I've read Don Fields letter to the Press, and the contract police services alternatives package. I've read the Asbury Park press article.

I reviewed these materials carefully and thought about this issue in depth, mulling over the options. The potential tax savings is seductive, especially in light of the threat that there may be significant increases in our school tax in the near future.

As a 47 year resident of Interlaken, I, and my family, have come to trust the protection and caring service provided to us by our police officers, going back to the tenure of Chief Joe Brown. I know that $1,725 per annum, due mostly to the disadvantage of a poor return-to-scale, is perhaps not the most efficient and certainly not the cheapest way for the Borough to provide police services. But I would suggest that the real issue here is the provision of public safety and the protection of our lives and property, and the confidence and trust in the providers of the services that bring us that protection. I cannot allow myself to be seduced by an annual tax savings of about $1,300 or less to compromise those important services. We residents, with a MHI of over $80,000 per annum, should regard ourselves as most lucky to be able to be able to afford to make such a decision.

We have many years of experience with our existing public safety system and that has developed a lot of confidence and feelings of security for my family and I am certain for most of the other long-term residents as well. Please do not allow our mode of police service to change. If we need to provide a higher Chief salary commiserate with the quality of the individual that you and the Council select, then so be it. If building the new police facilities at the Borough Hall is going to cost, then so be it.

Raise my taxes to cover these costs. As I and my neighbors have for so many years, we continue to trust you and the Council to spend our tax money wisely, and never have I or my parents before me felt any disappointment or regret for extending that trust.

Please allow our own Police Department to continue to serve and protect us in the excellent manner they have for so very long.