THE INCREDIBLE COMBACK

To the Editor:

With the many successes of Rutherford baseball teams this year, what may have been overlooked is the remarkable accomplishment of the Babe Ruth 14/15 tournament team. As an old baseball guy, I witnessed one of the most dramatic and improbable comebacks that I can ever recall.

In a 10-team double elimination tournament, the Rutherford team lost its first game to a strong Carlstadt-East Rutherford (CER) team and dropped into the loser bracket. Rutherford would now have to win four straight games and then beat the undefeated team twice to win it all. It was not merely winning six in a row, but the daunting manner in which they would need to win: five games in three days, including back-to-back doubleheaders.

Rutherford managed to win four straight, although having to come from behind in one and go 10 innings in another, before again facing unbeaten CER. The first game was a nail-biting, heart-pounding extra-inning game which twice saw Rutherford one out from elimination, a game that went into the 12th inning tied at 6. In the top of the 12th, CER punched across three runs to take a seemingly insurmountable lead. It would have been easy for the kids to fold there, knowing that they had made a great run.

But in a comeback for the ages, Rutherford mounted an amazing four-run rally in the bottom of the inning to pull out the stunning victory. The team went on to beat CER a second time to win the District Championship.

The team went to the state tournament, but lost in the semi-finals. Despite the loss, Nick Ackerman and Paul Marsico should be commended for a superb coaching job. But most of all, congratulations to the players — the comeback kids — who simply never gave up. And thank you, boys, for one thrilling, unforgettable tournament.

Tom Byrne
North Arlington

RESIDENT EXPRESSES CONFIDENCE IN RPD

To the Editor:

I have been reading about the bounty hunter situation in Rutherford and find it very disturbing. I feel very sorry for Mrs. Santana and would not want this to happen to anyone. If the bounty hunters had just apologized to Mrs. Santana and treated her like a human being, things would not have spiraled out of control.

Having said that, I would like to also state that I have the utmost confidence in the Rutherford Police Department and Sgt. Nick Loizzi. I have lived in Rutherford for nearly 21 years and have raised my three children here. My children have participated in many things with Sgt. Loizzi over the years, and I would trust him with their lives. It is unfortunate that Mrs. Santana has not experienced all the things that Sgt. Loizzi has done for Rutherford. It is unfortunate that the administration has felt the need to convict Sgt. Loizzi in the newspaper and TV.

Having just seen the TV report of the unfortunate situation in Camden, where three small children suffocated in the truck of a car, and the report has not convicted anyone. No one has been suspended, fired or arrested. It appears to be a miscommunication, according to the paper. It seems that Sgt. Loizzi’s punishment is severe in comparison to this.

I would hope that the administration will take another look at the things that Sgt. Loizzi has done for this town and reconsider the punishment. I would also like to know if our officers have received any formal training when dealing with these types of situations. In 21 years, I am not aware of this type of problem having ever occurred before. I would also like to know if we frequently have in-service training for our officers so that situations like this don’t occur again.

My family feels very safe in Rutherford and have witnessed numerous times the great things that our officers have done for this town. Not only our officers, but the fire department and DPW. I do feel safe and protected, and I always know that they are there when a situation arises.

Again, I am sorry that Mrs. Santana was treated in the manner in which the bounty hunters treated her. Regardless of any race, creed or color, all citizens should be treated with respect and considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Barbara Obiedzinski
Rutherford

EQUAL CONSEQUENCES FOR ALL

To the Editor:

I’m writing in response to your article about the Hudson County Sheriff who attempted to kill another person.

I can’t understand how a person who gets in a car with the intent to run someone over, striking that person’s car twice, then hitting that person, all while driving drunk, get released with just a summons. Why was the person not held for a grand jury on attempted murder charges. Or vehicular homicide. Let alone, destruction of property or assault with a weapon.

I know why — because that person was a sheriff.

I would like to see a comparison of charges and the amount of bail or no bail set for the same offenses of a non-sheriff.

A concerned citizen
Carlstadt

‘POCKET BIKES’ CAN BE DANGEROUS

To the Editor:

I would like to thank the NJ Legislature and Acting Gov. Richard Codey for passing bill S1510 which bans the use of miniaturized motorcycles commonly known as “pocket bikes” on public streets/roads. While these pocket bikes continue to grow in popularity, they are also responsible for an escalating number of fatalities and injuries throughout the state. The new law ushers in an opportunity to solidify regulations; increase motor vehicle and pedestrian safety by getting them off the streets; and increase awareness about the dangers associated with these motorcycles.

The pocket bikes are most popular among youth who are not old enough to obtain a driver’s license. Its compact size lends to the idea that they are suitable and appropriate toys and/or sporting devices for children and teenagers, as many erroneously compare them to other battery-operated recreational devices, such as Power Wheels. These pocket bikes are compact sized, fully functional motorcycles that travel at speeds of 20-45 mph, posing a problem to oncoming motorists and pedestrians who cannot readily see them.

The NJ Coalition for Prevention of Developmental Disabilities applauds the efforts made to educate the general public and keep our streets and citizens safe. Please remember also to always wear an approved helmet.

Dr. Ann M. Wilson
Director, NJ Coalition for Prevention of Developmental Disabilities, The Arc of NJ

How consumers’ credit affects their credit-based insurance score

To the Editor:

The Professional Insurance Agents of New Jersey Inc. would like to remind consumers of how important it is to keep an eye on their credit. Your credit rating has a greater impact on your life than you may realize. It’s been more than a year since the Department of Banking and Insurance has allowed New Jersey’s insurance industry to use credit-based insurance scoring when determining insurance prices.

What is insurance scoring? Insurance scoring is an underwriting process involving credit reporting agencies that collect credit data and compile credit reports. Insurance companies use some of this information to create an insurance score. Put simply, a consumer’s insurance score predicts the likelihood that a policyholder will submit an insurance claim.

Only you, not your independent insurance agent, can affect your credit — here are some helpful tips. In addition to checking your credit report regularly with the three major credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian and Trans Union, you also should pay your bills on time; manage outstanding balances; limit your number of credit accounts; and limit your amount of new debt. The best way to positively impact your insurance score is to keep your credit rating under control.

John Latimer, Esq.
President, Professional Insurance Agents
of New Jersey Inc.