A message from Valory

Hello All,

This Tuesday April 20th is School Board Election Day. There are two candidates for the board, and there is the school budget to be voted on. Below are the two candidates' statements.

A significant amount of our property taxes goes to our schools for the education of our children. We can all agree that the education of our children is an important and worthy cause. But, that should not preclude us as residents from questioning how and where the funds are being spent. We are given the opportunity to question our board members every month during their Board of Education meeting. Additionally, every year we are given the opportunity to vote on the school budget. On April 20, you will have the right to cast your vote for the school budget and for the candidate that best represents your views. In a recent referendum for the construction of a new school at the cost of $29,000,000, only 607 registered voters out of 5,482, or 11% came out to vote. Enclosed are the platform of the two candidates running for a seat on the Board of Education. The Independent Coalition encourages all voters to come and participate in this democratic process. Polls are open from 2 P.M. to 9 P.M.
REMEMBER NO VOTE EQUALS NO VOICE.

Sincerely,
Valory T. Bardinas

Please come out and vote on Tuesday from 2-9 pm. If you are unsure of where to go, call Borough Hall 201 943-1700.

Patricia Dalton

April 20th is a day that all Edgewater residents have a choice in the future of our local school system. This current year is probably the most challenging for all districts in New Jersey due to severe budget cuts. Locally, our district is also faced with an expanding student population and temporary space constraints. This Board has been planning for growth prior to the unexpected growth of 100 students in the 2009-2010 school year. Unfortunately, the State of New Jersey only allows districts to plan for 5 years in advance. Three years ago, I had questions and concerns about our school and chose to run for a seat on the school board. I was elected to a 3 year term and would like to continue this process with my re-election.

I am a lifelong resident of Edgewater. I have been a registered nurse for 32 years, currently working as the public health nurse for the Borough of Edgewater. My husband and I, along with our four children attended the local school system. I am a firm believer in "Community Working Together." I have volunteered for the local and Leonia parent-teacher organizations, Little League, and coached girls softball. My most passionate experience has been as chairperson of the Edgewater Alliance to Prevent Drug & Alcohol Abuse. I have spent 15 years educating the community on substance abuse prevention and leading a youth peer leadership group. In 2009 the County of Bergen recognized me for Excellence in Promoting Health Education in addition to receiving the Volunteer of the Year Award from the N.J. Governor's Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, in 2001.

The Borough of Edgewater has realized the results of my work. My volunteer and work experiences have included budget preparation, grant writing, and administration. As a member of the board I have questioned spending,offered solutions, and developed a knowledge base to support future decision making. My challenge, as a board member has been to work within the limits imposed, continuing to celebrate the excellent job of our faculty and staff, and promote education for all students in Edgewater.

I ask for your support on April 20th. Please vote Patricia Dalton, Column 1 for a 2nd term.

Sincerely,
Patricia Dalton

Vincent Ascolese

Parents, Taxpayers & Residents:

One of the main reasons that I decided to run for a seat on the school board was the cancellation of our pre-K program from current year 2009 through 2012. Children's capacity to learn is by far superior up to the age of five, which lays an undeniable educational foundation for a child. Cancellation of this invaluable program is just unacceptable, especially with millions of dollars that was available through our Presidents "Economic Stimulus Package" and the "No Child Left Behind Act." While many residents state, "That it is directly due to the lack of strategic planning, by our current board, that has placed our facilities and district in a dire situation," I believe there are also a wealth of challenges that our district must face together and overcome.

Coming from a family of educators, my father always instilled the importance of community involvement. One day I overheard an administrator talking about a handicapped child that couldn't get to school. The reason being no one could carry him and his wheelchair down three flights of stairs, so I offered to help. Well, after carrying "Gary" for three years up and down and constantly lobbying to have the family moved to the first floor, I had this notion that maybe I should become a teacher where I could help more students. Therefore, I applied and began teaching in Jersey City.

As a former H. S. teacher, administrator and athletic coach, I truly believe I posses the knowledge to be an advocate for our school children. Having a Masters Degree in Education, Administration & Supervision will enable me to provide financial and administrative oversight. Moreover I have the skill set to evaluate accountability on the budget and the administration. Today as the student demographic and financial climate begins to change in our schools, it is even more important that the people elected to office are the most qualified. Therefore, if elected I will provide for a program of quality instruction and effective management. MY PLEDGE IS AS FOLLOWS:

• Lobby Trenton & federal officials for increased funding and apply for pilot programs.
• Evaluate why we are paying some of the highest tuition in the state to Leonia ($15,663).
• Reduce transportation costs that have soared to over $1 million.
• Make certain our schools are well maintained and well operated.
• Refuse to surrender my judgment to special interests or political parties.
• Restore essential eliminated programs. Expand media center and Create E-Library.
• Since schools are only used for 180 days, explore revenue producing ideas for other 185.
• Utilize Interactive Classrooms (technology based learning) so we can share specialized teachers with other districts, thus reducing costs while increasing class diversity.
• Promote fundraising ideas with PTO and staff, such as, Corporate Sponsorships.

"Your questions will be answered, your voice will be heard and your suggestions implemented."

On Tuesday April 20th "VOTE 4 VINCE"

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The Independent Coalition for a Better Edgewater

Edgewater's only Watchdog
Edgewater's Prime Community Service Organization

We are a large group of Edgewater residents -- Democrats, Republicans, Independents and undeclareds, who have come together because of our love of Edgewater.

As Edgewater's only watchdog organization, we work to ensure that Edgewater continues to remain a community of neighborhoods, where people can live and raise their families for generations to come. We care about open space and open government, traffic and transit, planning and preservation. It is our goal to end the cynical practice of "pay to play" politics in Edgewater, to make our municipal government easily accessible and open to public participation, and to oppose any development that has a detrimental effect on our quality of life. We are for dog runs and green spaces, back yards with trees in them, the cleaning up of polluted sites, more public access to the Hudson River, and environmental oversight for our town.

As Edgewater's prime community service organization, we hold monthly meetings with special guests and speakers, and we initiate and sponsor community-wide events.

Since 1999, we have been pleased to support four Independent members of the Edgewater Council, who have spoken out about governmental transparency and ethics, our local environmental issues, and community coherence. They have made a difference.

We are a grass roots organization and are not beholden to any political party. We do not accept contributions from developers or professionals who do business with the town. The ICBE meets the 4th Tuesday of every month at 7:30 in the Community Center. If you would be interested in joining us, come to a meeting or give us a call (201.313.9977).