We must learn to treat one another with respect

I moved to Upper Freehold Township six years ago. Like everyone else who recently moved to the township, I fell in love with the rural surroundings. I grew up in a similar town that ended up becoming extremely overcrowded. I grew up in a home where my father was very involved in township politics.

As a child, I never understood the importance of getting the residents out to vote until now, but it has all come back to me. My father's eagerness for doing the right thing has had a huge impact on me. I started attending Township Committee meetings. I wanted to get involved, and I did. The one thing I didn't remember is the way people treat one another when some don't get their way.

As mentioned at the May 18 meeting, the Township Committee overrode the rights of the voters in Upper Freehold Township regarding the second question for the school budget, which was in turn overturned by the Township Committee 3-1. I was against this, but it wasn't because of the funding issue. I have four children of my own. I am just as concerned as most parents I see that attend these meetings. I fight for the rights of my kids and for the future of everyone's young ones.

My irritation isn't about the actual question. It's not about the money. The issue is that the question was asked, voted on, and the answer was no. I believe it's wrong to go back and tell the voters that they were wrong.

When the "yes" voters didn't like the result, they forced this to be changed. OK, so what's done is done, but it wasn't enough for some people to win.

Mrs. Stampe, I do not understand how you could come in front of the committee and insult Deputy Mayor [William] Miscoski the way you did. In the same way that you were passionate about disrespecting the voters of this town, Mrs. Stampe, Mr. Miscoski was passionate about respecting the people that elected him. You could have thanked the committee and ended it there. To go on and on and on about how altruistic the three committeemen are and show such a lack of respect for Mr. Miscoski after all he has done for this town the way you did was uncalled-for.

When issues with the school board arise, and your husband has to vote for something he believes in and is outvoted, how would you feel if his voters and supporters went against him and told him he is wrong and selfish and doesn't make the kids a priority? Would that be the right thing to do? Would that be a good example to set for our children?

We must learn to treat one another with respect, even if we disagree sometimes. We have to try to treat one another the way we want to be treated. We need to be humbled; all of us. To be so uncaring, arrogant and downright mean is uncalled for. I was embarrassed for you, watching you read that letter. Especially since it didn't feel like you spoke from the heart. Shame on you.

Corinne Szydlowski

Upper Freehold