KEYPORT — No one in the country could DARE to beat the Keyport Police Department. More ... Animal groups save dogs from Aberdeen house By josh davidson Staff Writer      ABERDEEN — Citing irresponsibility, animal agencies removed 15 dogs from a township residence. More ... Aberdeen ordinances address parking woes, set limitations Correspondent By Erin Romanski      ABERDEEN — The Township Council addressed two parking ordinances at its July 1 meeting. More ... Bill would prohibit polling in schools on Election Day By linda denicola Staff Writer      FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP — Township Committee members seemed perplexed about the reason for state Senate Bill No. 2516 which if enacted into law as written would prohibit the use of schools as polling places in any election. More ... New middle school prin­cipal area native By elaine van develde Staff Writer      HAZLET — He’s been called to the principal’s office — again. More ... Chief offers tips for backyard pool safety      Middletown Township Police Chief John Pollinger urges residents to follow a few rules to avoid potential tragedy with the advent of summer and the use of backyard pools. More ... Quick Chek to beef up business corridor soon By elaine van develde Staff Writer      HAZLET — A familiar spot in town is being transformed. More ... District’s focus to be clarified in statement By josh davidson Staff Writer      MIDDLETOWN — The district’s future focus has been outlined in a statement adopted by the Board of Education. More ... Task force targets drinking offenses By josh davidson Staff Writer      MIDDLETOWN — On two Saturday nights, the Bayshore Task Force set its saturation patrols in motion to find drunk drivers and underage drinkers. More ... Schools get $100,000 for TV programming By josh davidson Staff Writer      MIDDLETOWN — The Board of Education received $100,000 from the Township Committee to enhance its television studios, but programming might not include board meetings. More ... Borough hoping to build ferry terminal By maura dowgin Staff Writer      KEYPORT — Plans for waterfront improvements are under way. More ... State awards Hazlet small token in aid By elaine van develde Staff Writer      HAZLET — They held out for any little bit of state aid they could get, and a little bit is what they got. More ...