For some time now I have been thinking about writing a letter to the editor to help address some confusion about how municipal government works.After reading our new Councilman Kiefer’s letter in the Tap, I realized that, as we enter a new legislative year, now would be a good time.I was interested ...

There they go again! Santa Claus apparently paused his round-theworld trip a few weeks ago to hand out plenty of goodies to state and county government officials in the form of outrageous pay raises. Unlike the ugly sweater or the tacky knick-knack, however, we the people who pay those government sa...

It has come to my attention that over the New Year’s weekend, Fanwood was one of several New Jersey municipalities where buses presumably carrying migrants from Texas arrived so they could be loaded onto trains to New York. The New Jersey Governor’s office, in remarks to the news media, has conclude...

Westfield Police Chief Christopher Battiloro advises residents that there has been a very significant uptick in recent vehicle thefts and attempted vehicle thefts, including residential burglaries and attempted residential burglaries in which high-end vehicles appeared to be the intended target.Over...

As everyone prepares for the winter recess, please be reminded that you are invited to our in-person Open House on Thursday, January 4 at 7 p.m. in the Cranford High School Lower Gym.Community members can talk oneon- one with district leaders and the advisors who helped plan the January 23 bond refe...

A collaboration with the Westfield High School Journalism ProgramStop Competing, BringBack the Casual Music FanI have found myself too often in a situation where I am talking about music to someone, and suddenly I am forced to pick who my favorite artist is or what song I like the most. It isn’t the...

It’s time – actually may be pastime as I am sending this late to the newspaper -for my annual – ‘garbage after Christmas letter’! I think things are getting better in the garbage world, but we still have a long way to go. The sight of plastic bags in our streets, or hanging from trees and poles has ...

I can hardly believe it’s been one year since I began my term as Mayor of Garwood. It was a busy year full of great strides, mixed in with a few hurdles, which I’m happy to report we readily overcame. At the start of 2023, I set some ambitious goals for myself, our councilmembers, and for our Boroug...

After dinner out with friends, one announced that she always re-enters her apartment building by taking the curved and not the straight walkway. “Why?” we asked with amused and perplexed expressions. “Because that’s the one I took when our condo purchase offer was accepted, and I’ve been happy livin...

A collaboration with the Westfield High School Journalism ProgramReclaiming Thanksgiving: EmbracingGratitude, Family Amidst Holiday RushWhen November cold hits and the leaves start to fall, most people don’t jump for joy at the thought of upcoming turkey day. Instead, we hear constant chatter about ...