Just Say NOPE!

Considering the magnitude of the entire Earle issue and ramifications for Tinton Falls schools in particular, and to satisfy my own curiousities on this significant issue, I visited the Neighbors Opposed to Privatization at Earle (www.orgsites.com/nj/nope) session last night. The contents of the website are relatively meager and are supplemental to what you already know about the issue and its impact on Tinton Falls, but still worth a look.

Perhaps my view is too positive and I'm naive in not looking at this from a "we vs. them" perspective, but I found this group of community residents making a worthwhile, grassroots effort to convince the U.S. Navy through measured, visible community pressure to make this whole Laurelwoods issue disappear sooner rather than later or never. If nothing else, have a look at the website, and consider a small contribution ahead of a key upcoming meeting, with proceeds mainly going to lawn signs to promote the briefing.

Based on previous discussions with some of my own neighbors, and meeting a fellow TF resident at last night's NOPE session, I sense others in Tinton Falls would like to become proactive in the Group's efforts, in particular a Community Briefing on Wednesday, May 28 at 7:30p at Colts Neck High School. To be sure, the 300-person attendance at the BOE's Fall 2007 meetings on the issue speaks volumes, in my view, of residents' interest in the process, and how we could have a positive community-driven impact.

I feel only somewhat versed on the issues at hand, versus the depth of understanding of those knee-deep in the process. That said, the primary takeaway, for me, from last night is the importance in pack the Briefing on May 28th, with a key Navy official (Assistant Secretary of the Navy, if I recall) expected to attend, among other key officials invited. One participant in the discussion - a retired high-ranking Naval officer - suggested a strong showing of community support alone (and the subsequent threat of bad publicity throught the media; i.e. threat to local and national security) could greatly influence the process.

Please consider attending the meeting, sign petitions or become involved in other ways. I, for one, would be more than happy to be involved in what appears a civil, worthwhile effort.