The following was a letter I received from two local residents- The Edgewater Park Reporter
May 6, 2008
Dear Edgewater Park Reporter,
First, let us congratulate you on your blog..... bravo.
Reading the blog, we became very disturbed to learn about all the behind the scenes action. Can you say conflict of interest? We think some of the information is outrageous.
A little bit about us, we've lived in Edgewater Park for 24 years. We're Independent voters, we like picking the best candidate based on their qualifications and ideas, not their party affiliation. Reading about the links between the different organizations, (School Board, Township Committee, and Sewer Authority), it's very clear that it's time to change some seats. We believe a mix of representatives from both parties, usually provides the checks and balances needed to run an efficient government, but enough of the political stuff for now.
The reason we're writing to you is that we heard the Township Committee and Edgewater Park Administrator are working on laying-off workers and/or totally eliminating the Edgewater Park Public Works Department. This smells of the "Willingboro School Board of Education" (referring to an earlier blog post). Willingboro did the outside contractor thing with the school custodians in the early 80s, only to change back to having their own after a night mare experience and spending much more money then originally planned for.
Believe us it will cost us residents more money in taxes if Edgewater Park eliminates the Public Works. Typically, an outside contractor will low-ball the Township to get the original contract and then jack the costs up with unforeseeable situation costs, ultimately costing more then it will to keep the Public Works intact. The residents will suffer, by NOT getting the same caliber of service. Our Public Works Department does a fine job and we should keep it.
Look around at other towns. We don't know of any that have contractors doing the job of Public Works. What's next.......contracting the Police Department?
There is an alternative to total elimination. As a last resort, the Committee should think about merging the Public Works Departments from Delanco and Beverly, and share services and costs together. As you know, Edgewater Park already does it with the Fire Department and Emergency Squad.
Ummmm..........So why was the School Board's budget (with an increase) rubber stamped by the Township Committee, when the Committee knew the State Aid had already been cut? Shouldn't the School board tighten their belt like the Municipal side has to? It must be something political.
And.........Why is our Township Committee running past dollars just to save pennies?
Keep writing the blog, we need to know what's going on in Edgewater Park.
Thank you,
E & A (I withheld their full names to keep them safe from reprisals, E.P.R.)
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