On hand to welcome Governor Corzine to Woodbury last week were from left, Gloucester City Councilman Nick Marchese, Mayor William James, Congressman Rob Andrews and Councilman Jay Brophy.

At the gathering of business and community leaders, Governor Jon S. Corzine endorsed the extension of the light rail system from Camden City to Glassboro, as recommended by the DRPA.

Upon completion of the entire project, the rail will run from Camden through Woodbury and all the way to Glassboro, with stops in Sewell and Pitman as well.

Pictured: Councilman Marchese, Mayor James, Congressman Andrews, Councilwoman Kellie Ferry

SNIPPET–I propose to the new members of council to introduce a measure to stop part-time workers/volunteer council members from receiving health benefits. Likewise the measure should do away with reimbursing council members for not accepting the city\’s health plan.

My feelings haven’t change since 2006; mayor and council should not be receiving this perk.

Research reveals the health cost for the present seven member body is approximately $80,000. That includes those who opt out of the benefit package (medical, dental, and $2 co-pay prescriptions).

Council members who served under the Kilcourse and Gorman administrations also received this generous reward. If I had known then what I know now I would have spoken against it.

Digging deeper I have found the custom of giving health benefits to the governing body goes back 25 years or more. Former Mayor Gorman, who served in the 90\’s, said he never took health benefits nor did he take any money for opting out. Gorman said he believed the practice to give health benefits to council began back in the 70’s but wasn’t sure. As for the practice of allowing employees to opt out of health benefits that began in the 90\’s. Former Mayor Bob Bevan, who served two terms in the 80’s, said he was offered health benefits too.

It does give that appearance.

I know their position on Council requires members to spend a lot of time attending meetings and performing other duties each month. I admire them for volunteering to take on the position, it is a thankless job. However it is only part-time. If council feels they are entitled to more money (each council member receives a $1000 stipend, mayor $2500 stipend) then they should pass a referendum and place it on the ballot. Let the voters decide the issue.

But to the naysayers there is change on the way. I was told recently by one council member that plans to do away with council health benefits is on the agenda in the not too distance future. And a change in the City’s present form of government is also being discussed.

TIP-An amicable contract agreement between the City and CWA white collar bargaining unit has been reach. The CWA represents the 20 Gloucester City white collar employees whose contract expired on December 31, 2006. The details of the contract are not known at this time. Further information will be forthcoming.

There are senior citizens out here that have no way to carry wet clothes to a laundry mat miles up the road. We are limited to space in our apartments to hang laundry.

We have been put through countless life-interrupting occasions, including being evacuated. We have been forced to go to court to prove we pay rent, because of poor record keeping from past management, and forced to take on the impossible task of moving from one apartment building to another because of future renovations.

I have been a resident at Chatham Square Apartments for 22 years. We say \”Enough\” already! Give us what is rightfully ours and turn on the propane.

Pat Forker, Gloucester City

originally published in the Gloucester City News

Norma was born in Camden and raised in North Camden. She lived in Delanco before moving to Maple Shade.

More to come on Wednesday…

430 W. Browning Rd Bellmawr Camden County

Police reported a 2 car accident in front of the Hyde Park Apartments this am.

The SUV involved in the accident flipped over and landed on its side trapping the driver, Bellmawr Firefighters and Runnemede Firefighters operated to remove the roof to get the driver out.

Bellmawr Police are investigating.

Steve Skipton
NJ Editor /Apparatus
New Jersey Coordinator for IFPA
Member NJ and Philadelphia Press

Gloucester City Mayor Bill James and members of City Council released the following announcement today about the upcoming Memorial Day Services on Monday, May 25th.

\”Before you bite into that juicy burger fresh off the grill and before you take that plunge into the chilly waters of your pool for the first time this year take the time to revisit the reason for this day. Come join the American Legion and the VFW Veterans on May 25, 2009 as they start off the Memorial Day Celebrations by paying tribute to the heroic deeds of the fallen soldiers of our town and to all of those who have died in defense of their country.

\”As General John A. Logan said 141 years ago, do not neglect, do not forget the cost of our free and undivided republic. Let us gather together, raise the flag for which they saved, let us speak words of gratitude and praise, and let us offer sympathy and aid to the widow and orphan.

\”At 9am you can gather with our veterans at Cedar Grove Cemetery on Market Street, from there they will proceed to the St. Mary’s Cemetery also on Market Street and then to Union Cemetery located on Powell Street. The commemoration will continue at 11am at the War Memorials on Broadway and Monmouth, everyone is invited to bring a chair and enjoy speeches from various people and essay readings from several high school students that will pay tribute to our special soldiers. Members of Gloucester City High School Choir will also be there to add a special ambiance.

\”Come along with us as we revisit the pastime of our town as we parade down Broadway with members of the Boys Scouts, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, Boys Little League and Girls Softball League who will be pulling a special ship created, by Frank Wunsch, to the likeness of the ship built by our Gloucester City resident Mr. Owens 108 years ago. Follow the parade from Broadway turning right onto Powell and marching on to Proprietor’s Park Pier where the boat will be launched into the Delaware River to the sound of taps playing in the background and ending with a three shot volley.

\”So come let us join together as a devoted community to pay a special homage on this solemn day of mourning and remembrance to honor those who made the ultimate sacrificed to preserve the freedoms we enjoy every day. The ceremony will be held indoors at Mary Ethell Costello School if there is inclement weather\”.

Women lined up with their children to receive food donated by the United Nations that was made available

Homework has new meaning for Fahy, as he evaluates ballplayers in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Washington D.C. and South Jersey. Currently, Fahy scouts high school, junior college and college players. After the MLB Draft, which starts June 9, Fahy will begin pro coverage, evaluating other organization\’s minor-league talent to help the Royals front office in trade decisions.