U.F.'s most quotable leaves office Bill Miscoski steps down after 15 years of community service BY JANE MEGGITT Staff Writer MILLSTONE - Whether residents agree or disagree with Bill Miscoski, few would argue that he has been one of the most colorful and quotable local officials in recent history. At the Jan. 3 sine die meeting of the Township Committee, Miscoski said farewell after having served on the governing body for 15 years. Miscoski thanked the crowd in attendance that overflowed into the hallway and noted that he had once served alongside several people there, including Richard Osborn, JohnMele, Sal Diecidue, BobAbrams, David Horsnall and Charles Faber. While they may have had their differences, Miscoski called his peers good people who wanted the best for Upper Freehold. The outgoing deputymayor also praised the work of Township Attorney Granville Magee and Township Administrator Barbara Bascom, with whomhe worked during all five of his terms in office. He said that while previous committeemen helped preserve land, Bascom was responsible for the bulk of preservation in the town. Miscoski, who chose not to run for a sixth termlast year, said he had poured his heart into serving the town. The main reason, he said, for deciding against running for re-election was, "Idiots moved into this town, and when they don't agree with you, they sue you." During his tenure, Miscoski was sued several times and had also been reported to the Department of Community Affairs countless times, he said. "Newcomers - if you don't agree [with them], they just sue you," he said. "They don't talk, don't reason, they just get a lawyer and sue." He said community service was no longer worth the sleepless nights when all he cares about is the betterment of the town and all some new residents care about are themselves. Magee called Miscoski a strong model and a leader. The attorney recalled kicking Miscoski under the table once to try to stop him from speaking his mind to the audience. Miscoski swore at Magee and said, "I'm speaking anyway," Magee recalled, adding that the matter ended up as "one of those cases in Trenton." Magee also said that Miscoski always stood up for the town and especially for the kids. In addition, he commended Miscoski for almost single-handedly developing Byron Johnson Park. "Hewanted this project for the kids, and it is there,"Magee said. "There's never been a dull moment in 15 years." Township Committeeman Stephen Alexander, who was elected mayor later that night, asked the audience to take a good look at Miscoski. "He's a Vietnam vet and an elected official," Alexander said. "He served his country." Resident Fred Kniesler noted other charity work Miscoski has done, including volunteering for Meals onWheels. "Anyone who can drive a stock car is all right with me," Kniesler added, alluding to Miscoski's co-ownership of the New Egypt Speedway in Plumsted. Kniesler also calledMiscoski's contribution to recreation "incomparable."