To the Editor:

I want to thank Closter Mayor Sophie Heymann for her letter (Feb. 27) addressing the issue of town consolidation. She clearly addressed the value of local pride that generates residents’ willingness to serve in numerous volunteer positions, saving huge amounts of taxpayer dollars. But she also stressed the overwhelming need to share services among towns to cut back on unnecessary and expensive duplication and waste.

I am proud to live in a town where our mayor has such thoughtful and well-expressed opinions. In addition, it is a joy to see a woman "of a certain age" speak loudly and clearly for the benefit of those she represents. I urge all Bergen County residents and elected officials to take our mayor’s wisdom to heart. Thank you Sophie!

Susan McTigue
Closter

Sickening display from governor

To the editor:

I find it both sickening and cowardice when elected officials are caught in egregious misconduct and in New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer's case, criminal behavior, they further display their pusillanimity in humiliating their wives by having them stand by their sides while apologizing to the public. Perhaps if they thought about their wives before committing such disgraceful acts, there would be no need for apologies and embarrassment. Their contriteness is feign at best only because they got caught. How many men of power will have to fall before they learn to think with the heads on their shoulders and when will their wives refuse to stand by the sides of these unscrupulous scoundrels and say, "You did it without me now you stand alone in your shame!" No matter what the position of the man, if it walks like a dog and barks like a dog, it's a DOG! If Spitzer is found guilty of the alleged acts then he is a criminal and should be treated as one. My sympathy goes out to his wife and children.

Donay Wilford
Englewood

Sharon Strompf is right for school board

To the editor:

Sharon Strompf has been involved in the Tenafly community for the past seven years. She was committed to her Home and School Association responsibilities and was respected for her honesty and her approach to make independent decisions.

I support her in her new endeavor and know that she will be a great asset as a trustee on the Tenafly Board of Education.

Marlene Mendez
Tenafly

War taking a backseat in media outlets

To the Editor:

No more than three inches of space were allocated in most major newspapers to articles about the five U.S. troops killed on Monday, March 10, in Baghdad, while the papers were filled with articles about a sex scandal. How tragic that the loss of lives of our five troops considered so unimportant by major media. We hardly hear of the scandal of the billions of U.S. dollars gone missing in Iraq and Afghanistan.

I want to call on all readers to help keep the war in Iraq in the news. March 19, military families, veterans, and other area residents will mark the fifth anniversary of the war in Iraq from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the National Guard Armory in Teaneck and then from 6 to 7 p.m. near the office of pro-war Congressman Garrett at Route 4 across from Forest Avenue.

People can register to participate at this event at www.bergenjustice.net.

Peace NOW.

Paula Rogovin
Military Families Speak Out
Teaneck

Elect Strompf to Tenafly Board of Education

To the editor:

I am currently a Vice President on the Board of the H.S.A. at Mackay School in Tenafly. I know that Sharon Strompf is running for a position as a trustee on the Board of Education in Tenafly. I would like to take this opportunity to state that Sharon Strompf would be an outstanding addition to the Tenafly Board of Education. She is very involved in the schools and because of her knowledge and experience of the Tenafly education system, would be a well-suited candidate to hold a position on the Tenafly Board of Education.

I have worked with Sharon closely for the past two years while she served as co-president of the Mackay H.S.A. She has been of great assistance to me in my position as vice president because of her clear understanding of people and procedures, and had the ability to resolve any issue. She has constantly guided me with direction in a positive encouraging way, to help me fulfill my obligations at Mackay. She listened to all of my concerns and was always pleasant, courteous and respectful to me, whenever I have had questions about "anything."

What I love best about Sharon is that she is an extremely organized and devoted individual, who I greatly admire. She respects everyone in the community, and they respect her as well. I consider Sharon a leader, and I owe much of my success on the Mackay HSA board to her. She has always given me thoughtful and encouraging advice. During her four years on the Mackay HSA board, all the meetings and school activities always ran "smoothly" because of her dedication to the school and the students. She was always hands-on and ‘jumped in’ to lend a hand whenever it was needed. I can’t think of anyone else more deserving of this position than Sharon Strompf.

In conclusion, I feel that all Tenafly voters should vote for Sharon Strompf as a Trustee for the Tenafly Board of Education. If you are looking for a sincere, devoted and highly organized professional person, you can never go wrong with Sharon Strompf! 

Regina Saladino
Vice President, Mackay School Home and School Association
Tenafly