Today's letters: more endorsements
Michele Kaish Two candidates from West Windsor are vying for a seat on the WW-P Regional Board of Education. I served three terms on the Board with colleagues whose hard work and constructive efforts to understand and make sound judgments on issues earned them respect. I served with others whose efforts were not so constructive, and whose poor or careless judgments made the work of the board more difficult and less effective than it should have been. I write to urge voters to value substance in voting for the school board candidate.
For example, I am wary of a candidate who manufactures a non-existent issue. One of the candidates this November says "publish the voting records of all board members, and make them accessible online". Sounds good - except that voting records of all board members are already always publicly recorded and published - and archived -- online.
Or consider this same candidate's proposal for student input into teacher evaluation; regardless of what you might think of the proposal, such input is impermissible by law and by contract.
And while I admire and respect anyone willing to step up and serve on the school board, I doubt that a candidate who is unlikely to live in the district during the three-year term of office truly appreciates what school board service entails. Attending two board meetings and at least one committee meeting a month might not be impossible with a 50 mile (one-way!) commute, but that's just part of a board member's service. Other required service - on contract negotiations committees or ad hoc committee work, for example - is difficult enough after commuting to and from New York, as many current and past board members know. Adding another commute at the end of what could be a half-dozen meetings in a month to a dorm room 50 miles away does not strike me as a realistic arrangement for an effective board member.
For me, the choice of candidates is clear, and I'll be voting for Michele Kaish on November 3.
Robert J. Johnson
West Windsor
From supporting open space to banning hydrofracking waste in our drinking water, Assemblyman Dan Benson has been a strong advocate for the health of people in the 14th District and for all of New Jersey.
As a member of the Assembly Environmental Commission, Benson is pushing for renewable energy that will create thousands of new jobs while reducing New Jersey's dependence on dirty energy.
New Jersey Sierra Club has endorsed Dan Benson for his strong support and advocacy for legislation that improves the health of our neighbors, communities and the environment. He has earned your support, as well as your vote on November 3.
Bonnie Tillery
Hamilton
The Hamilton Democratic Party has submitted an excellent slate of candidates for your consideration in this year's Mayoral and Council election. Amy Inman, JoAnne Bruno, and Don Ryland have run a vigorous and clean campaign that has focused on the issues. They are ready to lead our community into the future. It is time that we look forward to the year 2020 and beyond with a clear vision. They want to raise expectations for our town!
Our mayoral candidate, Amy Inman, is a wife and mother of two children who are enrolled in Hamilton's public schools. Like many Hamiltonians, her roots are in Trenton, but she moved to Hamilton with her family at the age of 16 after a home burglary. She is a McCorristin High grad who earned her Bachelor of Arts at St. John's University in New York City. She continued her education at the Art Institute of Philadelphia where she earned a specialized technology degree. She brings the experience of a successful small business owner literally "to the table" as she is the proud owner of "Cabinets by Amy and Lauren", a kitchen and home remodeling design company.
Joanne Bruno is a retired educator and union leader. She has resided in Hamilton for more than 20 years. She is a graduate of Hamilton West and Rider University and holds a Bachelor of Sciences in Business Education. She also knows what it's like to be a small business owner, having been the co-owner of "The Stadium Eagle's Nest" for ten years.
Don Ryland is a Corrections Officer who sees first hand every day the scourge of drugs and crime in our communities. He continued his education at Mercer County Community College, and served as President of the Pace Charter School in Hamilton. His passion is his involvement in our community as a coach and mentor. His fervent wish is to not see our children at his place of work! He also is a union leader serving as President of Police Benevolent Association Local 167 from 2004 to 2014.
Their belief is that Hamiltonians want to feel safe in their communities. They will make sure that our police have the best equipment available. They pledge that we will make sure that every tax dollar is spent with purpose and without waste. They want you to feel good about the tax money that you are entrusting us to spend on your behalf! They will make sure that our streets are safe, our garbage is collected twice a week, our streets are snow-plowed timely and kept in good repair. They will ensure that we continue to have a vibrant community with restored parks and community events that make our town a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
They will listen, and make sure that our municipal government is transparent and fair to all. They will also seek every opportunity for real growth so that we can take advantage of our unique location in the center of New Jersey and the Northeast Corridor, with excellent Turnpike and transit access. There is no reason that Hamilton cannot be an economic engine that attracts multinational corporations that will provide environmentally clean tax ratables and good paying jobs within our community. Amy, JoAnne, and Don will serve with honor, passion, and vision. Learn more at www.AmyInman.com. Please vote for them on November 3.
Tom Walls, Jr.
Hamilton Township Democratic Municipal Chair
Follow The Times of Trenton on Twitter @TimesofTrenton. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.