Picatinny Arsenal an asset to community

Picatinny Arsenal has existed for over 100 years and consists of 5,000 or 6,000 acres. It employs 3,000-5,000 people. They are some of the finest engineers, scientists, physicists, and computer programmers coming from the tri-state area. They research, develop and test all the weapons and munitions for the armed forces.

Most of the employees live in the rea. They support the local business, send their children to our schools, practice their religion in our local churches and pay taxes that support our local government.

If we lost these employees to other sections of the country, think of the economic impact on Morris County and the surrounding communities.

It is unfortunate that during one of these tests, some of the shrapnel landed on one of te local homes, damanged the home and frightened a child and killed her pet.

Now to get to the reason I am telling you this. I was reading the article in the newspaper regarding this unfortunate happening and came to the last paragraph where the owner of the home said, "but this is not a rural area anymore. Take it somewhere else. You hear the explosions every day and each one is a reminder."

Well, sir, do you really think they should uproot 3,000 employees and 5,000 acres and put them God knows where so that you will not be reminded? Next time you hear the explosion, ,think about our brave men and women serving in Afghanistan and all parts of the wholrd who use these weapons and munitions to keep you safe. They were all designed and developed at Picatinny Arsenal.

If you do not want to hear the reminders, perhaps you should think about moving to a safer neighborhood.

Rose Kelly
Jefferson Township