Privatization has created problems at venue       I would like to thank Barbara Sprechman for her letter in the June 13 issue of the Independent ("Underage drinking at arts center a dangerous situation"). While 20-year-olds were complaining, "The adults are ruining this for us," and complaining about the tough police actions, they are the on... More ... Events at concerts are a wake-up call       Thank you for your attention to the issue of underage drinking through your reporting of the issues at the PNC Arts Center. The events at the Gwen Stefani concert could have ended tragically - let us take this opportunity to come together as a community and take a stand against childhood dri... More ... Parents urged to avoid buying novelty lighters       Warning against novelty lighters: a novelty lighter works like any other lighter; however, it is designed to look like a child's toy. Novelty lighters do not have child-proof triggers, therefore children who try to play with them can easily light them, obviously causing potential dangers. More ... Resident concerned about animals in Hazlet park       As a fairly new resident to Hazlet, I was excited to find out that the local park had animals. A few Sundays ago I decided to take my 2 1/2-year-old grandson. I was horrified by the conditions these animals were in. My grandson couldn't stop saying "yucky." The rabbits had no water - this ... More ... Holmdel residents urged to oppose ordinance at meeting       I was astounded to learn that the Holmdel Township Committee has authorized the attorney to prepare an ordinance preventing employees of all levels of government from serving on the Township Committee. It is difficult to find capable candidates willing to serve on the Township Committee... More ... Deer hunt has spread like a virus with no cure       Please put an immediate halt to the Monmouth County Parks Department deer hunts. I live in Marlboro and this hunt will literally be in my backyard, and that of the development behind me. As though the close proximity to my home isn't enough, my experience has been that hunters trespass and do... More ... Holmdel candidates extend thanks to voters       We would like to thank the Holmdel voters for giving us the opportunity to represent the Republican Party in this upcoming November's election. We are very proud to be the Republican candidates and will work to continue the tradition of steady and stable leadership. More ... DiMaso trying to reinvent herself to voters       Armed with green signs, green mailers, and a notably "green" stance, Holmdel Mayor Serena DiMaso seeks to reinvent herself to voters as a candidate that wishes "to continue her fight on behalf of our open space and quality of life," as she notes in her most recent campaign literature. More ... Stigma of mental illness prevents treatment       Shocked and saddened by the shootings at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, the New Jersey Governor's Council on Mental Health Stigma offers its deepest condolences to the families of the innocent victims. An event so unspeakable affects us individually and as a nation. More ...