To the editor: The time is here for interested residents to participate and play an integral role in our township government. Shaping the municipal government, attending meetings to stay abreast of what is going on and keeping a watchful eye on things that don’t smell so good should be a priority for all of you hard working taxpayers footing the bill to live in this glorious township. However, the race for financial survival does not always allow all of us free time to be all places at all times. When people do put forth the effort to go to a meeting, there should not be any prior ground rules set up for what they can discuss. In the instance of an overcrowded meeting, I fully realize that a rule of order must be maintained with regard to time. But no one should dictate a limit to the scope of free speech. I am appalled that at a recent meeting, a lawyer for a board was rudely arguing with the audience but the public was not allowed to respond. If I were to elaborate on my description of the majority of uncouth lawyers I have come across this probably wouldn’t get printed. I am not speaking of all lawyers, of course. I would like to encourage all West Milford Township residents to take an active part in what goes on. Forewarning, if you are a Democrat and you raise your hand to speak, you’ll get called on last or next to last. But we can change that with the next election. Elaine Duffy West Milford