Merla's name will stay on plaque at boro hall John Merla KEYPORT - Councilman George Walling's suggestion to remove former Mayor Merla's name from the plaque outside borough hall was ultimately rejected last week. On Feb. 6, Walling confirmed that it would cost approximately $2,000 to remove and replace the 2004 plaque that bears the name of Merla, who pleaded guilty last month to a federal corruption charge. At a previous meeting, Walling said the plaque's presence was "a disgrace." Walling made a motion to replace the plaque but it was not seconded. "To me, that's money gone down the drain," said Mayor Robert Bergen. "I walk by that building every day - I think my name's on that plaque too, but I'm not quite sure - and I don't think I ever even looked at that plaque." Walling noted that there was no dialogue prior to putting up the original plaque. Bergen disagreed, saying he was against putting it up. "I couldn't even tell you what names are on that plaque," Bergen said. "I don't even look at it." Bergen complained that the plaque was taking attention away from "the good stories" about Keyport. "All these good stories going on and all we see in the newspaper and television is about the plaque," Bergen said. "I don't think it did any service to this borough at all. It created more negative press." Later, Bergen said he would be agreeable to removing the sign if it didn't cost anything. This occurred when former Councilman Joseph Wedick spoke during the public portion of the meeting, agreeing that $2,000 is a lot of money. "But it doesn't cost anything to remove it," Wedick said. "Come over some Saturday morning and take it down yourself," Bergen replied. Wedick agreed to do so. "A week of this negative publicity is just constantly hurting the town," Bergen said. Several residents also spoke about their desire to stop speaking about the plaque. - Karen Bowes