Bill\’s Point of View

• Jeers: To corrupt politicians in the State of New Jersey. Since 2002 the US Attorney\’s Office has charged 108 public officials with corruption offenses. Ethics reform in New Jersey should have included a limit on the length of time a politician can serve. The real problem lies with the career politician. After so many years in office they become too friendly with the special interest groups; and therefore susceptible to bribes and kick backs. Two terms and out.
• Cheers: To everyone involved in honoring the memories of Marine Corporal Mark Ryan. The 25-year-old Gloucester City resident was killed in 2004 fighting in Iraq. Recently Gloucester City High School, Ryan\’s alma mater, retired his No. 19 football jersey at a ceremony held before a game. A large crowd of students and residents attended the event.
• Cheers: To Mount Ephraim Police Chief Edward C. Dobleman and members of his department for participating in \”The Street Smart Is Street Safe\” program. As a result, the police will implement new training and requirements for local crossing guards. The goal is to create a safe working environment for the crossing guards and to assure the safety of the children.
• Cheers: To the men and women on the committees that donated their time to plan and run the Brooklawn Wiffleball reunion, The Shamrock Festival, The Ferry/PAL Golf Tourney. Included in the cheer are the men and women from Mt. Ephraim along with organizations and businesses involved in raising money for the Sylvester/West memorial monument.
• Cheers: To Howard Clark and Tadd Kozeniewski of local cable Channel 19 for the all time they have volunteer to film events in the area. For 16 years the two-some have been involved in helping to promote the communities of Gloucester City and Brooklawn. As a result of their hard work people get to see parades, high school games and government meetings. Thanks Howard and Tadd. Continued success to you both.
• Cheers: To the Sickle Gang, comprised of Charles Spears, Joe Boccaleri and Paul Monroe who volunteered hours of their time cleaning up the south section of the Gloucester City Marina. For the past several years that section of the marina had been neglected by the City\’s Public Works Department. As a result of the Sickle Gang\’s hard labor we now enjoy the beautiful view of the Delaware River and the Philadelphia Skyline.
• Jeers: To the City of Gloucester City\’s outdated \”No Parking\” ordinance. There is not one \”No Parking\” sign in the Cypress Garden section of the city, (Walnut , Maple, Chestnut, Oriental, Holly, Cypress, Weston, Goldy, Edwards, Gehrig, Clover, Miller, and Thompson). And there is none in the Highland Park section (Sherwood, Greenwood, Rosalind, Sylvan, Orlando, and Highland Blvd.). Residents in those areas of our City say they have no problem with parking tickets. In the meantime residents on the east side of the City have to move their vehicles two times a week or be subject to a $25 fine. It is not fair that a large portion of the residents in this City are being single out to pay this \”Parking Tax\”. The City\’s No Parking law is outdated and should be done away with all together.

Let\’s hear from you. What is your opinion? Email [email protected] or write Editor Albert Countryman, PO 151, Gloucester City 08030.

I would like to offer my Cheers and Jeers for what I saw in Gloucester City on this Patriot Day, September 11.

First CHEERS to our post office and its employees who remembered to fly the flag at half-staff in honor of all who perished on SEPTEMBER 11, 2001.

JEERS to Gloucester City High School and Cold Spring School which did not.

Also JEERS to the City for not flying the flag at half-staff at the Broadway and Cumberland Street memorial.

And can you believe this. Not even a flag flying at the American Legion hall at Cumberland and Atlantic Streets. Nor was there a flag at Gorman Manor on South Broadway. JEERS TO the person or persons responsible for those terrible mistakes.

God Bless America.

Michael Kazmar, Gloucester City

Note: If you would like to submit a Cheer or Jeer to be posted on The Notebook send it to [email protected]

Bill\’s Point of View:  

CHEERS to the townships of Cherry Hill and Evesham who recently passed a Pay to Play Reform ordinance. The new law sets maximum amounts professional businesses may contribute politically to a municipal candidate. Hopefully other communities such as Audubon, Gloucester City, Bellmawr, Brooklawn, and Mt. Ephraim will follow suit.  

CHEERS to those responsible for cleaning up the Gloucester City Marina. For years overgrowth in front of the Marina parking lot blocked the view of the Delaware River. With the debris gone there is a beautiful view of the river and Philadelphia skyline.  

JEERS to the City of Gloucester City for continuing its practice of placing it\’s Legal Notices in a paper that is published and circulated in another state. Most recently, (August 30, 2007) a legal appeared pertaining to the creation of a Senior Citizens Community Center and asking for public comment. The Gloucester City News was designated by City Council in January as one of the official publications for the community. The City asks residents to \”Shop Local\” and then it goes to Philadelphia to spend our tax dollars.  

JEERS to the State Department of Transportation for not cleaning up Collings Road under the Walt Whitman Bridge. The trash and weeds are so high in some spots it is blocking the pedestrian sidewalk. What kind of impression does this give to those entering the City of Gloucester City? And what do visitors think of the State when they see such deplorable conditions not only here but on other state highways.  

CHEERS….A BIG THUMBS UP to all those involved in placing New Welcome Signs at the entrances of Gloucester City. What a great idea. The signs are funded by various local businesses and maintained by local organizations. \”We are very happy to say this program will not cost taxpayers a penny,\” said Mayor Bill James.  

CHEERS AND APPLAUSE to the Gloucester City Mayor\’s Advisory Committee on feral cats for giving up their time to address this serious problem. Some might not agree with their recommendations but you have to commend them for trying. How easy it is to sit on the sidelines and criticize others. But unless the entire community works together this dilemma will never be solved.  

CHEERS to Gloucester City Mayor Bill James, City council and the Gloucester City Business Association for their hard work in bringing new businesses to the City. Because of their effort there is a new bank coming to town along with two new restaurants. 

 JEERS to Brooklawn Judge Jeffrey Karl for excusing the parking tickets that were issued to employee (s) of the Gloucester City Housing Office. The reason the Judge gave for dismissing the 8 traffic tickets, it couldn\’t be determined who was driving the vehicle at the time the tickets were issued. Come on Judge you know that a \”parking ticket\” is issued to the owner of the vehicle, not the driver.  

And why we are at it, JEERS to the employee or employees in the Housing Office for parking the vehicle in a No Parking Zone in the first place. Not only did you do it once but eight different times. Just because you are a City employee doesn\’t mean you are above the law. And why did you wait to collect eight tickets (issued between Nov. 2006 and May 2007) before addressing the matter. Shame on you!

If you know of someone or something you would like to nominate for a cheer or a jeer, please send the information to Cheers and Jeers, [email protected].

By Bill Cleary

A quick review of the good, bad and ugly to cross our radar recently. 

CHEERS: To the Class of 2007. This part of your journey is complete. How excited you must be. One day you will look back on this day and wonder where the time went. Congratulations to all of you. May you find joy when you least expect it and courage when you need it most.

CHEERS: Lions Softball Coach Dave Light on his 200^th win as a Coach. The win came in May when Gloucester High beat New Egypt 2-1. Also congratulations to the players for helping him reach that goal.

CHEERS: The Dining Car Depot, RXD Pharmacy, Jack\’s Bar & Grill and Emerald Isle: Irish Food & Gifts for enhancing the facades of their businesses. The UEZ provided a matching grant to help the businesses finance the improvements.

CHEERS: To the City of Gloucester City on being named by the Philadelphia Magazine as one of the next Hot Communities in the Philadelphia South Jersey region.

CHEERS: Gloucester Catholic High School baseball team won the State Championship Title this past weekend with an 11-6 victory over Newark Academy. Trailing by a run going into the top of the seventh inning, the Rams rallied for six runs winning the game. We are remiss if we didn\’t include the Rams Coaching staff for its guidance to the team. This is the school\’s 13th state championship.

A BIG THUMBS up to Gloucester Catholic\’s Golf team. Last week Gloucester Catholic\’s Zach Sorg, Steve Dougherty, Ryan Cass and P.J. Tighe helped the Rams capture three titles within a span of three days, including the Tournament of Champions crown.

 CHEERS: To the Rams and Lions Softball teams. What thrills these two teams gave their fans this year. Each team put up a great fight and almost made it into the state finals. Cheers also to the Lions baseball team for their fighting spirit too.

CHEERS: We like to join with the Courier Post who recently gave a CHEER to the people and civic groups of Audubon for banding together and doing so much to show the Weiglein family that the borough cares deeply about the loss of Sgt. Joseph Weiglein, who was killed May 29 in Iraq.

JEERS to those individuals in your neighborhood and mine who don\’t maintain their property. You know the ones. The grass needs to be cut; the house needs to be painted. Broken down spouts and gutters. Trash is thrown about in their yards. If they would just show some respect to their neighbors by cleaning up their properties our communities would be much better off.

JEERS to Jay Lamont, real estate radio commentator for his despicable remarks about the community of Gloucester City. Lamont said, (and I am paraphrasing) \”it\’s the armpit of South Jersey\”. He gave no basis for his remarks. Someone wrote in recently we should let it go. And I say not until he makes a public apology will I be satisfied.

What is your opinion? see more Cheers and Jeers
 

ClearysNotebook:

Cheers and Jeers

By Bill E. Cleary

A quick review of the good, bad and ugly to cross our radar recently.

Cheers to the Gloucester City Sportsman Athletic Club who are holding their 50^th Anniversary Awards Banquet on April 28^th. The members have sponsored hundreds of teams and events over the years including, but not limited to, baseball, softball, soccer, and basketball, American Cancer Society Relay for Life, the MS foundation and many more. The Sportsman AC is probably most proud of its community reach program. Year after year, the club has donated money and man power to so many worthy causes. Congratulations.

Cheers to Councilman Bill Hagan. If it hadn\’t been for Mr. Hagan joining forces with the \”New\” Democrats in January, Gloucester City would have remained in the grips of the old regime until after the next election. Can you imagine! The Lame Ducks would have had an additional 365 days to hide their mistakes. Much of their incompetence would have remained a secret. Thanks Bill for seeing the light. One vote can make a difference.

Cheers to the police officers from all over South Jersey and Pennsylvania who volunteered to help search for the City\’s K-9 dog, Scotty. And also a big thank you to those anonymous people who dug into their pockets for the $6,200 reward. The dog is still missing. Anyone with information should call 856-456-0900.

Jeers to the Gloucester City fireman who stole $7200 from the annual Softball Marathon. Monies raised from that event went to support the Crozier Burn Center in West Chester. You Sir are a thief and merit whatever punishment you receive and then some.

Cheers to Little League and softball coaches who volunteer their time to teach the game to youngsters throughout the area. Parents, these men and women are not babysitters. Come out to the games and support your kids. Remember too, it is only a game. The umpire is volunteering his or her time; give them the respect they deserve.

Cheers to the Mount Ephraim firemen who partook in Read across America Day last month. The firemen took time to read to the students of the Mary Bray Elementary School. Speaking of firemen, hats off to the members of the Gloucester City Fire Department who took some local kids to a recent Phillies game.

Jeers to Governor Jon Corzine for violating both the speed limit and the state law requiring that he wear a seat belt. Thank God his health is improving each day. And thank God no one was killed because of his carelessness. The reason he was speeding, according to the media; he was late for a photo op at the meeting between the Rutgers girls\’ basketball team and Don Imus.

Cheers to the Haddon Heights VFW Post 1958. The post offers borough residents a new American Flag free of charge in exchange for a worn/tatter flag. Resident John Morphew, a Navy veteran, said he was pleased with the program. He summed it up this way. \”I want the flag to be treated respectfully; I fought for it for 22 years. This flags means something to me.\”

By Bill Cleary

CHEERS to Gloucester City resident Jack Pyrah who was recently inducted into the National Coaches Hall of Fame in San Antonio. Jack, who is in his 80\’s, spent 26 years as Villanova assistant track coach. He retired in 1991. Ten years later he was inducted into the Villanova Hall of Fame.

JEERS to the Camden County Municipal Utility Authority for charging a $1.75 convenience fee to anyone who pays their bill on line. If anything the CCMUA should pay the customer for making it so easy for the authority to collect the money. 

CHEERS to all those who volunteer each year for the Community Clean-Up Day in Gloucester City. This year the event will be held on Saturday, March 24.

JEERS to anyone who flys a torn and faded American Flag. Our forefathers fought for our right to fly the Stars and Stripes. And today our service men and women continue that fight. It should be treated with respect. What kind of example are we showing to our children by allowing the Flag to be displayed in this condition? In the past month I have found five damaged flags flying in Gloucester City. As of Friday, March 16 there remained one torn Flag that is still flying. It is located in the front of the City Post Office on Broadway. And Kudos to all those who replaced the damage flags.

CHEERS to Tia\’s Hair Care of Monmouth Street for her generosity in donating free haircuts and styles to 23 participants involved with the Locks of Love program. Also Thumbs up to the students from Gloucester City High School who took part in the event by donating their hair. Locks of Love is a nonprofit organization that makes vacuum fitted wigs for children with medical hair loss.

CHEERS to the Rotary and Interact Clubs who sponsor a Bowl-A-Thon each year to help raise money for the Christmas Giving Tree and other Charities. This year\’s event was held on Sunday, March 18 at the Westbrook Bowling Lanes in Brooklawn.

JEERS to the American Civil Liberties Union. The ACLU is suing a Newark school district for holding its 2005 graduation ceremonies in a Baptist church, calling it a violation of a Muslim student\’s religious freedom. The lawsuit seeks to forbid further public school ceremonies in places of worship and an unspecified award of damages to the Muslin student. It is obvious the lawsuit isn\’t about the violation of the student\’s religious freedom; it is all about money.

CHEERS to former Freeholder Tom Gurick for his dedication to helping the residents of Camden County. Tom was honored by the Brooklawn Borough Council recently for his help in acquiring New Broadway Street scape funding, and many other contributions. Some of those contributions include obtaining several million dollars in grants for Gloucester City, and the erection of a traffic light on Kings Highway in Mt. Ephraim.

CHEERS to the City of Gloucester City and the Streets Department. Today, Monday (March 19) city employees cleared the sidewalk surrounding the Lane Avenue playground of the ice and snow that was left following the weekend storm. Just last week we had criticized the City for not maintaining the sidewalk after a storm. It is nice to see those in charge respond to a problem and correct it. The corner is a designated bus stop for children. In the past, whenever it snowed the kids and parents walking to and from the area were forced to walk in the street.

JEERS–The FAA is considering a plan to send more airplanes over communities in Pennsylvania and South Jersey. The noise is so loud now from the jet planes constantly flying over South Jersey we don\’t need any additional airplanes to add to that problem. If anything we need less. Contact your local, state and federal representatives and tell them enough already.

What is your opinion?

CHEERS AND JEERS

 

By Bill Cleary

Every month ClearysNotebook cheers those who made our area a better place in which to live and jeers those whose action merit derision.

Cheers for the 2007 Gloucester City Council. For the first time in many years our City Leaders approved the broadcasting of the monthly council meetings. Although some of the incumbents members (Kaye, Kormann, and Loebell) wanted to discuss the motion in cacuas, Mayor James, Councilmen Brophy, Hagan, and Marchese called for a public vote at the January 4 meeting. The motion passed and the monthly meetings will now be a regular feature on Channel 19.

Jeers to New Jersey State Governor and the Legislature for not fulfilling their promised to pass a tax cut for residents before the end of 2006. Last year special legislative committees met for over four months to figure out ways to reduce spending. Nothing was accomplished. Gov. Corzine started this year off with another promise to reduce our taxes, the highest in the nation. After a while, you get tired of hearing the same thing over and over again. At some point you have to make it happen. Remember in November all 120 legislators are up for re-election. If no progress is made by then I am going show my displeasure in the polling booth. How about you?

Cheers to the Camden County Freeholder Board who has promised to continue to find ways to reduce county taxes. At the Board\’s reorganization meeting Freeholder Cappelli said the county has eliminated nearly 240 positions by not replacing people when they retire or, in some cases, are fired.

Cheers to the members of the 26 bands who donated their time and talents to help benefit Brian Cohan, owner of the Pirates Den, in Gloucester City. The Pirates Den was destroyed by fire last month and Cohan had no fire insurance on the building because he couldn\’t afford it. The benefit was held Jan. 13-14 at Whiskey Dicks in Philadelphia.

Cheers to the local UEZ board for their work in trying to improve the local commerce. I would suggest however the Board open up the channels of communication with the public. Recently we learned they helped Gloucester Plumbing Supply by buying their old building for $640,000. Now I understand the price has went down to $630,000. Word of the project leaked to the community. And rumors spread that the deal was not on the up and up because of the secrecy. If better communications were established those type of rumors would not exist. I like to know how the UEZ determined the price for the property? Was a professional appraiser hired by the Board? And if so release that information to the public. We live in a democracy and all of the people have a right to know these facts; not just a select few. Further example about undisclosed facts being kept from the people is the deal surrounding the  purchase of the old Dooley\’s Bar by the
Kilcourse administration. Cost to the taxpayers $425,000. When will those facts be released?

Jeers-Speaking of that dilapidated Dooley\’s building located at Broadway and Cumberland Streets, when will the City demolished it? In certain sections of the structure the concrete has actually fell off. Are we waiting for someone to get hurt? I still wonder how the owner was able to walk away with $425,000 in his pockets and leave it in that condition? Try to sell your property with a crack in the sidewalk and the Housing Office is all over you like flies on fly paper. I know some of you will say I am beating a dead horse but the purchase was made in October 2006. How much longer will it take? (Mayor James said on Friday Jan. 19, \” it will be soon, real soon.\”)

Cheers- I am a little late but isn\’t it nice that the City Board of Education honored Dr. Pearl Kowalski with a memorial garden at the high school. The garden and gazebo was dedicated in November 2006. It wasn\’t until recently while walking the dogs that I noticed the project on the Rt. 130 side of the high school. A long time City resident, with many honors, Dr. Kowalski passed away in March 2005 at the age of 80

Cheers-How about the show of dissent on City Council. For too long City council was run by the Party Boss. Decisions by council members at the monthly meeting was nothing more than a rubber stamp on actions that were decided by someone who wasn\’t necessary elected. Open debate on an issue was unheard of. We live in a democracy not a Third World country. And I for one am happy to see the democratic process finally at work in Gloucester City for all of us to view.

Jeers-In order for Scarborough builders to construct townhouses on the old Coast Guard property
( now Holt Cargo Systems corporate offices) Scarborough agreed to build Holt a new office building. However, the City agreed under the Kilcourse Administration, to give up O\’Hara\’s parking lot on King Street for the new office building. I suggest Holt and Scarborough be told no way! Build the new office building on Holt\’s 64 acres, not on City property. How can the City develop the King Street Corridor without parking. Holt has gotten a number of what I call \”sweet heart deals\” under previous Democrat administrations. For example, a 99-year-lease on the Coast Guard property. It is time the City for once to say no more! Can someone come forth with more facts? When will the people be told the real truth?

Cheers to Mayor James and those members of council working with him to clean up the mess left by those who previously controlled the operation of our community for the past decade or more. You have to give them credit for taking on such a monstrous job. And from what I am hearing in less than a month they have made some major changes.