Dear Editor, I am a Republican Councilwoman in Summit and former Council President. During my two terms in office, I have had the distinct pleasure of working with Chatham Borough Mayor Nelson Vaughn on various shared services, starting with shared vehicles and equipment for our Department of Public Works and more recently on creating a walking trail on both sides of the Passaic. I have been impressed with his tireless work ethic and his ability to work well with me and other members of the Summit Council. The fact we belong to different political parties has been irrelevant. More over, I …

To the Editor: Doris and I are happy to endorse Bruce Harris for Mayor of Chatham Borough. I served with Bruce on the town council for five years. During this time he has demonstrated exceptional attributes. There is a substantial difference between hearing and listening. Bruce listens with open ears, an open mind, and an open heart.  Bruce is an effective communicator always exploring issues and effectively driving collaboration.  He is aware of the concerns of others and takes responsibility in making sure Chatham Borough is governed in a nonpartisan way.   Bruce cares about the quality of …

To The Editor: I have had the privilege of living in Chatham Borough since 2002, and it is now my honor to represent the Chatham Education Foundation as this year's President.   I cordially invite you all to attend CEF's largest fundraising event of the year - the 11th annual Taste of Chatham - to be held on Monday, Oct. 24 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Brooklake Country Club in Florham Park. Since its inception in 1997, the Chatham Education Foundation has been a leading provider of private funding to the School District of the Chathams. We support innovative and creative educational programs and …

During the two days that I spent in our Borough’s emergency command center, I witnessed many selfless acts by Chatham’s police officers,firefighters, department of public works, staff and the Community Emergency Response Team.   One act, however, stands out and it exemplifies for me the spirit of Chatham Borough. On Saturday night, as Irene was just beginning to hit us with her full fury, the command center received a call from an 85-year-old resident of our town. The resident was unable to close her windows and the storm was blowing rain and worse into her home. Now in many towns, the …

Dear Fellow Republicans, Legislative district reapportionment has brought change. Chatham Township, East Hanover, Florham Park, Hanover Township, Harding Township and Madison are now in NJ’s new 27th legislative district. As you know, change brings new challenges and new responsibilities. If you do not act, liberal Democrat Dick Codey – one of the biggest spenders and taxers in the history of state government – could be your next Senator. Don’t let that happen. On Tuesday, June 7th vote for the conservative Republican for State Senate – Bill Sullivan.  I highly recommend him. Bill Sullivan …

Dear  District 27 Friend,  Please vote for Bill Eames for Senate on Tuesday.   Bill has been endorsed by the Recorder Newspapers at the one best fit to win the GOP primary.    In contrast to his opponent, Bill is running an energetic campaign as a Tea Party Republican.  His views are well reasoned and presented well.    I have heard him on two occasions, one at the GOP Club of the Chathams, the second at the excellent candidates night sponsored by the Women's GOP Club.  Google Eames for NJ Senate to see his views spelled out.   Since 1983 I have known Bill and respected him whether for his …

I am very pleased to offer this letter of endorsement for Chatham Township Committeeman Bailey Brower, Jr. for re-election and Township Committee candidate Laura Ali who is running for election to the open seat on the Township Committee. I have had a long standing personal and professional relationship with Bailey and Laura.   Bailey wants to continue keeping the township resident-friendly and affordable and to look for more shared services to hold down costs. Laura's vision for Chatham Township is one that encourages prosperity, fiscal conservatism, community involvement, and high energy …

Dear Neighbor: As many of you undoubtedly know, on June 7th Chatham Township Republican voters will have the responsibility of choosing nominees for the two seats that will be contested this fall on the Chatham Township Committee. With the Republican Primary fast approaching, we are proud to endorse the candidacies of Bailey Brower, Jr. and Jeff Furbish to serve with us on your Township Committee. We here in Chatham Township have much to be proud of. In spite of onerous state mandates, the 2010 Township Committee passed a budget that represents a 0% increase in municipal taxes over last year…

To the Editor:  Next Tuesday, June 7th, is Primary Election Day. It’s important that Chatham Township residents vote on Tuesday. There are 4 Republican candidates for 2 open Township Committee seats. There are no Democratic candidates. As a result, this primary is a critical step in determining who will make decisions for our town in the near future.   When you go to the polls on Tuesday, I strongly encourage voters to support Laura Ali Nonnenmacher and Kathy Abbott for Township Committee.  I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Laura Ali Nonnenmacher over the past few years through our PTO…

To the editor: As the June 7th Republican primary quickly approaches in Chatham Township, I wanted to bring attention to candidate Laura Ali Nonnenmacher—especially for those residents who have not had the pleasure of knowing or working with this dynamic individual. As a Chatham Township resident for almost 12 years with four children in the school district, I have known Laura on a professional and personal level for more than four years and have worked with her on numerous committees at the Southern Boulevard School. Never have I met a person with more heart, initiative, integrity, business …

To the Editor:   For the last 8 years, I have represented Chatham Township in the State Assembly.  One of the first phone calls I received was from Committeeman Bailey Brower, offering me his assistance in acclimating myself to this beautiful town.   I don't think there is anyone who is more committed to the success of Chatham Township than Bailey.  Bailey is a man of integrity and intelligence - I  hope you will join me in supporting Committeeman Bailey Brower in his bid for reelection this June 7th. Assembleyman Jon Bramnick

On June 7th, Chatham Township will be asked to fill two town council Committee seats.  Two teams of candidates will be will be looking for our votes and we would like you to consider supporting Bailey Brower and Jeff Furbish for the ticket. Bailey and Jeff bring to the position a strong combination of both practical business experience and seasoned dedication to town municipality and service.  Bailey has been a presence in Chatham Township for years whereas his teammate Jeff, would be a positive addition to the political arena.  Jeff has raised his family in Chatham and coached town soccer, …

I am writing to support Laura Ali Nonnenmacher's run for the Chatham Township Committee. I have gotten to know Laura as a friend, volunteer, leader and business partner since we moved to Chatham.   I believe Laura has the business skills, sound leadership qualities and passion that are needed be an effective member of the Committee.  I have seen these qualities in action while being a partner with her  in her business, Triple Win Sales, where she helps small and large sized companies revamp their sales and marketing plans to achieve great results.   She achieves these results because she is …

Jeff Furbish is running for Chatham Township Committee. I have personally known Jeff Furbish since my family and I moved to Chatham in 2003. As long as I’ve known Jeff, he has struck me as a person of high integrity and strong leadership abilities. Our sons played football together in Chatham through high school, and Jeff was his coach for many of those years.  Jeff was a great coach to the team; he displayed the right balance of discipline and flexibility dealing with the boys. Jeff also acted as an excellent role model for how the boys should act on and off the field, and how to cope with …

Editor: As the Chatham Township Committee elections approach, I strongly endorseBailey Brower, Jr. for re-election to the Township Committee. Bailey’s presenceadds a depth of intimate knowledge of the community. His family goes backeight generations in our area. His love of our town has been evident in hisefforts on the Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, Tree Committee and nowthe Township Committee. He brings to the Committee his acumen as a local businessman who is ableto look at the big picture when costly decisions are being made. He workswell with fellow committee members in these …

To the Editor:  For the last 8 years, I have represented Chatham Township in the State Assembly.  During these last 8 years, I have come to know Laura Ali Nonnenmacher as a successful businesswoman, engaged citizen and deeply involved parent.  Laura's skills as a successful small business owner are a critical asset as towns remain under the 2% property tax cap.  In addition to her small business experience, Laura has been a leader in the Chatham community, most recently as the President of the South Boulevard Parent Teacher Organization.  Chatham Township needs more leaders like Laura Ali …

To the Editor: On April 27, taxpayers are asked to vote on the school budget.  The Board of Education and the Administrators of the School District of the Chathams have continually exercised fiscal prudence while operating in an environment of rising costs, enrollment growth and ever-changing State mandates.   As a result of their extraordinary efforts, Chatham’s average cost per pupil is $2,000 less than the state average and well below communities with comparable demographics; all this while maintaining excellence in the school system.  Chatham schools are continually ranked among the best …

Dear Editor: The school district has an obligation to list every capital project they may (not will, not must) do during the coming school year. Mr. Urbelis attended a recent public meeting of the school board and was told that the parking lot was listed in the budget because it is a project we may move forward with this summer. He understood the board was not mandated to proceed with this project.   Based on some of the concerns that have been raised the board will devote an up coming meeting to discussing the pros and cons of the project in greater depth. The main construction to take place…

Odds… We examine them daily, take risks based on them, plan our future by them. Odds are everywhere and part of our daily existence and culture. For example, the recent Mega Millions lottery drawing enticed just about everyone to purchase a ticket, yet those odds seemed impossible (176 million to one).    On the other side of the statistical coin, the chances of you getting struck by lightning in your lifetime are a mere 1 in 500,000. Clearly, we’d safely take our obscure chances with Mega Millions then chose to play a round of golf during a summer storm.  Do you know that the odds of a child…