(Sept. 2, 2010) — You may not have known Rutherford’s Andrew Ortega personally, but chances are you probably saw some of his photographs. This ambitious 13-year-old who left us too early Saturday, Aug. 28, had a brief, but special relationship with The Leader.

I still remember the day when he walked in to our office with a camera in his hand, a friend by his side and enthusiasm in his eyes. He had just returned from the demolition of the old rectory at St. Mary’s Church. His mission was to convince this local news editor to publish his pictures.

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(Sept. 2, 2010) — “The moments of happiness we enjoy take us by surprise. It is not that we seize them, but that they seize us.”

— Ashley Montagu, British-American anthropologist and humanist

I’ve never been good at planning surprises. Somewhat of a blabbermouth, I inevitably blurt out small details of the impending festivities, which prevents it from being, well, a surprise.

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(Aug. 26, 2010) — This week’s front page is dedicated to two individuals in the local area who have chosen not to sit back and let the harsh conditions of local and state government rule their lives.

Carmine Randazzo is fed up with the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s decision to reduce the size of the highway shoulder in front of his house. Randazzo lives right on the busy corridor of Route 17 in Rutherford. His efforts — although they may be too little too late — are appreciated. He serves as an inspiration to local residents.

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(Aug. 26, 2010) — This week, college students will start heading back to the dorms and lecture halls of their university or college. First-time college students deserve to be named “The Leader of the Week.” They are venturing into uncharted territory, unsure of expenses and work commitments. They are inspiring for their fortitude and willingness to take a jump into the future. After high school, they made the decision to continue their studies and work toward a more prestigious academic degree. That decision is a tough one, and they should be commended for their bravery.

Have someone you’d like to nominate? E-mail The Leader at John@LeaderNewspapers.net.

By Salvatore Pizzuro / East Rutherford

(Aug. 26, 2010) — The New Jersey Department of the Public Advocate was created in 1974 as part of the State of New Jersey’s executive branch of government. At the time, the state asserted a goal to become “more accountable and responsive to the needs of New Jersey residents.” The department’s mission was to provide opportunities for the vulnerable members of our state citizenry, including the elderly and those with disabilities, to assert their civil rights.

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(Aug. 19, 2010) — Lyndhurst Mayor Richard DiLascio didn’t exactly direct hungry residents to eat cake instead of bread, but he did have a bit of a Marie Antoinette moment at the township’s Tuesday, Aug. 10 meeting.

Faced with a roomful of people, many of whom were undoubtedly concerned about their rising taxes, DiLascio offered a series of explanations and assurances. He should have stopped there.

Instead, he catapulted to the moral high ground.

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(Aug. 19, 2010) — The Leader recently began running guest columns every other week. They alternate with the newspaper’s in-house column, “The View From Here.” So far, we have had engaging thoughts from North Arlington Mayor Peter Massa, Assemblyman Gary Schaer and Rocco A. Mazza, president of Page Communications Associates, LLC. These three individuals have taken the time and courage to voice their opinions to a greater audience. You probably didn’t agree with all of them, but their efforts are appreciated. Engaging people through opinion pieces is as American as it can get.

Have someone you’d like to nominate? E-mail The Leader at John@LeaderNewspapers.net.

By Craig Ruvere / Columnist

(Aug. 19, 2010) — Albert Einstein once said, “I never think of the future. It comes soon enough.” His words are resoundingly true when you realize in only a few short weeks, schools in our area will yet again open their doors to educate the young minds of tomorrow.

But some districts are already experiencing controversy before a new year begins, as a heated debate intensifies regarding the proposal of student uniforms in some public schools.

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(Aug. 12, 2010) — With the election season right around the corner, though some would say the candidates are already in full campaigning mode, it might be important to set a few guidelines for those seeking office for the first time or for those who already know the ins and outs of the political process.

Generally speaking, keeping campaigns positive is always a welcome development. Realistically, that is nearly impossible in today’s rough political landscape. If one candidate chooses to stay positive, while the other continues to throw barbs, chances are the positive campaigner will have a steeper uphill battle.

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(Aug. 12, 2010) — Recently, the Meadowlands area joined communities throughout the United States in celebrating a “National Night Out.” In this week’s issue, Ray Smith reports on North Arlington’s festivities this year. The annual event is not only a chance to mingle with your public officials and public servants, but also to show respect to the local police officers who have chosen to tackle a difficult profession. Although many are critical of the police for a variety of reasons, they deserve our heartfelt thanks for keeping our communities safe places to live and work.

Have someone you’d like to nominate? E-mail The Leader at John@LeaderNewspapers.net.

By Rocco A. Mazza / President of Page Communications Associates, LLC

(Aug. 12, 2010) — Looking back at his first six months, Gov. Chris Christie didn’t enjoy the luxury of inheriting a prosperous economy and an overflowing state treasury. With a state battered by a national recession and long-term fiscal problems, this governor approached the challenge with gusto, grabbing the budget by its lapels and shaking some common sense into it. Whether we’re ready to face economic reality or not, the days of wine and roses are over. With a state constitutional mandate to balance the state budget you cannot spend what you don’t have.

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PRO:

School uniforms are a great idea because they eliminate stress from families. Particularly, they help manage the scarce resources of money, time and energy.

It’s a tough thing for parents to tell their kids that they just can’t afford what everyone else is wearing. It’s equally tough for the kid not to have it. A uniform gives everyone a chance to fit into their peer group based on their personality and not their logo.

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By Craig Ruvere / Columnist

(Aug. 5, 2010) — I had never seen the critically-acclaimed film, “Hotel Rwanda” when it was released in theaters back in December 2004. At the time, this drama, based on real life events occurring in Rwanda 10 years earlier, held little interest for me. But when I recently stumbled upon the movie while channel surfing, I finally felt compelled and mature enough to experience the cinematic event.

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(July 29, 2010) — This week, Editor in Chief John Soltes reports on the proposed overhaul of the entertainment, sports and gaming industries in New Jersey (read more Page A1). If the recommendations of Gov. Chris Christie’s advisory commission come to fruition, the IZOD Center may be privatized, the Meadowlands Racetrack may shut down, the state may offer tax exemptions to Xanadu, and Atlantic City may change forever (seemingly this would all happen before breakfast).

On the surface, these “enhancements” appear to be welcome news. The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, which operates the arena and racetrack, cannot sustain its multi-million-dollar debt for too much longer. Something needs to change.

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(July 29, 2010) — I would like to nominate Josephine Olese for her community service in Lyndhurst. She recently received the Nick Di Leo Community Service Award. She works hard at the Food Bank in Lyndhurst donating her time and food items. She is involved in the Woman’s Club of Lyndhurst, Mt. Carmel Seniors, AARP #4866, Garden Club and Red Hats. Always with an open hand she does more for this community without accepting praise. She worked as clerk for the tax department for the Township of Lyndhurst until she retired in 2008. Respectfully submitted by Joyce Molzon.

Have someone you’d like to nominate? E-mail The Leader at John@LeaderNewspapers.net.