Opposition to Electric Hike Bid is Loud & Clear

WILDWOOD — "Deep down we’ve been strangled...This is getting complettfty^put of hand...We don’t just want to come m a stop, we want to come to a screeching halt.” 7 It was said in many different ways/ by many different people. But whether it Was public official, senior citizen, rich or poor, the bottom line was the same: We don't

want it. We can’t afford It. They don't need U. That was the consensus of more than 400 customers of Atlantic Electric who came out to a public hearing in Wildwood High School Monday night to voice opinion on the utility’s proposed $172.4 rate increase. IF APPROVED BY the state Board of Public Utilities, the 37 per cent increase

will go into effect after Sept. 1. upping monthly bills between 34 and 38 per cent/ Company officials cite the cost of inflation, expense of building new power plants, and the high cost of borrowing money as the reason for the hike. Public officials and private citizens alike at the Monday’s hearing made it perfectly clear that Atlantic Electric — which has

CAPE MAY

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May12,1982

Flea Mart Opens Sun. In Co. Park

COURT HOUSE — The creation of weekly flea markets in the County Park was announced last Friday by Leon Fulginiti. director of the Cape May county Park Commission. The flea market, for the benefit of the county zoo which is also in the park, will begin this Sunday, May 16. According to Fulginiti, the park will make money by renting table space. The revenue would go towards zoo maintenance and feeding the anifhals. "CURRENTLY. THE ZOO S operating expenses are in the neighborhood of $25,000 annually," Fulginiti stated. "We do receive doantions — which are deeply appreciated — but they are not enough to help defray these expenses. We are hoping that the proceeds from this series of flea markets will be of some help.” The flea markets — expected to run each Sunday at 10 a.m. from May 16 until the middle of summer — will be located near the pond, to the right of the park entrance. According to Mr. Fulginiti, space can be rented for $7.50 a table. Sellers are advised

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CREST RESIDENT Bo Belaico with the 37 lbs. drum he took aboard the Aventurer II Friday night. FISHING season’s arrive, and Boyd Tyler tells why & where... Page28 SUMMER’S arrival is determined Thursday by Martin Z. Mollusk.... Page2 WHILE SUNDAY’S the big day for a boardwalk parade near the other end of the county, according to Charilie Mathis.... Page 16

MIDNIGHT SUN reflects off the waters at Schellenger's Landing.

Gypsies Invading Resort Islands

. By Bob Shiles In spite of beefed up efforts throughout the county and state to control the destructive gypsy moth, the pesky creatures which defoliated more than 35,000 acres of Jersey Cape woodland last year is on the move again — really. That’s the word from county agricultural agent Larry Newbold, who told the newspaper last week that for the first time since gypsy moths hit the Cape, they are being found in island resort communities. V«tHIS IS SOMETHING never ex pwienced in the shore communities," the agent said,, adding that numerous sightings have been made especially in the North Wildwood area. According to Mr. Newbold, the caterpillars — which are currently about onequarter inch long — are being carried into the relatively treeless shore areas by heavy winds. He also attributed their presence In new areas increased amount of firewood that is being cut and

transported from nearby infested woods. ASKED IF ANY major serial spraying efforts such as those planned in Middle. Upper and Lower Townships are in the offing for infested shore communities, the agent indicated he didn’t anticipate any. ‘At least one of the communities — North Wildwood — plans to handle each reported (Page 18 Please)

GYPSY MOTH LARVA (shown 3 times normal full size)

received rate increases 9 out of the last 10 years - should be granted no increase at 'all this tjme around. They emphasize that Cape May County is an economically depressed region and its population — con sisting largely of senior citizens and unemployed - can’t bear additional elec trie costs that would guarantee (Page 18 Please)

News~^s~ • Week's DlgeSl Top Stones Bank Heist Local?

, VILLAS - At least one of the two men who robbed a branch bank on the main street here at gunpoint during a daring , mid-day heist last Wednesday may be from the area, according to at least one source. More than $8,200 was taken before the culprits — one wearing a mask — fled, • • leaving the gun behind on a bank desk The men’s description and further details, inside this week’s paper Rail Cuts Hit About 100 persons attended two public hearings jast week to object to plans by NJ Transit to end passenger rail service to Cape May County In Ocean City last Tuesday, local officials including Rep. William Hughes, and state Senator James Hurley argued that the PRSL spur could be a viable ^Jine, disputing figures provided by Transit officials claiming poor financial health. Transit Director Jerome Premo told ■the audience that passenger sofvice bureau between Lindenwold and Cape May County is scheduled to be terminated as of July 5 because of drastic cuts in state and federal aid Cutbacks in service are being made as an alternative to unacceptable statewide fare increases The second hearing was held in Court House May 5. Promo Tax Moves TRENTON - A bill that would allow resort communities bordering the ocean to tax-local businesses-for municipal tourist promotion costs cleared the Assembly Municipal Government Committee last week The legislation — sponsored by Assemblyman Guy Muziani of Wildwood—would authorize a special assessment to be imposed on mercantile licenses. Revenues derived from the assessments will be dedicated to tourist promotion. Mr Muziani is also Wildwood mayor. Before becoming law, the bill - reportedly being opposed by the New Jersey Hotel Motel Assn — must be approved by both houses of the legislature and signed by the governor Eyed for State Job TRENTON —.Freeholder Directory Anthony Catanoso may bepome the next director of the state’s Div of Travel and Tourism. The freeholder Mas been interviewed by Commissioner of Commerce Borden Put nam and is reportedly one of three candidates still in the running for the posi tion. Mr. Catanoso — who is also mayor of North Wildwood — has overseen the Operations of Cape May County’s tourist promotion office for the past 18 years. To Vole Gov’t Size UPPER TWP. - Voters here will definitely have the opportunity ift November to decide if the local governing body should be enlarged Township Committee last week authorized placement in the November ballot of a question asking whether com mittee membership should be increased v from three to five. If approved, two additional seats will be available the following June primary. 6oth being filled in the November 1983 general election More (Page iq Please)