To the Editor: On Teenage Drivers

Richard K. Rein’s column on teenage drivers (February 21) struck a disturbing nerve in my memory. In September of 2005 my grand-daughter was seriously injured in a terrible accident that involved a fatality. The car was being driven by a teenage driver with just a few months’ experience.

My personal opinion is that this accident was not entirely the driver’s fault, or even her lack of experience. The site of this accident is probably one of the most dangerous in Mercer County.

The incident took place on Alexander Road where the boundaries of Princeton and West Windsor meet. This quadruple-curved stretch of road, when wet and covered with slippery leaves, would test the skills of the most experienced driver. It has a history of being a high accident-rate location and will continue to be so unless something is done to fix it.

Unfortunately, the towns and county have done nothing for decades. The dangerous curves can be eliminated by simply building a causeway over the D&R Canal and Towpath. However costly this would be, it should be done now. It’s about time.

Frank J. Chrinko

Former mayor, South Brunswick

More on Mutual Funds

Fran Buckley, financial consultant with the Buckley/Parsons team at the Forrestal Village office of A.G. Edwards, has communicated some clarifications regarding the Survival Guide article in the February 21 issue subtitled “Leave Mutual Funds Out of the Nest Egg.” That title and statement were a misunderstanding, says Buckley, indicating that his team does recommend the use of mutual funds for clients with less than $200,000 to invest.

The article also stated that “almost every” blue chip mutual fund owns GE. But that comment was not to be interpreted as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold GE. The article stated that the team suggests that a portfolio contain 30 percent aggressive growth stocks, but in fact it suggests growth stocks, not the aggressive variety.

“We would also clarify a section on avoiding investments with institutional ownership. We look for very little institutional ownership for two reasons: One, it appears that institutions get better and earlier company information than does the general public. Second, if we can accumulate a stock before many institutions do so, we could get the advantage of their pushing up the price as they buy their full positions,” said Buckley, speaking for the team.

As for money market mutual funds, they are generally paying higher that 4 percent rather that the 1 percent quoted in the article.

Correction: In the February 21 issue an ad for Montgomery Center for the Arts Summer Enrichment Camp had incorrect dates. The weekly arts adventures for youngsters 4 to 12 will run June 25 to August 31, and the per-session cost is $190 for center members and $210 for non-members. Call 609-921-3272 or visit www.montgomerycenterforthearts.com. The listing in the editorial column was correct.