May 20, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 3 Midland Park The Midland Park Borough Council went on record last week as strongly opposed to efforts by Governor Corzine to redirect $4 million from the dedicated Emergency Medical Technical (EMT) Training Fund to the general treasury of the state. This transfer would leave only a $400,000 balance in the fund, an amount which is considered inadequate to meet the annual training needs of the volunteer EMTs in the state and is expected to result in severe cutbacks in state-paid training. Councilman Michael Junta, a former captain of the Midland Park Volunteer Ambulance Corps, said that he also hopes to band together with other area towns to pressure the legislature for restoration of the funding. Council opposes state diversion of EMT funds In a resolution adopted during the council’s regular meeting, the council calls the Governor’s move “fundamentally unfair to those who already volunteer their time to attend training courses and answer emergency calls.” The resolution cites the fact that the current costs would be shifted to the ambulance corps, the municipality and its residents “at a time of economic hardship when squads continue to see a decrease in donations, contributions and a short fall in fund raising.” Junta said that if training funds are cut, squads that are tight with moneys will not be able to keep up their training nor be able to attract new members. He said the Midland Park corps spends from $5,000 to $6,000 in training annu- Your best smile starts... ally. To remain certified, EMTs are required to complete 24 CORE and 24 elective continuing education credits every three years. Junta said that this might be an effort to do away with volunteer corps altogether and regionalize the services. He said that if the county took the service over from the volunteers, it would give the county additional revenue. “It’s outrageous that they want to pull the rug from under these volunteers. We would never get personalized service and the excellent response time we now get if the county takes it over,” commented Councilman Bernie Holst. “We don’t want to subject our people to poor service.” The diversion of these moneys is particularly upsetting to volunteer EMTs because the training fund is not supported through the use of any tax money, but rather by a $.50 surcharge on each fine, penalty and forfeiture imposed and collected by the state motor vehicle or traffic violations. The fund was set us to provide the training for free to any and all volunteer EMTs, Junta said. Charges range from $25 to $200 per course, he said. Midland Park residents are welcome to purchase season badges for the use of swimming facilities at Crestwood Lake in Allendale, Waldwick Pool in Waldwick and possibly Graydon Pool in Ridgewood. Residency in those towns is not required. Call the respective town halls or check their website for information. Pool options for residents FREE Martial Arts Programs Including Uniform CALL NOW 201-327-7080 ����������� ������ Since 1975 ...with healthy teeth and gums Dental Insurers pay for preventive care Twice a year, 100%, no deductibles. Because it works. Because it saves insurance companies money. Preventive care makes sense for insurers. Preventive care makes sense for YOU! Caring for our community for over twenty years 339 Godwin Avenue, Midland Park 201.652.7110 - Hours by Appointment Philip M. Schwartz, D.M.D., Administrator Marcia Popjes-Egedy, D.M.D 26 E. Main St • Ramsey CRAFTSMANSHIP AND QUALITY MATERIALS COMBINED WITH HOME HARDWARE VALUE See Our Selection Of Wood Patio and Deck Furniture, You Won’t Believe How Much You Get For Your Money 5-13-09 Joan from Janine FREE BaisFREEMartial2x3(5-13-09)MBLY ASSE 2 col x” GODWIN DENTAL, PA a Picnic T ble 27 Franklin Tpk, Waldwick Mon-Wed 7:30-6, Thurs & Fri 7:30-8, Sat 8-5 www.homehardwaresupply.com Adirond ac Chair k ������������ Check your dental insurance benefits for complete details. Insurance and Credit Cards accepted. For our patients who do not have dental insurance, please discuss preventive care insurance options with our office. Open Sundays 9-3