Dear Editor:
River Dale School Board member Jeffrey Matfus says he performed a public service for his neighbors by removing signs on public property.
After some confusion as to what law he had broken, the authorities issued a summons charging him with theft of removable property. Of course, all such signs should be removed from public property as they violate NJSA 27:5-9; Mr. Matfus performed a civic service.
Signs on public property may only be installed if the Commissioner of the Department of Transportation issues a permit.
Part of the purpose of this law is to achieve the goals which Mr. Matfus outlined. Noting a dangerous situation, because there was a large tree on the left and drivers are distracted from seeing straight ahead, Mr. Matfus acted. Politically motivated or not, Mr. Matfus was performing a legitimate service which the police neglected to do; that is, remove the signs which were installed in violation of the law.
An easy way to confront this situation is to contact the Commissioner who will outline the elements of the law. The Commissioner will then issue a warning to the offending authorities. However, if the sign is on a PSE&G utility pole, a call to the president of the company will result in the removal of the signs. You see, the utility company is complying with its insurance company rules and does not want the union to bring a large dollar suit should one of its members be hurt.
Mr. Matfus’ activities, we may conclude, will be a contributing factor toward keeping utility rates low, or at least slowing down the rate of rise thereof.
Frank X. Landrigan