To The Editor: The Middle Township Committee reaps what it sows. They are often the recipient of negative comments and criticism because of the negative environment they have created in committee meetings. The mayor may feel that he is being unfairly attacked, but he offers no answers. The committee as a whole frustrates the efforts of residents who seek simple answers to questions. Instead they respond with evasive rhetoric or deflective reasoning. I’ve often experienced insulting comments, arrogance and refusals by the committee in lieu of answers. They provide as little information as possible, and use irrelevant “pending litigation” to avoid responding. If you are lucky, you may receive a “we’ll get back to you on that” or “we’ll take that under advisement” as a response. People attend the committee meetings for many reasons but most are there for information from our leaders. Some come with suggestions, ideas and even criticism. You can’t please all the people all the time, but if you don’t listen to most of the people most the time, then why are you on committee? As I attend these meetings I can’t help but feel that the committee members are annoyed and don’t want to be there. When taxpayers have suggested solutions or requested actions by the committee, they are brushed off, ignored or told no. So they arranged for sewer and water in a neighborhood, I’m sure they are the first township government to accomplish such great feats. It also took over a year to put a handicap space at township hall. You shouldn’t have to use the Open Public Records Act request form to get an answer. The Middle Township Taxpayers Association made a suggestion on how to reduce the budget and Committeeman Steve Barry dismissed it as insignificant. It took a group of residents to bring to light that the township was not properly accounting for up to $208,000 of revenue per year from Host Community Benefits Fees. These fees are still due to the township and our mayor acts as though there’s nothing to this issue. Committee members are elected by the people to serve the people. To suggest that residents, taxpayers and voters haven’t been fair to them is clever ploy but the unfair treatment flows the other direction. They are there to offer solutions to our problems and make sure that our government meets the needs of the people. Middle Township’s government is riddled with political, professional and personal conflicts of interest that adversely affect their decisions and behavior. It’s time to hold them accountable; it’s time for them to work for the residents or step aside, it’s time for the truth. ED TAYLOR Municipal Leader Middle Township Regular Republican Organization Court House