Government must hear voters' voices
The Daily Journal
April 24, 2010
by Lee Burke, Cumberland County Citizens' Campaign Chairman

The defeat of the Vineland school budget offers a unique opportunity for the mayor and council to fulfill their responsibilities and quickly learn the intimate details of their school district's budget. They need to do their homework to make informed and responsible cuts, not accept that there is little or nothing they can do. This attitude of accepting whatever the school district presents as the "best we can do" is unacceptable. Whether voters were angry, distrustful of their elected representatives or just disgusted with the blame game, they, too, have the same opportunity to offer solutions by attending, in person, the upcoming meetings to reconcile both the city's and school board's budgets by May 19.

We, the taxpayers, especially those who voted, should demand to limit any talk of tax increases against the legitimate costs of education. Dr. Maryann Banks (superintendent) needs to hear all budget proposals that may finally restore some credibility to a process even some of her board members may not fully understand. This, too, includes the public need to be better informed. After all, it is every citizen's responsibility. Here in Cumberland County the voter turnout of about 11 percent is an embarrassment and should be a concern of all who do business or wish to do business here in the future. If the people, especially parents and guardians, can't take the time to vote and see that their children learn and succeed, then why would a future employer consider hiring them?

Citizens in other New Jersey towns have already offered elected officials model proposals on how to cut municipal, county and education costs. I urge all elected and appointed officials to not only listen, but also act on these proven solutions from the public. Go to www.jointhecampaign.com and see for yourself what common sense and well-researched information is available to anyone to present for action and not delaying or worrying about who should get credit for good ideas presented in a constructive and respectful way.