New committee members will preserve open space       On Jan. 1, Hazlet Democrats James DiNardo, Kevin Lavan and Joseph Belasco took their places on the Township Committee. Having regained the majority after four years of Republican control, DiNardo was elected mayor and Lavan the deputy mayor. More ... Tirades can bring New Year's resolutions       How many of our parents taught us to "think before you speak," that "you can never take back what you say" and that "what's in the heart and mind comes out of the mouth"? That's why excuses and apologies from Michael Richards and Mel Gibson are so hard to accept. More ... Mendelsohn explains position on train station development       You decide. James Shea wrote a letter about me that appeared in the Dec. 20 issue of the Independent ("Mendelsohn blew his opportunity to serve Matawan"). This is my side of the story. In 2005, Mary Aufseeser asked me if she should run for councilwoman. I told her that if you have your ... More ... Line item numbers raise questions       I would like to respond to the letter "Middletown residents deserve better public servants" written by Lawrence Nelsen published in your paper Dec. 27. I would also like to acknowledge Don Watson, who - as a guest columnist on Jan. 4 - answered many of Mr. Nelsen's false accusations. More ...