Governor faces boisterous crowd on debt reduction Said Rt. 440 toll, cty. portion of new rail line are off the table BY CHRIS GAETANO Staff Writer       As Gov. Jon Corzine walked onto the stage at East Brunswick High School, a loud wave of boos and hisses issued forth from the packed auditorium. While signs, banners and props were specifically prohibited, many in the audience didn't need them to make their displeasure known. Still, he said that t... More ... County lists reasons for denying recycling plant Edgeboro Road proposal goes back to Superior Court BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer       Middlesex County officials have once again rejected a controversial application to build a recycling center in East Brunswick. This time, however, the Board of Chosen Freeholders listed its reasons for the action, as per a court order. More ... Neary: Municipal tax hike looming in 2008 Mayor talks taxes, parks, redevelopment in state of town speech BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer       EAST BRUNSWICK - Property taxes top Mayor WilliamNeary's list of challenges in front of the governing body in 2008. In fact, he said during his recent State of the Township address, municipal taxes will likely see a "significant" increase this year, though Neary did not specify how much that wou... More ... Movin' to the music      PHOTOS BY CHRIS KELLY staff Top to bottom: Kathy Nolan has some fun with her grandson, Christopher Staccia, 19 months, of Monroe, as musician Pat McKinley performs at the Monroe Township Public Library on Feb. 5. McKinley, of Princeton, recently performed five shows at the library. Her program is de... More ... Request for earlier liquor sales on Sundays debated BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer       MILLTOWN- Thirsty patronsmay not have to wait as long to purchase alcohol in the borough on Sundays. The Borough Council introduced an ordinanceMonday thatwould allowliquor stores to open an hour earlier. Whilemostmembers of the council voted to introduce the ordinance, Councilman Joseph Cruz wa... More ... Pulomena to pursue administrator position BY JENNIFER AMATO Staff Writer       NEW BRUNSWICK - Middlesex County Freeholder John Pulomena has resigned from the county board to pursue the position of county administrator. Pulomena has been on the board for 10 years. More ... Middlesex Cty. formally introduces 2008 budget       NEWBRUNSWICK- The Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders formally introduced a $397 million budget proposal last week that reduces the county's equalized property tax rate for the 15th straight year. The proposed budget includes a net tax levy of $281,223,000, which is the amount to be rais... More ... Police: Officers acted within legal guidelines Director says cops acted to ensure safety of juveniles at house BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer       EAST BRUNSWICK - The police department says an officer knocked and rang the doorbell before entering a township residence to investigate an anonymous complaint that underage drinking was taking place there. More ... Seeking the perfect shot, from China to Milltown Photography of Uri Thier on display at borough library BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer       MILLTOWN - Whether across the world or around the corner fromhis home in the borough, Uri Thier finds inspiration. For decades, Thier has had a passion for photography. "I just walk with my eyes open," Thier said. Thosewho viewthe photographer'swork this month at the Milltown Public Library wil... More ... Pianist's goal is jazzing it up, and entertaining East Bruns. native to perform Saturday at Old Bridge library BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer       OLD BRIDGE- Though Dave Schlossberg has been honing his skills as a pianist since the age of 5, he does not necessarily see skill as a top priority. The 24-year-oldEastBrunswick native is good enough atwhat he does tomake a livelihood of it, but he derivesmost joy frombringing happiness to audie... More ... Family gets support as two recover from cancer Old Bridge hockey event will help family with medical costs BY MARY ANNE ROSS Correspondent       EAST BRUNSWICK - A little over a year ago, Fred andKristen Fegelwere living busy lives similar to other couples raising young families in the township. Kristenwasworking andwhile Fredwas looking for a new job, he took care of 2-yearold Kelly and found time to improvise a hockey ring in the backy... More ... New cameras for police cars purchased with grant funds BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer       SPOTSWOOD- The borough is getting a host of newvideo cameras for police cars, and officials hope the cameras will provide additional help for officers. Earlier this month, the Borough Council awarded a contract to L-3 Communications Mobile Vision for the newcameras,which are digital and will go i... More ... Monroe police seek witnesses to Feb. 6 two-vehicle collision       MONROE- Four peoplewere hospitalized withminor injuries last week following a two-car accident at Spotswood Englishtown and North State Home roads. The accident occurred at 6:59 a.m. Feb. More ... Former official says format has lessened public input BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer       EAST BRUNSWICK - The Township Council's decision to combine its agenda and action meetings has the effect of shutting out residents' voices, according to one former councilman. More ... Court forces resident to better secure dog Dog broke loose, attacked woman in Sayreville last year BY MICHAEL ACKER Staff Writer       SAYREVILLE - A dog owner will have to go to extra lengths to keep his dog secured after pleading guilty to summonses related to a dog attack that occurred last year. The Holly Drive resident, who appeared in Sayreville Municipal Court Jan. More ... Town seeks to safeguard files in event of disaster       EAST BRUNSWICK - The township is trying to make sure that, in case of a disaster, municipal and other types of important records kept on file would be safe. The unlikely event of a fire or natural disaster at the municipal offices could destroy the thousands of records stored there. More ...