To the editor: I am truly saddened after reading a recent letter by Democratic candidates James Giest and James Rauth regarding the Mt. Laurel skate park. It seems obvious that the two are scrambling to find anything to use as a campaign issue. In their letter they insinuate that the parks and recreation director is “forcing” a skate park on the Mt. Laurel community that does not want it and that there has been some mysterious shifting or misuse of money. It is possible they may not have done their homework, or maybe they again, are just trying to spin the facts to try to develop some campaign platform to run on. Mr. Geist and Mr. Rauth and their Democratic colleagues have settled on a strategy of negative campaigning. They have been tripping over their own feet trying to set their political course. It seems that pointing fingers and attacking hardworking employees and volunteers is all they have. How much time have they dedicated to the betterment of the township? How many committees and boards did they sit on before deciding to run for office? How many dinners did they miss with their families prior to their decision to run in order to assist the community? How many things have they personally done that have created a significant positive impact for the taxpayers of West Milford? As a member of the Parks and Recreation Advisory member I can provide these facts: The recreation director is not forcing a skate park on anyone. The recreation director is one of many who make a recommendation to the council regarding projects. In the case of Mt. Laurel, the recreation director was directed to place the skate park into the plan by a non-partisan council in 2002. The Recreation Advisory Committee, made up of at least 11 members, unanimously voted to place the skate park in the plan. There have been many revisions made to the plan to address the concerns of the neighbors. Throughout the revisions and member changes on both the council and the Recreation Advisory Committee, the vote has remained to keep the skate park in the plan. The consistent belief is that the skate park is in the best interest of the community as a whole. To date the Recreation Advisory Committee, which is made up of both Democratic and Republican parties, continue to vote unanimously to maintain the skate park in the design. Mr. Rauth and Mr. Geist also may not know that the skate park has been in the plan since day one. The county reviewed this plan and they approved the funding. On two separate occasions, the county again reviewed the specific issue of the skate park and in all cases gave their approval for the project. This approval came from Mr. Giest’s and Mr. Ruath’s County Democratic colleagues in Paterson. The leader of their local Democratic Party, Mr. Andy Gargano accompanied the Recreation Director to the county presentation to secure the funding for the project. Mr. Gargano not only personally supported the skate park but he stood and spoke on behalf of the township making every effort to insure the approval of the funding. What changed his mind? Could it be partisan politics? Although I am sure the recreation director would be flattered someone thought that she held the key to all decision-making regarding recreation projects, the fact is she is one of scores of recommendations and approvals that make a project happen. It is the committee, the council and in this case the county who guide her actions. Just recently the council, the advisory committee and the county again affirmed their approval to move forward with the Mt. Laurel Rehabilitation Project. I will not visit the reasons why the skate park should remain in the design, or address all the revisions the township has made to accommodate the Mt. Laurel neighbors. It has been reported to death. It is time to get things done, to make improvements to this Green Acres park for the residents of West Milford. It is time to stop tearing down the hard work and years of effort of dedicated individuals. Mr. Giest and Mr. Rauth, stop with the personal attacks. It is very easy to sit back and judge others. You both seem to have mastered that skill. Now let’s see you do something. Dr. Sal Schemmenti West Milford