opinion

Our Readers Write Environment Being Destroyed To The Editor: Concerned residents of Cape May County have formed the Cape May Court House Neighborhood Association. We are currently involved in a lawsuit appealing the Coastal Area Facilities Review Act ( CAFRA ) permit issued for the Court House Convalescent Center. This CAFRA permit allows the construction of a septic system to percolate 18,000 gallons daily of human waste and drain water into soil which is flooded by high seasonal ground water, which may affect neighboring Crooked Creek and surrounding downtown areas. We are already plagued with failing septic systems, contaminated wells, and toxic dump sites We live in a delicately balanced environment which is rapidly being destroyed. We appeal to all citizens for financial support in this very important issue. Contributions should be made payable to: Cape May Court House Neighborhood Assoc. PO Box 502 KARL FAUST CMCH, NJ 08210 Cape May Court House Plows Wasted Time and Money To The Editor. - During the first snow storm (Jan. 11) and melting of same, I had a disturbing experience. I cannot clear my driveway, so I hire someone to do it for me. The day the snow started to melt, three snowplows rushed by and rearranged the snow, causing my driveway to become almost impassable. Since Nature was already doing a good job of melting, I feel this was wasted time for the drivers and wasted money for the taxpayers. As long as people have access to the street and room for the traffic, it would help to keep driveways clear. A little thought on the driver's part would help, especially if there is a car in the driveway. The well-being and safety of senior citizens was taken into consideration in the past. Why not now? HELEN R. HOLLINGER Avalon

Inaugural Ball "Ole Blue Eyes" did a good job, and yet Did he have to smoke that cigarette (When they're killing people, left and right). Let's keep those coffin nails out of sight! Oh, it was gala, and what a crowd, But can we Americans feel too proud To witness such a lavish bash — Knowing we could have used that cash To buy starving humans a little rice! We folks with a conscience had Better think twice! — claire Campbell, a feature writer and poet, resides in Ocean View.

Better B. T. Than Sevin To The Editor: In reference to the Jan. 16 Letter To The Editor from Mary Ransom. "Encephalitis Scare at Budget Time?", I must correct an error concerning B.T.. a naturally occurring bacteria which is used as a natural insecticide. B.T. does not kill by mutation, as reported, but rather kills only those larvae which ingest it, and kills them by causing septicemia. In its form "B.T." (Bacillus Thuringiensis ) , it is harmful only to leaf-chewing caterpillars of the Lepidoptera species and is therefore very helpful in controlling gypsy moth larvae and other garden pests like cabbage loopers, cabbage worms, tent caterpillars and grape leaf folder. In another form, "B.T.I." (Bacillus thuringiensis Israeliensis ) , it is used on the mosquito larvae as they grow in stagnant waters. B.T., IN ALL ITS forms, is very species-specific — that is, the bacteria attack only a specific species — Lepidoptera for B.T. and mosquito larvae for B.T.I. It does not effect honey bees, lady bugs, praying mantis or other helpful species. It must be ingested by the larva and kills it by the action of its crystals rupturing the intestinal wall and causing septicemia. The larva stops eating and dies. Ransom's information that B.T. kills by mutation, by altering the genetic structure of the organism, is incorrect. Although B.T. has not been around long enough for us to be totally convinced of its complete saftey or its total effect on our ecosystem (this could take decades), it definitely appears to be preferable to toxic chemicals like Sevin and Malthion when dealing with specific pests, especially in prudent home garden use where it can be used only when and where needed. CAROL L. ALBERCHT Cape May Court House Letters Welcome The Herald and Lantern welcome letters to the editor on matters of public interest. Originals, not copies, are requested. Writers must sign name, address and phone number.

Wrong Side Plowed To The Editor: We wish to express our disappointment in the plowing of streets in Avalon. Our street, for one, was so inefficiently done we had to shovel ourselves, even after reporting this to a rude man at the.borough yard. Being a taxpaying resident, we were perplexed at this kind of disregard to our safety. Our question is; why is the opposite side of the street "plowed" where no one lives and our entrance is blocked by snow? In the past the staff and workmen took into consideration the well-being and safety of the resident. Would be nice if we could go back in time. MR AND MRS WILLIAM CROWLEY Avalon CAPE MAY COUNTY Herald Published Every Wednesday By The Seawave Corporation P.O. Box 430 Cape May Court House N.J. 08210

Joseph R. Zelnik Bonnie Reina Gary L. Rudy John Dunwoody Darrell Kopp

Editor General Manager Advertising Director Special Promotions Director Publisher

Seawove Corp 1984 All rights reserved. All property rights for the entire contents of this publication shall be the property of the Sea wave Corp No part hereof may be reproduced without prior writDEADLINES News & Photos Thursday Advertising Friday — 3 P.M. Classified Advertising Friday — 3 P.M. 465-5055 For News or Advertising Information Neither participating advertisers nor the publishers of the HERALD AND LANTERN will be responsible or liable for misinformation misprints. typographical errors, etc in any issue. The editor reserves the right to edit any letter or articles submitted for publication Lower Township LANTERN Published Every Wednesday By The Seawave Corporation P.O. Box 430 Cape May Court House, N.J. 08210

Blame the MUA A Zoo Without Elephants?

By JOE ZELNIK Many readers have inquired what goes on behind the closed doors of secret freeholder meetings. This could be. but isn't, the transcript of a typical session. The cast includes Freeholders Gerald M. Thornton, James S. Kilpatrick Jr.. Wiliam E. Sturm Jr., Ralph W. Evans and Herbert (Chuck) Frederick, county Treasurer Philip A. Matalucci, and (former) County Counsel Albert M. Ash. Thornton: Hello, Phil. You asked for a closed session? Matalucci: Yes, Gerry. I've got a deal that could interest the county. Thornton: Shoot, Phil. Matalucci: You know I was at the Reagan inaugural, of course. When the parade was cancelled, that left them with 61 elephants and no place to march em. Knowing I collect anything Republican, they offered 'em to me and I accepted. Frederick: 61 elephants? MATALUCCI: YEAH. Well, you know I thought maybe I could stage my own parades and sell tickets. But Jeez, those suckers are eating me right out of my paycheck. Did you know one elephant eats 500 pounds a day. Evans: 500 pounds Of what? Matalucci: 500 pounds of almost anything. They're costing me six grand a week. Thornton: How can we help you, Phil? Matalucci: I thought you might like to have 'em for the county zoo. Frederick: 61 elephants? Thornton: The zoo is Ralph's department, Chuck. Frederick: What would we do with 61 elephants? Matalucci: What's a zoo without elephants? Kilpatrick: What is the per-pound apportionment of the individual pachyderms, Mr. Matalucci? Matalucci : Huh? STURM: WHAT DO THEY weigh, Phil? Matalucci: They're all sizes. Thornton: Gee, Phil. Sixty-one elephants. Matalucci: Hell, Jerry, you took Cold Springs Village off the Salvatores. Thornton: That created two jobs, Phil. Long silence. Sturm : Move we adjourn. Matalucci: Wait, wait; I got another idea. How about we

corral em offshore as an artificial reef, the way they do with old tires or wrecked boats. Frederick: An artificial reef? Matalucci: Yeah, like we did with the prosecutor's old undercover cars. Thornton: That's a secret project, Phil. Matalucci: Well, ain't this a secret meeting? EVANS: I DON'T KNOW; he may have something there. Sturm: I'm not sure we could march those elephants to the shore over some of our county bridges. Frederick: I don't think I understand. Thornton: You'd just have 'em standing trunk-high in the water and breaking the surf to reduce shore erosion. Matalucci: Right. Kilpatrick: I'd want to be assured of the efficiency of this type of artificial reef, and especially any effect on marine habitat. Matalucci: I don't think they eat fish, Jim. Evans: I think elephants prefer peanuts. We got a peanut vendor who also contributes? Kilpatrick: If this works, the elephants should, of course, be located off Ocean City, our best voting area. Evans: Maybe at low tide we could give elephant rides. KILPATRICK : Of course that would require liability insurance. Who's our agent? Sturm: Do any of these elephants perform tricks, Phil? Matalucci: Tricks? Sturm: You know, balance on their hind legs? Matalucci: Jeez, I don't know. Frederick: But fellows, what about, what about, you know, elephant poop? Thornton : Anything like that we blame the MUA Chuck. Frederick, But we appoint the MUA. THORNTON: That's sort of a secret, Chuck. Al (to Ash), what do you think? Does it sound legal? Ash: Mumble, mumble. Frederick : What did he say? Thornton: He said it's not illegal. Matalucci: So what do you think, guys; what would the elephants be worth to you? Sturm: Beg your pardon, Phil? Matalucci: I mean I can't just GIVE you 61 elephants. Sturm: Move we adjourn.