To the editor: On August 25th, it was reported the Mount Laurel Park Project is moving ahead. West Milford Parks and Recreation Director, Renee Palermo, announced money for the park has been released by the county. The county would pay 50 percent and the town the other 50 percent. In 2001, Passaic County Open Space grant money was given to Mount Laurel Park to rehabilitate the tennis court, basketball court and to build a skateboard ramp. In 2003, more money was designated to move the ball field further away from Warwick Turnpike for safety reasons. As council candidates, we walked around the Mount Laurel community last week. Of the 30 homes spoken to, 26 opposed the skate board park, two were indifferent, and two supported it. Why is the Parks and Recreation Director forcing a skateboard park on a community that does not want it? Secondly, in addition to resident opposition, the tennis court repair has been pulled. This is violation of the agreement, plus the town is past deadline for getting this work done. Of the $347,000 designated to fix up the park, $110,000 would go to the skate park. Several of the residents said a lawsuit should be filed since the money is being illegally spent. Not only could money be wasted on attorney fees, the kids would have to wait even longer for their skate board park. I recently met a blond-headed skateboarding youth with a cast on his arm named Kevin. He serves on the Skate Board Park Committee. He said, “Mister, we need a place to skate board. We are tired of getting hassled by the police.” Democratic candidates Geist and Rauth oppose a skate board park in Mount Laurel. We recommend it be moved to a more central location like Bubbling Springs Park or the Jungle Habitat property. A vote for James Geist and James Rauth is a vote for tax stabilization, the environment and for accountability in government. Vote Row A on November 7th for Geist and Rauth. For more information, go to www.WMbest.com. Democratic Council Candidates Jim Geist and James Rauth