Tag: NEW JERSEY

Tuesday Show Your Disgust with Gloucester City’s Tax and Spend Policy, Vote Republican!

Cleary’s Notebook News Opinion

This Tuesday, Gloucester City residents have a chance to send a message to the Democratic Party that they are taking back their City. This General Election is a crucial opportunity to address the $4,000 plus increase in property taxes since 2021.

Running for the three seats on the Republican side are Anthony D. Kates, a local resident and business owner; Sandra “Sandy” Reed, a veteran in civic engagement; and Patricia “Pattie” Kropp, a vocal champion for taxpayer rights—bringing their own visions for change. 

Read more: Tuesday Show Your Disgust with Gloucester City’s Tax and Spend Policy, Vote Republican!

Seeking the three at-large council seats on the Democratic Ticket are Edward Cilurso III, Robert Page, an advocate for community betterment, and Joy-Ann Madrack, a proponent of social issues.

For 45 long years, the Democratic Party has dominated Gloucester City. This election is an opportunity for residents to question whether their leadership has truly served the community’s best interests. Critics say the Democrats are more concerned about getting jobs for family members than about lowering property taxes.   

A 2019 NJ.com article ranked Gloucester City among the top 30 towns in New Jersey with the highest property tax rates, underscoring the need for decisive action and substantial debate about fiscal policy.  Property taxes have risen sharply over the last six years. 

Since 2021, the city has operated without a full-time administrator and police chief. The steady increase in taxes indicates it’s time to hire a qualified city administrator with the necessary educational background. 

**GLOUCESTER CITY TAX RATE IS ONE OF THE HIGHEST IN THE USA**

Gloucester City, located in Camden County, currently faces an effective property tax rate of 3.99%. This is not just high; it’s excessive when compared to the national median of 1.02%. This staggering rate places Gloucester City among the highest tax burdens in the United States. In March 2025, *Ownwell, a tax appeal company, highlighted this issue, suggesting that residents cannot afford to remain complacent any longer.

The local Democratic Party is well aware that residents of Gloucester City are experiencing financial challenges. That fact is the reason why this city was classified as an Abbott district in 1993 due to its low socioeconomic status. Additionally, Gloucester City was designated as an Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) in the 1980s because it is considered a distressed area with high unemployment. However, records indicate that the local Democratic Party is largely unconcerned about the fact that many residents are struggling to cope with rising property taxes.

**CC COMMISSIONERS BROKE THEIR PROMISE**

This Tuesday, we will recall the broken promise made over twenty years ago by the Camden County Democratic Freeholder Board, now called the Commissioners. After finishing repairs on the Little Timber Creek Bridge, we were promised improvements to County Highway 551, which runs through Brooklawn and Gloucester City. Decades later, that road still consists of potholes and road patches. As you drive over it the ruts in the road feel like you are driving on a dirt path. If you support the Democrats running for a seat on that board, vote for them. But don’t complain when your teeth rattle as you drive on Route 551 entering or leaving Brooklawn and Gloucester City.

**CIATTARELLI IS THE BEST CHOICE FOR GOVERNOR**

A recent poll suggests that the New Jersey gubernatorial race could be tightening, with Democratic Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill leading Republican Jack Ciattarelli by four points. Sherrill is one of the D.C. Democrats who are responsible for the federal government shutdown that has occurred over the past month. They are advocating for illegal immigrants in our country to receive free health care, which would cost taxpayers a trillion dollars. Sherrill has not clarified her stance on this issue; she simply states that “basic humanity” influences the debate. Moreover, she has not explained how $7 million suddenly appeared in her bank account. It’s time for Republicans to reclaim the governor’s seat in New Jersey. We urge voters to support Ciattarelli on Tuesday.

*Ownwell is a technology-enabled property tax appeal company that helps homeowners and commercial property owners lower their property tax bills. They combine local property tax experts with AI-driven software to manage the entire appeal process on their clients’ behalf.  source AI

Cleary’s Notebook News October 2025 Cheers and Jeers


**JEER**

Recently, a troubling incident was reported at the Lane Avenue Playground in Gloucester City, where a vandal damaged the back of a baby swing, covering it with green paint. This act of vandalism is particularly disheartening because playgrounds serve as vital spaces where children can play safely and enjoy their childhood. It raises serious questions about the motivations behind such destructive behavior. Today, we received the news of this damage, which ignited our curiosity about possible witnesses or surveillance footage. With several homes nearby, we hope the local police department will thoroughly investigate this incident, considering that video evidence may provide valuable insights.

Read more: Cleary’s Notebook News October 2025 Cheers and Jeers

 

 

**CHEER**

U.S. News and World Report has proudly recognized Gloucester High School in Gloucester City as one of the Best High Schools for 2025. This prestigious honor marks the school’s impressive ninth consecutive year of achieving high rankings at the national, Philadelphia area, and New Jersey levels. According to Sean Gorman, Superintendent and High School Principal, along with Doctor of Education Kimberly Chiodi, Assistant Superintendent at Gloucester High School, the school has been placed in the top 40 percent of all public high schools, both nationwide and in the Philadelphia area. This continuous success highlights the school’s commitment to academic excellence and the enrichment of its students.

**JEER**

A closer look at user-submitted crime data on platforms like Nextdoor shows that this information can often be misleading and should not be trusted to accurately reflect the crime rate in neighborhoods like Westville. Studies have shown that neighborhood social apps tend to boost users’ fears, leading to an exaggerated sense of danger and the belief that crime is more common than it really is. For a better understanding of crime statistics, it is important to consult credible, official sources for accurate data. Such as the chief of police. (Source AI)

**CHEER**

In the picturesque town of Sundsvall, Sweden, an inspiring initiative is underway where old clothes are being creatively transformed into brand new garments. Inside a rejuvenated former paper factory, innovative machines diligently shred used clothing, meticulously remove the plastic components, and press the fibers into versatile sheets. These sheets can then be skillfully crafted into stylish new clothing items, emphasizing a commitment to sustainability and reducing textile waste. What a brilliant and eco-friendly approach to fashion! (Source: Coffee News South Jersey, 609-313-4910).

**JEER**

The Congressional Democrats are blocking the passage of the budget bill because they insist on adding health care for illegal immigrants living in this country. The cost of their frivolous proposal is over a trillion dollars. In the meantime, government employees are not receiving their pay. 

**CHEER**

Coffee News® South Jersey stands as a beacon for local communities, striving to empower and uplift small and medium-sized businesses while also shining a light on local non-profit organizations. “By strategically targeting consumers most likely to engage with their products or services, Coffee News® enables these businesses to implement affordable, consistent advertising that truly delivers results,” explains Publisher Michael Trainor. Their mission fosters a vibrant local economy and encourages community connection.

**JEER**

Robert De Niro branded Stephen Miller, President Donald Trump’s senior advisor, a “Nazi,” despite Miller being Jewish, during a savage rant on MSNBC’s The Weekend on Sunday. De Niro should stick to playing Mafia gangsters and keep his politics to himself. There is enough division in our country without some washed up actor adding more wood to the flame. President Ronald Reagan and House Speaker Tip O’Neill worked together by maintaining a cordial personal relationship despite their intense political disagreements, which enabled them to find common ground and compromise on major legislation. They famously operated under the rule of “after 6 p.m. it’s all politics,” meaning they kept their political battles separate from their personal civility. 

**CHEER**

Attention, Collingswood residents! The town is reminding you that yard waste and leaf collection services will continue through October 29, 2025. After that date, starting the week of November 5, 2025, yard waste will be collected by the trash company in conjunction with regular trash pick-up on specifically scheduled days. For any additional information or inquiries,  reach out via email to publicworks@collingswood.com or call 856-858-0533.

**JEER**  

The General Election on November 4 is just two weeks away. Many years ago, candidates and incumbents would actually walk around the city, knocking on doors to explain why they were seeking office and answering questions from the public. For instance, would they continue to raise taxes if elected, as incumbents have done for the past 45 years? However, the Democrats have ruled this city have no plans for door-to-door campaigning. As for the Republicans, we hope to see them before the election in= our neighborhood and elsewhere in the city. 

**CHEER**

We were surprised to see that an AI-generated article titled “Discovering Cleary’s Notebook: The Heartbeat of South Jersey Journalism” was published on The New York Post under the category Education on September 14, 2025. Welcome to an in-depth exploration of Cleary’s Notebook, a vibrant online platform that’s become a staple for anyone interested in the pulse of South Jersey and Philadelphia. If you’re looking for a blend of local news, insightful commentary, and community stories delivered with authenticity, Cleary’s Notebook stands out as a reliable gem in the digital media landscape. Founded by a veteran journalist with deep roots in the region, this blog-style site offers readers a unique window into everyday happenings, historical insights, and forward-thinking discussions. In this article, we’ll dive into what makes Cleary’s Notebook tick, from its origins to its impact, all while keeping things straightforward and engaging. Whether you’re a longtime resident of Gloucester City or just curious about South Jersey’s stories, Cleary’s Notebook has something to offer everyone. Read more

…https://nypostsports.org/discovering-clearys-notebook-the-heartbeat-of-south-jersey-journalism/

**JEER**

On Saturday, October 18, millions of people across the United States participated in the No King Protest Rally. According to a local couple we spoke with who attended the rally in Collingswood, the crowd was peaceful and very vocal. They estimated that around 2,000 people were present at that event. A king does not rule the United States, so the motives of the protesters are debatable. Trump was elected in last November’s election, defeating Harris by a margin of 2,284,338 votes, with final tallies showing Trump received 77,303,568 votes compared to Harris’s 75,019,230. The electoral vote count was Trump 312, Harris 226. Some of the signs at the Collingswood protest read: F@#$ Trump, Impeach Trump, and Glad Charlie Kirk is dead. 

 

**JEER**

Candidates for the Camden County Commission Board should focus on a pressing issue that affects many residents: the long-overdue repairs needed on the “Cattle Path,” connecting Brooklawn and Gloucester City, also known as County Highway 551 or Broadway. This roadway has been neglected for far too long, and residents are growing increasingly concerned about its deteriorating condition. In 2010, when a small bridge over Little Timber Creek was finally repaired, Dan Kearshen, who was then the spokesperson for the Commissioners, said that additional work on this highway would commence soon after. It has now been 15 years since that assurance, and the community deserves to know the current plans regarding the road’s maintenance and improvement. The thousands of people who travel that stretch of highway need to show their displeasure with the way the Commissioners have ignored that promise when they go to the polls on November 4. Shake up the status quo. Vote the incumbents out and bring in some new people.