Midland Park April 10. 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 5 New kids on the block, the Community Alliance of Midland Park, is rallying residents to say yes to the school district’s budget slated for a vote next week. They also urge voters to approve the second question on the ballot requesting additional funds for roof repairs at the borough’s three schools. To raise public awareness to its cause, the alliance has mounted a “Stop the Rain” initiative, which encourages residents to display umbrellas or homemade signs on their front lawns and to carry an umbrella around town from Friday, April 12, to Tuesday, April 16 in support of the budget and roof question. The election will be held on Tuesday, April 16. Polls will be open from 2 to 9 p.m. “Midland Park students should not have to learn in buildings lined with garbage cans to catch water from the leaking roof,” lamented CAMP President Patricia Fantulin. CAMP is a nonprofit organization of residents who value town pride, strong public education and community cohesiveness, Fantulin explained. It was founded following the failed school referendum and identified several areas of concern over the direction of Midland Park’s future: declining home values, a flagging business community, lack of attendance at council and board of education meetings and the welfare of senior citizens in town. Members of the group quickly grew to recognize more opportunities to foster community pride than just the schools, Fantulin said. The organization strives to promote cooperation, transparency and communication for the benefit of all residents of Midland Park. Community group rallies for school budget, roof fund She stressed that the request for additional funding is for one year only and not a new referendum. The funds will be raised through taxation over the next year. This is not a bond or a loan and will have no debt service associated with raising these funds, she pointed out. If the proposal fails to get a super majority, the district will not be able to replace these roofs for at least another year. “Midland Park has a rich history of banding together to help one another. Neighborly support is woven into the fabric of this community. CAMP asks residents to remember that every yes vote is a vote for the Midland Park children, community and property values,” Fantulin concluded. CAMP is a registered 501c4 organization. For more information or to volunteer, visit www.mpkpride.org. CAMP’s proposed sample display for borough lawns. “A thriving school district enhances the community, residents, local businesses and increases property value. CAMP believes community pride begins in the schools, but it is not where it ends,” Fantulin said. A yes vote on both questions will ensure the children of Midland Park continue to receive a quality education and will begin to repair the aging facilities, she said. The proposal specifically would complete roof replacements at the elementary schools and replace a portion of the juniorsenior high school roof.