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N.J. must discuss

veterans issues

New Jersey, like the rest of America, is challenged by the housing, financial and fiscal crises. Lost in the perfect storm of New Jersey's woes are issues facing returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. These brave men and women have sacrificed and endured much for their country, and yet the state is not focusing on their issues.

We recently welcomed home more than 2,800 members of the 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Their brigade, along with returning reservists and many young adults exiting active duty, represent a high concentration of veterans in New Jersey. Awaiting our homegrown heroes are challenges specific to combat veterans. The transition back into civilian life is often hampered by injury, trauma or lack of resources. The challenges regarding the health, employment and education for combat veterans require unique policy considerations.

To properly address these issues, Veterans for Education, working closely with Student Veterans of America and the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, would like Democratic Gov. Jon S. Corzine and Republican nominee Chris Christie to publicly debate issues specific to Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.

With a high concentration of veterans, New Jersey should be cognizant of veterans issues. The time is now for New Jersey's leaders to address the immediate needs of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. We call on both candidates to publicly engage the issues at hand and discuss their policy plans for action.

LUCAS HUERTA

Veterans for Education

Brigantine

What right does SPCA

have to personal info?

Unlike the writer of the June 16 letter, "Court got it right on SPCA, Absecon," I was appalled at this decision, which said Absecon must turn over the names and addresses of dog-license applicants to the Atlantic County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

What gives the SPCA the right to take my private information to use for its own fundraising efforts? While I applaud the work the SPCA does and am an animal lover myself, I find it downright scary that a private organization can sue to get the names and addresses of citizens solely for its own benefit.

It is my understanding that the Open Public Records Act was designed so that public entities could not hide their business from the taxpaying public, not to force governments to turn over personal information about private citizens.

I am also angry because I feel that, as a dog owner, I am being singled out. What about people who own other types of pets? My name is only registered as a dog owner because it is required by law for me to get a license for my dog.

I applaud Absecon for taking the time to try to thwart this ploy by the SPCA. It's just a shame that other municipalities didn't have the gumption to join in. Maybe a united effort would have changed the mind of the appellate court judges.

SUZANNE QUICK

Galloway Township

3 comments:

• Punkin (2) posts 12:52 pm

  Hey Joe - Does the legal term "pro bono" mean anything to you?

• Punkin (2) posts 12:46 pm

  Hey Joe: Doe the legal term "pro bono" mean anything to you?

• Joe--- (107) posts 6:53 am

  Ms Quick: I agree with you completely. If the SPCA had enough money to pay for this legal action, they sure do not need any from me to support the programs they should be concentrating on. There other organizations out there that could use my money. They will get it; the SPCA will not. The next time you receive a request for funds from the SPCA, refer them to their lawyers.

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