What of fire district consolidation?
It has been two years since the public petition process started to consolidate the fire districts in Hamilton Township. Consultants have been hired, reports written, meetings held and alternative solutions have been presented.
With council elections on the horizon, I would like to know where candidates stand on the issue. Should there be a full time municipal fire department? Should there be a new single fire district established, or should an existing fire district take over firefighting services in Hamilton? Should we leave everything alone and throw out the studies and petitions?
Fire districts in Hamilton and around the state are working on 2018 budgets for voter approval in February. Many are negotiating multi-year labor contracts, and some are planning to hire new career firefighters.
The question remains of when will the council act on the consolidation question and present a detailed plan to the State of New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Local Finance Board.
—Joseph T. Zalescik
Zalescik is chairman of the Board, Hamilton Township Fire District 3, and vice chair of the Hamilton Township Fire Commissioners Association.
Vote to make a statement
A perfect educational storm in Hamilton Township may stimulate voter interest this year. Revenue shortfalls, budget cuts and searches for new personnel will require school board members to make major decisions affecting all of the district’s stakeholders.
As one-time president of the Hamilton Township Board of Education, I successfully initiated preschool classes, Reading Recovery, college credit for 12th grade English, PSAT test for all juniors, and additional AP courses. As a retired public school educator with more than 35 years of experience in the classroom and administrative offices, I understand academic needs, wants and desires.
My running mates Gary Schuck and Joy Kerlin and I are ready, willing and able to serve as independent thinkers to make the best decisions for the stakeholders in the community. I urge registered voters to go to the polls Nov. 7. Vote, and encourage others to do the same. Make a statement that voting is alive and well in Hamilton Township.
—Albert Gayzik
Gayzik is a candidate for school board and a former board president.
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