Reader challenges FOLN assertions

For the record, I travel three and a half hours a day and I do not have to explain to Friends of Lake Neepaulin (FOLN) or any one else what I do for charity or any community. I am not looking for attention, or thanks, or reward. Believe me, I have plenty of legitimate, charitable deductions on my income taxes every year. I cannot think of anyone owing any kind of explanation or proof of betterment to FOLN. The only “willful blindness” is from FOLN and their desire to ignore the fact that no one in this area is indebted to them for anything they do. If the “charity” you have done is sincere, then no need to broadcast. Our officials were elected to serve all the citizens, not just certain ones in the Lake Neepaulin area. Lake Neepaulin is not a small town within Wantage Township. The leaders of this township, elected and appointed, have responsibilities to everyone. Our leaders did not allow this to fester into anger against FOLN. FOLN has done that all by themselves with this air of superiority, the need to be considered “the saving grace” and the feeling that the residents of this township are indebted to them. The bottom line is, FOLN knowingly bought it damaged, knew it’s always needed repairs, can’t afford them and have convinced some appointed officials the law says they are entitled to have it fixed by whomever they decide should pay for it. Just as Peter Johr in his letter of Sept. 17 invited the public to read through the township minutes, I also invite the public to read through the township minutes. I also invite the public to carefully read the law P.L.2003c.l62. I feel many would be amazed this situation is actually taking place at all. Simply, this is not the law and this has been verified many, many times. I also invite the public to e-mail our township at administrator@wantagetwp-nj.org and obtain a copy of the lawsuit so they can read this for themselves. By the way, does FOLN feel the need to continually offend the resident home owners of this area anymore with their references to this as “the armpit of Wantage” and “it was a cheap place to buy a house?” How about the truth, like homes in the Lake Neepaulin area are more affordable, even today, due to their smaller size and smaller lots. I am not a Realtor, but your approach is unacceptable. Please try to understand something. People who live in this community may not live in big rambling homes with sprawling lawns. They do the best they can with what they have, what they can afford and are proud people, especially in the current economy. Do not “cheapen” it any more than you already have. Kathleen Gorman Wantage Township