Flop Flip

Here's a satellite image of Atlantic Highlands on Google Maps. Aren't satellite images the coolest? [via Sluggo Needs a Nap]

I found Councilman John Kerry Jack Archibald's recent Body Politic column confusing. He writes:

Last week, the Atlantic Highlands Borough Council joined the growing number of towns supporting a ban on “Pay to Play” By a unanimous vote, including my own, the governing body passed a series of ordinances that deal with the “Pay to Play” issue. While the measures passed with bi-partisan support, one is left to wonder what effect the ordinances will have on our small town.

Holy flip-flop Batman said the Boy Wonder. Throughout the article Archibald questions if the ordinances were necessary and how effective they can ultimately be. So why vote for them? As a gesture of good faith? Well, that's nice and all, but show some freakin' backbone. Or, don't vote for them and then go write an article questioning what you just supported. Stand by your vote or speak up when it counts (i.e. vote no if you have such strong concerns). Perhaps Archibald was scared that the Democrats would use the" no" vote in their future campaign literature to accuse him of being anti-pay-to-play and pro-corruption? Paranoia will destroy ya dude.

There's a saga unfolding at the Longstreet Farm in Holmdel. Buddy and Butch, two Belgian horses who work at the farm plowing and pulling wagons, are getting old and the farm needs to replace them. Rumors have been circulating via email and phone that the horses were going to be sold at auction to be slaughtered or sold to the Amish as workhorses. Joy Gamache, a horse lover and former Special People United to Ride (SPUR) board member is working to ensure that the horses find a good home. She was quoted in the Two River Times saying, "after years of loyal service to the community it would be criminal not to see that they go to a good home." She also commented that the Amish "treat their horses the same way other farmers use machines." I think that has to be the first recorded instance where someone has gone on record as being anti-Amish. I do hope the horses find a good home but why take a dig at the Amish? Of course they use horses like other farmers use machines. That's the whole idea.

The sun decided to grace us with its presence the past few days which can only mean that it's going to take a few days off. The weekend is looking nice though.

Want to know the best local park to view amphibians?

It looks like the Atlantic Highlands Elementary School needs to get students brushed up on their math skills. 24.3% and 34.5% of 3rd and 4th graders, respectively, are considered not proficient in math. We're also behind the state average for students with advanced math skills. As someone who always avoided rigorous math study I can't stress how important it is to get kids on the right track with these skills early. I haven't heard anyone in town talking about these score cards but the issue needs to be addressed. If anyone has any information on the reaction of the school board to the published reports please send it along. A quick comparison to Highlands, Rumson, Fair Haven and Middletown shows AH is well behind other area towns. As stated, I'm no statistician and I briefly looked at the percentages, but the situation does not look good.

I'm happy to announce we have a guest host lined up for the week of 4/23 - 4/30. I'll introduce him later this month.