Fiore is chumming for votes with red herring
Anthony Fiore's letter ("Police cutbacks would jeopardize safety in M'town," Independent, June 4), is inaccurate and misleading. I never "urged" or "proposed" that the "Middletown Township Committee explore reducing the size of our police force" to save money. I commented on costs and revenue generation; inquired if "layoffs" or "freezing positions" had been considered. I rigorously pursued how thoroughly head count had been analyzed and productivity studied.

Middletown Mayor Gerard Scharfenberger said he "looked to cut everywhere" and "looked at everything," including "staff." He cited our police department as an example of productivity and efficiency. He commented on overall reduction of township staff through attrition that spanned several years. Township Attorney Bernard Reilly reiterated Scharfenberger's comment regarding overall staff reduction, which prompted me to ask if staff could be reduced further.

If one applies Fiore's reasoning, then Mayor Scharfenberger's consideration of everything, including staff, as a source of possible cost reduction infers proposing and urging reductions in the police force. Therefore, Scharfenberger's statements imply the safety of Middletown residents could be at risk. Most people would consider this an inane conclusion.

Critical inquiry and diligent examination of options, in the interest of promoting open and transparent government, is at the core of the democratic process. Encouraging participation in this process and supporting our police force are vital to the health of our community.

Fiore acknowledged he is in a contest with me for a seat on the Middletown Township Committee. It appears that he intentionally manufactured an issue in an attempt to gain that seat. This is disturbing. Even more disturbing is his use of our police force as a ploy to send a deceptive message. There are many real issues and challenges for Middletown that require open, honest and respectful discussion, and rigorous non-partisan debate and resolution. The public deserves not to be intentionally misled by a candidate, or any elected official.

Fiore chose misrepresentation as a means to a self-serving end. What is the cost of his chumming for votes with red herring, and who truly pays that cost?
James Grenafege
Locust section of Middletown