To the editor: This is an open letter to Councilman Robert Nolan and Councilman James Warden in response to their letter in the Messenger on May 11, 2007. The procedure for the “Meet and Greet” the candidates event at Bald Eagle Commons Grange is the same as it was last year. There wasn’t a problem then. When holding this candidates political opportunity the Republican and Democrat County Chairpersons are routinely contacted and asked for their candidates’ participation in “The Candidates Forum” at Bald Eagle Commons. I was informed that Kathleen Caren was the Democrat Chairperson and the Republican Chairperson is Carmen Scangarella. Therefore, I called both of these persons. Starting on April 23, 2007, I called Kathleen Caren concerning what we at the Bald Eagle Commons would like to do and on what date, which was May 24 at 2 p.m. at Bald Eagle Commons Grange. I spoke to Kathleen Caren several times and everything seemed to be going well, especially since we had this event last year. People said It was very informative; therefore, there would not be any change in the format. On April 26, I received a letter from Councilman Nolan saying that he would not be attending. I have not received any other responses from any other Democrat candidates. On May 9, I again contacted Kathleen Caren to obtain the names of all candidates attending. She at this time informed me that she was not in charge anymore. I asked whom should I get in contact with and she said either Robert Pawlo or James Rauth. Immediately, I called Mr. Pawlo and he was very obliging and said he would get back to me with the necessary information. However, I haven’t received any as of yet. In the Messenger on May 11 I read an article, which included my name, and was very disheartening because I have been working on this event since April 23, 2007 contacting necessary people to have it take place. The proper procedure was followed, so I again called Mr. Pawlo after reading this article and he said he would get back to me which has not happened as of yet! As for all Bald Eagle Commons residents, we know when holding a political candidates forum both parties need to be present. As a resident, I was committed to following our established rules. I was also committed to following the rules in notifying both Republican and Democrat Chairpersons, which I did. I do all of this because I am a true believer that a decision is much easier to make when you hear a candidates platform, and meet and greet the candidates. They are the people who are going to govern us in West Milford, in the county and in the state. Our vote is extremely important if democracy is to survive, otherwise, we have lost our freedom of speech concerning who governs us. We will certainly miss Councilman Nolan and Councilman Warden at the event because of lack of communication from their party representatives. I am looking forward to hearing from Mr. Pawlo within the next few days so we can get on with a very important event for the welfare of all Bald Eagle Commons Residents. The date is May 24, 2007 at 2 p.m. I ask people to please make this a large turnout to show we really take our rights as an American Citizen very seriously. See all of you on Thursday, May 24, 2 p.m., at Bald Eagle Commons Grange. Your presence at this event is vital to all of you, as it will help determine the outcome of this election. Doris Osterhoudt West Milford