Borough Pool Still Controversial

In Chatham, the vote over whether to fix up the borough pool was a contentious one. You didn't have to look farther than our comments section to see that.  Reader  summed up the pro side of the argument succinctly:

The vote was a clear message to the Council that a majority of people in the Boro want to save the pool. ... I think that most people can afford $15.00 per year on their tax bill, especially to pay for something besides athletic fields and legal fees. Pool fees have indeed risen to help defray costs and, by the way, as of 2010 Township residents are able to join the pool, paying a slightly higher fee than Boro residents.

But the cost-conscious  spoke up for those who feel otherwise: 

It is not for you or anyone to determine that most people can afford an extra $15 per year on their tax bill. Where does the line get drawn? An extra $10 here, and extra $15 there, and before you know it your property tax bill is significantly higher. ...  A couple of years from now, when it is running severely in the red factoring in debt service costs, anyone who voted "Yes" for this dog should be hit with a special tax assessment to cover the cost.

Other notable comments from Patch users:

You know what's a good way to get people talking? Plan to majorly change their neighborhood.

At least, that got user  commenting on our latest story about the planned  in Morristown. Noel had a number of thoughts on just what sort of priorities planners should be setting.

We need more attractive retail & a good coffee shop w/outdoor seating (it works!!)to draw a broader range of people to this end of town. Plenty of people live over here, only to DRIVE across to South St to eat/dilly dally, myself included. Too many "crap" shops, with a couple gems lost in the mix. It isn't nice to look at, no matter how open minded you are. Enough attention to the other side of the green!!!! We need a serious make over here...Marty, who has a successful business, had the right idea. He didn't move--his new, larger shop looks GREAT, only if people weren't zooming thru & afraid to stop. Make an effort OVER HERE b/c WE ARE HERE: Americans & immigrants.

It's not quite a comment, but it was awwww-some.  shared with us an adorable photo of the  class in Madison, where costumed kids showed off their Pumpkin Project. We thought Batman and Robin were too old for kindergarten, but good crimefighters know to never stop learning. See the full post here. 

Montville Patch reader  doesn't mind the idea of a free car. He just wishes the ones offered at the  weren't so darn fast:

I never liked the cars they raffle, always fast, made for kids to get killed, why don't they get maybe Hondas or Toyotas for some of the old people in town that need transportation not speeding tickets.

Long Valley Patch's pre-election discussion of where council candidates would make budget cuts stirred up a lot of debate. But user  thought a lot of it got off-track–and urged the candidates to get to the questions at hand.

Bickering over who said what when, and what occurred is Swiftian at best. It provides no solution.

The questions for 2011 are; Who will we fire? What services will we lose forever? What operating expenditures can we cut forever and are we willing to do without the associated services forever?

Remember that posturing has a price. We need viable solutions and a long term planning now. If we do without in 2011 it's likely that with the 2% limit in place and decreased state aid we will do without in 2012, 2013, 2014 . . . . 

When the Hopatcong Warriors Super Pee Wee team bested the Randolph Warriors, of course its head coach offered words of support. But so did reader :

well said dave.i have followed this team for a long time know matter what people say if you know the game of football then you know this team has come a long way.good job and keep teaching those who want to be taught.

Frequent Patch photographer   shared some great news for the Bridgewater Boys Soccer team Friday:

"Congrats to the BR Boys Soccer Team. They won 1-0 over Columbia in their NJSIAA North 2 Group 4 State game today."

Terry was using a new Patch feature–you can "shout" a message out to our reader using the "What do you have to say" box in the top-right of any Patch's front page. Hit the "Home" link up top to give it a try right now!

Speaking of Terry, he's got in fan in Basking Ridge Patch reader .

Terry Boudreau's coverage of the Ridge vs. West Orange North Jersey Group 4 quarterfinal volleyball match is excellent. He is not afraid to get the best angles for candid shots! We appreciate all his photos and the coverage that this fine team has received from the Patch. Keep it up!!!!!