The following are letters to the editors that did not make it to the paper before the March 8 vote about the Haddonfield Bond Referendum:
Dear Editor,
As a Haddonfield resident and parent of two young daughters, one a student at Elizabeth Haddon, I urge everyone to familiarize themselves with the March 8th Bond Referendum. No doubt it is a high price tag, but it is one we can’t afford to not pay. Failure to act now will only postpone the inevitable, and most importantly, put our children at risk.
Good schools are the anchor in a community — bringing families, businesses and jobs. They enrich every facet of our lives. Good schools need investments. The caliber of our schools is critical to the well being of our thriving community. If they don’t get a proper level of care they will continue to weaken and wither. As Haddonfield residents, we have to advocate for and believe in our schools.
My husband and I settled in Haddonfield because of its charm and the wonderful school system. I’m confident the majority of residents would agree. As Haddonfield residents, we have to advocate for and believe in our schools.
A “yes” vote on March 8th is a vote to keep our children, teachers and staff members safe. Please don’t assume because it is a good project that it will pass without your vote. Make this a record-breaking turnout at the polls on March 8th so there will be a true picture of how Haddonfield residents feel.
This is a wise investment in our town’s future. And most importantly, it’s the right thing to do for our children. Please vote “yes” on March 8th.
Kim Kelly
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Dear Editor,
As a longtime resident of Haddonfield, and a senior citizen, I have read with interest the conflicting positions regarding the proposed bond issue. While no one wants to see an increase in taxes, there are compelling reasons why we need to vote “yes” on March 8.
Our schools are in deplorable condition. How, or why, we got to this point is irrelevant now. The longer we wait to remedy the situation the worse the problems become and the more expensive the repairs will be. To cite one example, some say that installing new windows won’t have a major impact on energy savings. The counter to that argument is that many of the windows must be taken out because of the crumbling masonry work at the various schools. It seems prudent to replace them now with new windows rather than incurring the labor costs of putting back old windows, and then having a combination of new and old in the same wall system; a system that must function as a unit to provide the most cost benefit. Additionally, simply reinstalling the new windows, after all repairs, will likely lead to replacement at a higher cost later.
The current BOE has recognized that previous repairs were done improperly and have included a construction manager to oversee the jobs and ensure the quality of the work. Additionally Superintendent Richard Perry is committed to forming a community committee, composed of residents with the necessary background to provide meaningful input regarding the maintenance and repair of the school buildings and facilities. He is also committed to hiring additional personnel, with engineering background, to conduct regular inspections and to work with the maintained staff to develop cost-effective solutions to problems as they arise. These measures will help to ensure that we don’t find our schools in the same situation in the future. Problems will be identified, and remedied, before they become a danger to our children and an embarrassment to our community.
We, the citizens of Haddonfield, elected the members of the board and must trust them to do the right thing. They are our neighbors, volunteers and people trying to make a positive impact in our educational system. Past boards have made mistakes or been negligent in their stewardship, but I believe our current board is working in good faith to do the right thing for our schools, our students and the community of Haddonfield.
Kathy and I support passage of the current proposal and ask that you do the same. Haddonfield schools are consistently ranked among the trop in the area and the state. This is due, in no small way, to the commitment and support of this wonderful community. Let us continue this fine tradition so that current and future generations of Haddonfield students will be able to receive an excellent education in a comfortable and safe environment.
Neal Tully
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I am writing this letter in support of the Haddonfield Public Schools Bond proposal. Our family moved to Haddonfield in 1988 largely due to the reputation of the Haddonfield school system. I urge Haddonfield residents to vote in favor of the bond so that the borough school system will continue to enjoy and deserve its stellar reputation.
We should all keep in mind that Haddonfield property values are supported by the reputation of our school system and that a top tier school system can’t be supported by obsolete and deteriorating buildings. The proposed investment in our school infrastructure is critical to preserving the borough’s reputation for educational excellence and our community’s attractiveness to new residents.
Although my daughters graduated from the high school years ago, I support the bond because I perceive it to be an investment in the value of my home. Every component of the proposed expenditure represents a sound investment in our community. For $300 per year in additional tax payments, assuming a house assessed at $484,226, we will address numerous structural and roofing problems in dire need of repair, upgrade obsolete and inadequate electrical systems, and otherwise preserve and prepare our school buildings for the future.
The fact the State of New Jersey will fund a significant portion of the cost makes this a compelling opportunity for the borough. We should not assume that state funding will “always be there” because the state’s financial condition is strained. It is possible that state funding for municipal projects could diminish of even disappear as the State’s budget situation continues to deteriorate. As of July 2015, the State of New Jersey was ranked 49th for fiscal condition by the George Mason University Mercatus Center. The state’s poor fiscal condition is a risk that we should consider when casting our votes.
Residents should also keep in mind that the cost of borrowing money is at historically low levels. Interest rates have rarely been lower for municipal debt issuance. Now is the time to take action. If we decide to ignore our degrading infrastructure, we will confront buildings in even worse condition and the possibility of higher interest rates. We’ve kicked the can down the road long enough.
Let’s take advantage of a wonderful opportunity to invest in our children and preserve our property values. Please vote “yes” for all three-ballot questions.
Robert M. Turrin
To see more and others that were printed go to: Letters to the Editor from the March 2 to March 8 edition of Haddonfield Sun
Letters to the Editor from the Feb. 24 to March 1 edition of Haddonfield Sun
Letters to the Editor from the Haddonfield Sun Feb. 10 to Feb. 23 editions
The latest Letters to the Editor on Haddonfield Public Schools bond referendum
