I was saddened to learn of the death of Peter Carlson with whom I had the privilege and honor of knowing and working over his many years of public service to the Jackson community. Pete was a man of great integrity who put the needs of the people first and helped to make Jackson the great community it is today.

Pete served the people of Jackson well as its mayor and township committeeman and his political career spans almost 33 years, including stints with the Jackson Township Municipal Utilities Authority, the Jackson Township and Ocean County planning boards and the Ocean County Utilities Authority.

Although Pete and I were on opposite sides of the political "fence," he was the one who, when I was new to the Township Committee, would rise above the political fray and take the time to explain the ongoing details of local government.

He was always respectful, never too busy and never let politics get in the way even when we had differing opinions.

My condolences to his family. They have lost a good and honorable soul, and so have we.

Michael J. Kafton

Former mayor and

township committeeman

Jackson