Residents should oppose consolidation of schools Even though the New Jersey Legislature is on its winter break, many people across the state may not realize that there is something brewing behind closed doors which could affect thousands and thousands of New Jerseyans. Senate Bill S-1 is one of several pieces of legislation that are being considered by the Senate and Assembly. Although it has been tabled, the legislation calls for the consolidation of school and municipal services. Other pieces of legislation are pending that would deprive local residents of control of their schools and adversely impact the quality of education without saving any money in property taxes. We, along with the mayor of Glen Ridge and other communities across the state, believe this will wreak havoc on smaller municipalities in New Jersey. This is a power grab by professional politicians who want to control your local schools with their hand-picked henchmen. This will not result in property tax reduction as the legislators claim. It will cause property value destruction. We are urging the people of this state to contact their local lawmakers and oppose this legislation. Do not allow the politicians to push it through the back door and leave us all in the dark. Ed O’Brien Mayor of Metuchen Ron Grayzel President Metuchen Board of Education