Hazlet politicians ignored the will of residents I've been disappointed, confused, even shocked by actions of elected officials before, but never like during the Hazlet Township Committee meeting of May 15 ("Mobile home residents oppose changes to rents," May 23). At the meeting was a proposed change to the township's rent control ordinance governing mobile homes, called vacancy decontrol. This change would give landlords the right - upon sale of a mobile home - to increase the rent [by] anything they wish instead of the 15 percent now allowed. Hazlet itself gains nothing by this. Not a dime in taxes. Only the landlords would profit. Approximately 100 residents went to protest the proposed change and voice concerns. Resident after resident pleaded before the mayor and committee not to pass the ordinance. Their fear is they may not be able to sell their homes if the landlords raise rental fees too high for prospective buyers. All this fell upon deaf ears. The mayor and committee were intent on passing the ordinance. When asked repeatedly "Why are you doing this?," they repeatedly replied, "No one is going to get hurt by this." What?! There are nine mobile home parks in Hazlet Township owned by six individuals, only one a Hazlet resident. Compare that with approximately 900 units and 1,800 residents in the parks. One would think the committee would be more concerned for constituents rather than landlords. The ordinance passed 3 to 2. Obviously, Mayor James Dinardo and Committeemen Kevin Lavan and Joseph Belasco have no concern for the people they swore an oath to represent. Remember that come Election Day! John Coffey Hazlet