Letters
Candidate thankful for ability to run for council

My name is John T. Ferraro, and at this time, I would like to thank the nominating committee and mayoral candidates Alfie Lenkiewicz for giving me the opportunity to seek office in the city I grew up in. I am a third-generation resident, came up through the school system, fully participated in numerous recreational programs when the city had a recreation program to speak of. I can remember playing a league championship in which my father was the manager and the excitement for both parents and kids alike.

After graduating from Long Branch High School, I entered into military service with the United States Navy where I worked for the Naval Investigative Service and was given a top secret clearance. After receiving an honorable discharge after four years, I entered into the United States Postal Service and became a letter carrier in Long Branch for 15 years.

I have worked my way up to customer service supervisor and now hold the position of Officer in Charge of the Eatontown Post Office. I have been married to a local girl for more than 13 years, and have three beautiful children I am so very proud of. My nomination for council is an honor and privilege and the reason I am running is that I feel I can give something back to the community I love.

John T. Ferraro

Long Branch

Legislature must act on domestic violence bills

Domestic violence is an insidious, vicious crime. FBI statistics indicate a woman is beaten every 18 seconds in the United States by a person who professes to love her. In New Jersey, where domestic violence laws are among the toughest in the country, more than 76,000 domestic violence offenses were reported in 2004.

The New Jersey State Federation of Women's Clubs (NJSFWC), the largest volunteer women's service organization in the state, believes these numbers are too high and the crimes too serious to be allowed to be tolerated.

It is clear domestic violence continues to be a crime that affects all of society.

In 70 percent of families where there is domestic violence, there is also child abuse.

Forty percent of violent juvenile offenders witnessed domestic violence in their homes.

The second most common cause of death for pregnant women is murder (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence).

We must break the cycle of violence now.

With more than 13 pieces of domestic violence legislation pending in Trenton, the NJSFWC will take its pledge to protect the victims directly to state legislators on March 9. The time to act is now.

Deen Meloro

president

New Jersey State Federation of Women's Clubs of GFWC