To the editor: Belcher’s Creek is a West Milford waterway that runs a little over four miles and connects Pinecliff and Greenwood Lakes. The river is polluted and we need to find the cause and clean it up. It has been getting more attention these days due to the weed and algae growth in Greenwood Lake where Belcher’s Creek is a major feeder. The state recently has given West Milford several grants to investigate the sources of contamination and to help clean it up. Steve Sangle (R) of the Environmental Commission believes the main source of pollution is failing septic systems (Trends 1-29-06). Former E.C. Chair Dr. Les Lynn believes the main culprits causing weeds in Greenwood Lake are phosphorus and nitrates (Aim; 7-14-06). In July, Dr. Doris Aaronson and Councilman Warden (D) took samples from the Old Milford sewage treatment outfall pipe, from seepage and the sand filter site and sent them to Garden State Laboratories to be analyzed. The results of the bacteria count from the outflow pipe was 47,000 colonies per 100 mg of water. According to the DEP, that value should be zero. Treatment processing should kill all bacteria. Dianne Paretti, executive director of West Milford’s Municipal Utilities says, “We don’t acknowledge these results.” Warden said, “The tests are fine. Someone is not telling the truth and I intend to ask my council colleagues for an investigation into the M.U.A.” (Messenger; 7-21-06). It would be a giant step in cleaning up Belcher’s Creek. The weeds in Greenwood Lake have no political affiliation.” There is a political aspect to this matter. The M.U.A has a distinct Republican lean to it. Joseph Elcavage (R), former councilman, is the M.U.A. secretary and treasurer. He recently was suspended by the U.G.L. Volunteer Ambulance Corp for causing $6,000 of damage to an ambulance by not following safety procedure. Dr. Sal Schimmenti, a Republican council candidate, is also an alternate on the M.U.A. board. Is Candidate Schimmenti committed to cleaning up Belcher’s Creek and Greenwood Lake, or is he more loyal to the M.U.A.? Will he rubber-stamp the M.U.A.’s actions? James Geist and James Rauth will fight to clean up Belcher’s Creek and Greenwood Lake. If the M.U.A. is one of the main reasons for the pollution, we will hold it accountable. A vote for Geist and Rauth is a vote for tax stabilization, the environment, and for accountability in government. Vote Row A for Geist and Rauth on November 7. For more information, go to www.WMbest.com. James Geist James Rauth West Milford