DEMOCRATS AND TAXES RUINING NEW JERSEY\’S ECONOMY

REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION OF BLUE JERSEY

by: jmelli

Tue Feb 27, 2007 at 16:31:18 PM EST

Oh wait. They\’re not.

New Jersey is second only to Massachusetts in a ranking released today of the states by their success at transitioning to the innovative, knowledge-based \”new economy.\”

The Kauffman Foundation study also puts Maryland, Washington and California in the top five. The five lowest-ranked states are West Virginia, Mississippi, South Dakota, Arkansas and Alabama.

The study compares the 50 states on 26 factors, including patents and entrepreneurial activity. New Jersey ranks high for its concentration of high-tech jobs, fast-growing companies, industry-sponsored research and the strength of our digital economy.

It must have just been another honest mistake in my GOP talking points. I\’m sure they\’ll get on it and fix that up right away.

Its amazing how \”one bad apple\” is convincing people that all the volunteers are bad apples and that they all stole from the pot. So in return people are deciding not to support the volunteer firefighters by not donating to any thing because someone has blackened their eye.

I am sure the volunteers are trying to do the best and do the right thing that they can for this situation. If by charging the fellow with theft and the judge decides to give him probation with restitution, which may amount to 20 bucks a month, where does that leave the association – still indebted to the burn foundation because I\’m sure they will find away to pay it back no matter what. Maybe considering taking the money, give it to the burn foundation which where it belongs, and boot the bad apple out of the fire department may be a better plan, at least the money for the burn foundation will be given to them where they much need it.

But to consider all the volunteers thieves is outragous! If a member of your family stole money, are you a thief too by association? Don\’t forget that most of the volunteers are funded through donations and fund raisers, ie… bingo\’s, hoagie sales, mailings, not by the City. If people decide to not donate to any function or mailings to the volunteers than you will be jeopardizing having a volunteer fire service in this town.

I am sure the association would want to discuss this with the public to clear up any misleadings and assumptions Mr. Cleary keeps accusing the volunteers of doing, however, I believe they can not because its still under investigation and determination on how to handle the situation.

People should give the benefit of doubt than accuse them of cover up so early in the game. Its sad and shameful that this had to happen to the volunteers and fire department, but remember when theres a fire who comes out all hours of the day and night, leaving their families and giving their time to save your property and love one…fire fighters, career and volunteer – so support them even in times of trouble.

Volunteers has giving their time and support thru the years to you, is this town going to drop them when they need them? Support the volunteers Im sure they will do what they feel is right for the situation. And when you have to call 911 because your house is on fire,remember who are still responding to HELP YOU. –

Print this in the GCN Mr. Cleary instead of bashing them!

signed A supporter of Firefighters

Editor\’s Note: I would ask the writer to be more specific. When and Where did I bash the entire volunteer fire association? I have been consistent in asking the officers of the Association to either confirm or deny that money is missing from the Marathon\’s banking account.

And if this is correct, then apologize to the public and we can move on. The money taken belonged to the people who donated to this worthy cause, it didn\’t belong to the Firemen Association.

This happened before. A system should have been put in place in the 80\’s so it couldn\’t happen again.

I believe the Gloucester City Volunteer Firemen are the best at what they do. And I am very thankful for all the sacrifices they make in order to keep our city safe.

Bill Cleary

PS: I will gladly print your letter in the Gloucester City News. However, you will need to sign your name to it. Send your name along with a phone number to [email protected]

If you are in the mood for great Italian cuisine try Vitale\’s Italian Bistro at the corner of Brick and Jersey Avenues, Gloucester City. The former seafood restaurant is gone and a new owner has completely renovated the inside.

Give it a try, you won\’t be disappointed. Take out available. Open every day except Monday.

40 Town-Homes To Be Built On Former Haddonfield Lumber Site; Students Asked To Name Street

 Bill Bates
NEWS Correspondent

Mount Ephraim Commissioner Anthony Chambers said Borough Officials have created a contest open to students at the Mary Bray Elementary and the R.W. Kershaw schools during last week’s Board of Education meeting.

A developer will be building 40 town-homes at the former Haddonfield Lumber Site. In this new development includes a street that will be added to the Borough.

The Commissioners thought it would be great idea if the students could name the street. They suggested maybe separating the students by grade and having the students submit their suggestions.

Then each grade could have some type of vote to determine the best suggestion. Finally, the final selection from each grade would go on to compete for the final vote from all of the grades.

The Commissioners are hoping to have this final selection by Easter Break to forward to the developer.

Student Council President Sierra Chambers then came forward to thank the School Board, Mr. Rafferty, and Mrs. Conley for allowing her to represent the students at the \”Dialogue with 8th Grade Students\” at the Camden County School Boards Association Meeting February 8.

The students discussed many topics including academics, state testing, school facilities, student safety, and serious issues that involve students, just to mention a few.

Sierra is looking forward to sharing these ideas and suggestions to the school and its student body to make improvements in both schools. Sierra said she is glad she attended the meeting and that it was a very positive experience for her.

The school board approved Rebecca Tokolish as a substitute classroom teacher for the remainder of the 2006-2007 school year.

The School Book Fair will be February 21 from 3 to 3:30 p.m. and again from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Thursday, February 2 from 3 to 3:30 p.m.

Parents are reminded to listen to KYW-1060 or view Channels 3, 6, or 10 on inclement weather days. The school district closing number is 591.

Preschool and kindergarten registration will be held Wednesday, February 28 and again Thursday, March 1 at the Mary Bray School at 931-7807.

The Annual School Board Elections will be Tuesday, April 17. The polls will open at 2 p.m. and will close at 9 p.m.

The voting will take place at the Kershaw School Media Center. For information on any of the events mentioned above you may visit the school districts website at www.mtephraimschools.org.

The next monthly meeting will be held at the R.W. Kershaw School Media Center on Monday, March 12 at 7:30 p.m

ENDT, WILLIAM C.
on February 26, 2007, of Runnemede, formerly of Audubon Park. Age 56.
Beloved husband of Deborah (nee Joseph). Devoted father of Buck. Loving grandfather of Jake. Favorite son-in-law of Beverly Joseph. Dear brother of Kenny (Roseann), Jack and the late Craig and Bobby. Also survived by many nieces and nephews and his pal Jynx.
Mr. Endt especially enjoyed playing with his grandson Jake. He considered his third shift friends and co-workers at NJ Transit as his second family.
Services private. Family requests in lieu of flowers donations be made in Mr. Endt\’s memory to the Horizon Foundation, 221 4th Ave., Mt. Ephraim, NJ 08059. Expressions of sympathy may be e-mailed to [email protected].