Bill’s Point of View: THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY

JEER– Take the time to read The Soprano State written by Bob Ingle and Sandy McGlure. A book that tells the true story of the corruption that has pervaded in New Jersey politics, government, and business for the past 30 years. It is no wonder our State is the laughing stock of the Nation. The pathetic voters of New Jersey deserve to be ridiculed, mocked and laughed at for continuing to elect crooked politicians year after year after year. We all should be ashamed of ourselves for not doing something about the \”Trenton Crooks\” and \”Party Bosses\” long ago.  

CHEER– the U.S. Department of Homeland Security\’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded$ 150,000.00 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) to the Bellmawr Fire Department. The SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) Grant was created to provide funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations in order to help them increase the number of trained, \”front-line\” firefighters available in their communities said Chief Jim Burleigh of the Bellmawr Fire Department.

CHEER-The Haddon Township commissioners introduced ordinances aimed at curbing pay-to-play just days after a resident accused them of awarding professional contracts to campaign contributors. Commissioners unanimously approved introduction of four measures A public hearing and a final vote on the ordinances could be held at the next commission meeting on March 25.The ordinances would ban nepotism in hiring, curb the use of eminent domain for economic development and prohibit the township from doing business or entering into a redevelopment agreement with individuals or companies that contribute to the political campaigns of elected officials here.

JEER-The James Administration had promised to introduce similar legislation when they were elected two years ago. Gloucester City\’s government has been known for years as a Pay for Play run municipality. Mayor James I urge you and members of council to follow Haddon Township\’s lead and introduce similar legislation. And why you are at it abolish the outdated Ward system of government that has prevailed in our City for way too long.

JEER-The Gloucester City School Superintendent and Board of Education who said no to the idea of holding a Memorial Tribute at the high school for Tom Gurchick, a teacher for 35 years in our school system who passed away recently. One excuse given for not allowing the tribute was because others would also want to use the school for the same purpose. So what if others do. Shame on the Administration and those School Board members who denied the friends, former students and family members of Mr. Gurchick the use of the school facilities to memorialize such a great teacher.  

CHEER-Congratulations to the Brooklawn ACES girls\’ basketball team, coached by Chuck Thomson, for winning the Camden County Elementary League championship. They were the winners of the Colonial division with a 12-2 record and went on to beat 3 opponents from both the Colonial and Suburban divisions to win the championship. Likewise a Cheer for Saint Mary\’s 7th and 8th Grade team who won the GHS Memorial Basketball tournament held this weekend at Gloucester City High School. And finally KUDOS to the Gloucester City High School Girls Basketball team for providing the fans with such an exciting season.

JEER– Enough already! The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said it will soon begin its Superfund clean-up of radioactive thorium along Temple Avenue in Gloucester Heights. How much longer is this project going to last? It seems to me that there is no end in sight. The EPA just announced the Klemm Avenue cleanup deadline has been extended once again. And then there is a section of the Little League Field that is scheduled for cleanup. Counting the $20 million to clean up the old Rug Factory property the superfund price tag in Gloucester City is nearing the $100 million mark. It would have been cheaper for the federal government to give each one of the 11,000 residents living here a million dollars apiece to move out of the City.

Cheer-City Police Officer Steve Burkhardt has passed the sergeant\’s test and will be formally promoted in the near future. Sgt. Burkhardt is also one of the department\’s K-9 officers. Congratulations Sgt. Burkhardt you worked hard for the promotion and your fellow officers and the residents of the City are proud of your accomplishments.

THE UGLY-I am holding off on awarding that undesirable medal of distinction until the person who allegedly stole thousands of dollars from the Gloucester City Little League has been officially charged and arrested.

Related: Police Investigation continues

Related: The Soprano State