Smart Growth efforts doomed with old guard council I applaud Edison Mayor Jun Choi and the Smart Growth citizens committee for their efforts in bringing attention to the blight and poor planning decisions over the past 12 years [Mayor George] Spadoro and his council led the township. Applauding Jun may surprise some people, considering that I was the campaign manager for Bill Stephens and remain a strong supporter of his. But as Stephens points out, at this time we must work to continue the changes taking place in our township. Spadoro Councilman [Robert] Diehl's remarks at the meeting are a testament to the problems Edison continues to face. Diehl went on to praise the council, as well as Zoning and Planning board members, for their continued vision and experience in handling the rezoning and planning decisions throughout Edison. Councilman Diehl, along with the entire Spadoro council, brought over 800 residential apartment units to our town, clogging our school system with children, which cost taxpayers $18 million each year. One has to ask what he and the council are thinking. Councilman [Charles] Tomaro, another member of Spadoro's council, rezoned the Vineyard Road site to accommodate the Wal-Mart, a problem that is now resurfacing. What we need to do is continue the changes that are slowly taking place, which means removing the people who have brought us to the point we are [at] now. What's needed is a common-sense or house approach to the problems of traffic, overdevelopment and escalating taxes. Any sensible person would not continue to burden thyself with expenses year after year without justification or the ability to pay the bills. Only government can continue spending foolishly by overburdening the taxpayers with tax increases year in and year out, and that's what this council has done. The solution: It's time we say no more. Elected officials who continue to make the same mistakes over and over must move on. Our forefathers did not wish to see elected officials hold office like kings and queens once reigned. My point is this: Choi's advisory committee is just that; they are advisers. The Spadoro council is still at the reigns. Jun's efforts are good, but they will fall short as long as these people remain in office. As residents, we must demand a more accountable government. We can begin by getting involved, registering to vote and voting. Putting an end to the current dynasty that has ruled for the past 12 years is the only way to ensure true reform. Choi's efforts of change will only be realized when we finish what we started. Anthony Russomanno Democratic municipal committee member, District 76 Edison