Guest Column
Steven Weitz
Residents urged to get involved in local politics

For nearly one and a half years, no issue within Millstone has created more discussion than the recently concluded Kastning investigation [the Open Space and Farmland Preservation Council – 2000 Report]. Although many have spoken out regarding the investigation, few if any have been completely impartial. Unlike John and Lynn Mele, both of whom are local political appointees and Millstone Coalition supporters, I write this opinion having no political affiliation or hidden agenda. I am simply a husband, father and citizen who is only interested in maintaining the quality of life we currently enjoy in Millstone.

My interest in the Kastning investigation began when I learned that the Township Committee led by Mayor Evan Maltz was considering retaining the services of a private investigator after already having referred the matter to the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office. For the first time in my life I felt compelled to attend a committee meeting. At this first meeting I questioned Mayor Maltz as to the rationale he and the other committee members utilized in making the decision to hire a special investigator. The answers I received were so nonsensical and illogical that I almost felt embarrassed by the mayor. Not surprisingly, no other committee member attempted to provide any type of explanation. The township attorney whose counsel had been sought in the decision-making process also sat in stone silence. I have to admit that prior to attending the meeting, I had already formed my opinion regarding the motives of the mayor and committee. In short, Bill Kastning did not fit into the master plan envisioned by the Millstone Coalition (i.e., "Millstone Developers Political Action Committee").

In December I once again attended a committee meeting. By this time, Maltz and company had realized that their actions were suspect and many township residents were not happy with the way the Kastning affair had been handled. I listened in disbelief as Maltz attempted to extend a completely disingenuous hand of reconciliation to Bill Kastning. This time Maltz changed his explanation, but it still remained nonsensical and totally unbelievable. Unfortunately, Maltz, Cory Wingerter, William Nurko and Charles Abate (i.e., Millstone Coalition) succeeded in creating such a hostile environment that Bill Kastning decided not to seek re-election. The silver lining to this black could is that Maltz and friends were exposed for what they are and whose interests they really serve. This was evidenced by John Pfefferkorn’s upset victory for Township Committee in the November election. Had Pfefferkorn been defeated, the Township Committee would have been comprised exclusively of politicians beholden to the Millstone Coalition.

Make no mistake that the despicable tactics used against Kastning will almost certainly be utilized against Pfefferkorn. We narrowly avoided the point of no return on Nov. 6. The differences are simple. Maltz and his gang thrive on voter apathy and ignorance. They seek to win voters through short-term, feel-good politics while at the same time forwarding a special-interest agenda. The good news is that they are relative political amateurs whose motivations, dirty tricks, and dubious affiliations are rather easily detected. On the other side of the coin, John Pfefferkorn seems to have no hidden agenda and to my knowledge is not in the pocket of any special interest. He champions open and honest government and encourages scrutiny of his decisions.

The rhetoric and disinformation being promulgated by certain politically motivated individuals can and will have disastrous consequences for Millstone if the average citizen remains apathetic. Please do not take my word on this matter. I urge you to become involved, examine the public record and hold our local governing body accountable for the decisions they make.

Steven Weitz is a resident of Millstone