MTOTSA digs in for ‘good and righteous fight’ In light of recent developments concerning our case — MTOTSA, against the forcible seizures of our homes for the benefit of private developers using the power of eminent domain with the assistance of the Long Branch government — we would like to remind the community that we are fighting this on principle. The Institute for Justice (IJ), a national nonprofit law firm, chose to represent us and take our case because they strongly believe that the city of Long Branch has overstepped its authority to use eminent domain in our area. They (IJ) have, over time, recognized that we (MTOTSA residents) strongly believe that forcing people out of their equity and the foundation of family, is inherently wrong. Our actions have been based purely on securing the American right to own property free from despotic power. In a recent advertising article for Pier Village, the developer from the Applied Group, David Barry, (whose father, Joe Barry, has been incarcerated on bribery charges) mentions that the community needs to look further than the political conflicts and proceed on with development. Well, of course he wants to proceed on! He is making multimillions of dollars at the suffrage of common people. The same goes for Matzel & Mumford (a subsidiary of K. Hovnanian). We have repeatedly asked them and the Applied Group to stop this project because they have no constitutional right to continue and how it has been done was erroneous. They, for monetary reasons, say they must continue on. Well, on principle, so must we. We have fought a good and righteous fight, one we will be proud to win or lose. It is difficult to stand up to the powers of government and the power of money. The repercussions have been immense to say the least. This is nothing that any of us ever imagined we would have to endure. Even the public advocate, Ron Chen, an expert on constitutional law, was attacked by the Long Branch government for endorsing our plight. Such actions prove that the powers controlling the city of Long Branch will stop at nothing to continue. Fortunately, we are blessed to have such a large community commitment and neighbors who are united to serve the whole state and country on stopping the abuse of eminent domain. With the continued encouragement of the people who share our beliefs, our heels become securely cemented to the ground. Thank you. Denise and Lee Hoagland on behalf of MTOTSA Alliance Long Branch