Glen Rock May 6, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • Page 3 Residents urge deep cuts in school budget by John Koster Glen Rock residents with former Police Chief Neil Finn as their point man urged the borough council to carry out its mandate and recommend significant cuts in the school budget that was defeated at the polls on April 21. “I am sure you were overwhelmed with all the catastrophic events that were going to occur if you don’t given them all the money they want,” Chief Finn told the council. “That’s utter nonsense. It would be a grave disservice if the council voted to nullify the votes of 973 voters.” Glen Rock’s school budget was defeated by the widest margin of any in Northwest Bergen County. The amount of tax increase, which residents said appeared to have changed several times, irritated Chief Finn and the other citizens who spoke. They said they could not tell at any given time exactly how much taxes were supposed to increase. After listening to Chief Finn, Mary Henninger, Jeanne Rae, and Irene Brown – all of whom urged strong budget cuts – Mayor John van Keuren pointed out that some school budget items are caused by New Jersey state mandates that are beyond the council’s reach and that other matters are best handled by experts. Council Member Byron Arnao displayed a three-inch-thick copy of the school budget that council members had been handed at a standing-room-only meeting with the school board the night before. “It’s a very difficult job that we’ve got,” van Keuren said. He said he hoped the council would be able to recommend the amount of the cut and perhaps cite a general area for that reduction some time this week. Brown, who also spoke on other matters, said the school is overstaffed. (continued on page 12) Garbage pickers’ rights are defended Glen Rock resident Irene Brown recently spoke to defend people who cruise the streets of the borough on garbage pick-up nights looking for the ultimate bargain. “Many people enjoy garbage picking as a sport,” Brown told the council. “I myself have gotten some very beautiful items.” Brown’s concern surfaced when she learned that a motorist who pulled over to examine some items that had been left at the curb had been ticketed and could be facing a $300 fine simply for attempting to take items before the designated scavenger arrived. “This is one of the best ways of recycling,” Brown said. “You’re saving a lot of money.” Council members said they would look into the matter. J. KOSTER Glen Rock Pack 9 Cub Scouts from Alexander Hamilton Elementary School learned about health and fitness, eating right, and exercising at VOLT Fitness. The boys worked with Tom Ardese and his staff. Off to a good start ® ���������������� ������������� �������������� ����������� ����������� ������������� ����������� ������� ���������� ���� ���������������������� ���������������������� ������������� ������������������� �������� ������������������� ���������������������