Letter: Must Santa And The Candy Canes Go Too?

Dear Editor,

I was disturbed to learn that one of the candidates for Hillsborough Township Committee, Jane Staats, emailed the Township Administrator to complain about the manger scene in our municipal holiday display.

The text of her email is below:

"I was told by members of my parish to support keeping the Nativity scene at the Municipal complex. However, I do NOT support this. While I am quite religious myself, not everyone is Christian. Since the municipal complex is on public land, there should not be any display related to any religion, including Christianity. Thank you. Jane M. Staats"

Mrs. Staats is confusing holiday decorations with the establishment of religion. Christmas is not only celebrated by many in our community, it's also a national holiday! It is a festive season of lights, gift-giving, and celebration. The manger scene acknowledges the reason for the holiday, and is an enduring symbol of "Peace on Earth, good will to men," a message needed now more than ever. However, Mrs. Staat's policy of inclusion by exclusion would remove such messages from the public sphere.

What's next, Mrs. Staats? Must Santa and the candy canes go too?

Not only is Jane Staats' logic and understanding of our Constitution deeply flawed, but she is also out of touch with the people she seeks to represent. Hers was the only complaint in a flood of praise for our community's holiday display.

Hillsborough Township has recently received national recognition as one of the best places in which to live in America. Township Committee members Doug Tomson and Gloria McCauley have earned the respect and trust of the people of this town. I am proud to support their re-election to the Hillsborough Township Committee.

— By Pamela Cipparulo