FIRST REPORT: Thursday 12: 31 p.m. (PHOTOS & VIDEO) (Last updated Friday 12:38 a.m.) The Lakewood EMS has accepted the Township’s deal and will remain intact TLS has learned. After rejecting the Township’s offer this past Monday, as first reported on TLS, Union Representative Shanon Oritz verbally agreed to accept the 30% salary cut to its employees to remain as the Township’s BLS provider. Scott Carter is expected to remain as EMS Supervisor. “The deal has not yet been signed” Lakewood’s Mayor Steven
VIDEO
Langert told TLS. “If the deal isn’t signed by tonight, we will take it that they changed their mind”, he said. The Mayor also added, that there are some minor changes the EMS wants made in the deal which do not affect the substance of the agreement.
TLS will continue to bring you the latest developments as we receive them.
JUST IN: 8:38 p.m. The Township and the Union have just signed the agreement and the deal has been sealed. EMS will be staying as the BLS provider. However, the mood in the room, is far from celebrating as the public expresses their disappointment with the large cut.The contract will be valid until December 2010.
U/D 11:03 p.m. The following is Zach Patberg’s report on this evening’s meeting: EMS will stay, but at a heavy cost.
The Township Committee on Thursday approved a new three-year contract for the ambulance service that slashed salaries of 15 workers by 30 percent — a blow that many of those people affected say will drastically alter their lives.
“It’s a total restructuring of my life,” said Mary Jane Delvalle, an EMS technician of 20 years, referring specifically to her two sons’ college futures.
Jose Ortiz, a technician of 12 years and an Army sergeant, said he will have to find a second job in October upon returning from a yearlong tour in Iraq. He leaves for Iraq next week after a brief leave.
“We just bought a house,” said the father of two.
The last time EMS faced the threat of being disbanded was in the early 1990s. That plan was scrapped. Now, in order to stave off another call to privatize, department employees accepted most of the offer from the township that, along with the pay cut, eliminated the supervisor position. The final contract does, however, keep Scott Carter on as supervisor.
One union official, to standing applause, accused township officials of “strong-arming” the EMS.
“The mean-spirited negotiating tactics in an economy such as this — to place these forgotten heroes to take a one-third pay cut — is a disgrace,” said Bill Lavin, president of the state FMBA, which represents the EMS. “If it were me, I’d tell you to take your offer and put it somewhere else other than the table.”
Shannon Ortiz, FMBA Local 380 union president, said the contract also requires the township to refrain from subcontracting or instituting layoffs until Dec. 31, meaning privatization and staff reductions could be revisited again.
To the question of whether the committee had looked at other departments before homing in on EMS, Committeeman Robert Singer said, “We haven’t gone through our budget process yet,” but that all departments will see cuts due to state aid shortage.
Officials reasoned EMS’ contract was the only one up for renegotiation.
The new contract might be seen as Lakewood’s first casualty of the severe cuts in state municipal aid, though township officials had been debating whether to privatize the service well before the state cuts were announced.
Though the contract saved EMS, the employees, union members and packed crowd of residents were not smiling Thursday night. Residents berated the committee for putting the brunt of budget cuts on the EMS, while employees out in the hall sat crying.
“No one won in this,” Singer said. “Basically it’s a case of surviving.”
Mayor Steven Langert ended the raucous meeting with frustration.
“There’s an old adage that goes, “The best deal is when both parties leave the table unhappy,’ ” he said before adjourning abruptly.
This is a fair compromise. I am not happy as it’s still going to cost the township money. The EMS employees are not happy either as they are taking a cut. When both sides are not happy, you know you probably reached a good middle ground
Wondering what these “minor ” changes are? Why tell them to accept this deal or else and when they finally do accept it then try to make more changes.
Can someone please explain why we should allow the EMS to remain open? If it costs us $800,000.00 to run it, even after the cuts it will cost $560,000.00 . Why? What for? We would be getting the same if not better service from a private company for FREE??
Wow!!! Langert is amazing, Keep it up, start working on the DPW next!
Just that everyone knows – Dealmed Medical Supplies in Lakewood was a really hugh help for the township decision, they offered 1 year free supplies for the EMS Department. See previously posted on TLS
https://thelakewoodscoop.com/2010/01/dealmed-offers-to-donate-one-year-of-medical-supplies-to-ems.html
#2 the township never did show that the EMS is losing that money it is what they say but they are scared to show the real numbers because they will be caught in a lie.
WE NEED MORE CUTS TO TOWNSHIP DEPTS. LETS CALL IT SHARED SACRIFICE!!! CUT ALL DEPARTMENTS BY 30 PERCENT DONT RAISE OUR TAX RATES
It seems to me that, one day, the Lakevood Township Committee decided to take aim at the EMS, possibly because they thought that EMS would be an easy target. As cuts do need to be made to get control of runaway taxes, it would be the fair and responsible thing to make cuts across the board, starting with the highest paid Township employees. Also, as the Township committeemen clearly are volunteers (nobody forced them to run for election), they should receive NO compensation.
how does this effect me getting on hatzola?
But whats the bottom line with sreifas ckometz? Is the FD gonna make sure the stuff gets totally burnt?? till it turns to coal. Does anyone care??
Perhaps all public officials should not be compensated, eh, DQuinn52? Why stop there? Anyone who applies for a job should do it for free because they applied, no one forced them to work in that particular field! Your claim is rediculous!! Just because the taxpayers are the boss, as we pay the salary, does not mean elected officials (the method of hiring) should not be paid!! By the way, Ocean County Committee members are not paid, so there are your volunteers!!
to #2 “tax payer”
I’m an EMT and let me tell you the first 2 yrs as an EMT on a squad, you know nothing. What you learn in class is one thing and what its like in the field is a completely different thing! The more calls you take the more you learn and understand about emergency care. most of the private companies are made up of EMT that have no knowledge other than that which was taught in class. They don’t learn because they mainly do transports and not 911 calls. So ya Lakewood EMS is a better service and yes you will get better treatment!
So King Langert wont get his way????
just keep in mind what goes around comes around and lakewood will get theres either in this life or the next. Thank you mayor Langert for your support against the lakewood EMS.
steve i hope meyer L and menash M are also in with whatever you are doing! don’t pull no quick ones. keep it up steve.
#2 it’s called coming to a compromise. We’re all on the same team here.
#3 EMS is the only department in the town who actually brings back revenue. (Not counting police) Those numbers are not included in the $800,000. #6 is correct. This is just a big number they threw out to scare people.
King Langert got his way. He’s saving town SEVEN HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS!!
dont let the Peyton issue cloud your judgment. Langert wins in this case and so does EMS and so does Lakewood.
I think the EMS union accepting this 30% pay cut shows they really care about doing a good job for all the people of Lakewood. Public safety trumps personal gain. I’d love to see elected officials follow their lead and take a 30% pay cut as well. And DealMed, lots of praise your way!
Now Steve let’s quickly apply this 30% to the LPD, DPW and general Township employees. It will work in DOE now more than ever asa they see you are serious!
To #16
You sound like a fool. even after all the revenue EMS brought in, it still cost us $800,000.00 so don’t say that EMS brings in revenue.
PS To The Lakewood Scoop Powers-That-Be this is a really well-designed website.
To: All you pinheads out there
What is the rational for asking a committeeman to take a pay cut, the committeemen are the lowest paid employees of the township??
$700000 is baby steps that we have to take to cutting lakewoods budget!!
Committeemen sharing the pain (with a pay cut) is both honorable and fiscally responsible.
Perhaps IF the Lakewood EMS could COLLECT the money people are SUPPOSED to pay for their services the cost to the township would not be so great. When they try to bill most of the people for their services they get “No cards, No speaka Englash, No insurance.” It’s no wonder the township has to pay for the EMS. Maybe the EMS should do like the private companies do – use a collection agency.
all you people need your heads examinied!!!! this is and always was a head hunting mission by the commette… their ” ems dep” put thier lives on the line sometimes more than the lpd and fd. their exposed to bodily fluids that might contain diseaes hiv.hep a-c. tb, etc… their saleries have been a NON issue for 30 yrs why now??? a private co can yes be exposed to the same hazards, but the professionalism of the LEMS is above and beyond any pvt service could ever give… and as far as being free # 3 it wont be free because where the billing stops because of being a resident. these pvt co’s will balance bill ALL resident who use service so the twp resident will pay more esp the seniors…. yes i agree the twp commette should also take a 30 % pay cut to show they are our leaders and want to show by example… but you all know that will never happen. please go to the meeting tonight and support these twp workers who in spite of all the talk of closing have been still professional
to the way it is,
They should take a pay cut regardless of how much they make!! They are the lowest paid in the township because they only work 2 hours a week!!! PINHEAD!
LAKEWOOD — Members of the township’s Emergency Medical Services department have agreed to take a 30-percent pay cut in order to prevent Lakewood officials from privatizing the town’s ambulance service, a union official said today.
Shannon Ortiz, president of FMBA Local 380, said the union is still asking to keep the EMS supervisor, at least as a regular technician, and for assurances that the township will not engage in any subcontracting during the three-year contract.
Township officials did not immediately return calls for comment. The Township Committee could vote on the contract and its meeting tonight.
— Zach Patberg
Langert go HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
who thinks the yankees will win the world series this year
Yaaaaaaaaay!!! Congratulations LEMS!!! You are the bigger ones for taking that cut and keeping your jobs!!! Those committeemen should follow your lead!!! They chose to run for that position…it is not a matter of life or death for them to be there…each one has or had a career!!! (To the fool that said that they are the lowest paid) They do not warrant benefits AND a salary!!! They come in a couple hours a week and for that they should get lifetime benefits????? PUH-LEEEEEEEEEEEEEZE!!!! They will all get theirs in the long run for putting the LEMS on the spot as they did!!! Once again, congratulations and thank you to LEMS for all you do every day!!!!
Even if the committee takes a pay cut they will still keep the benefits from all the “other” revenue streams…… Oh I forgot those days are over…thanks to TLS for exposing that stuff!!!
What many people on here fail to remember when you say that the commitee shouldn’t have to take a pay cut as well is that they all have paying jobs and insurance else where. Make them give up their saleries from the town right there the town wins.
Langert go HOME!!!!!
hey # 23 it is called leadership….. if you can cut someone else pay, you as the leader should be willing to do the same… and by the way this is their part time job so it should not hurt to take the same pay cut.
Hey, we’re getting healthcare for free now. Obama said so. Everyone will be healthy. The insurance companies will get what’s coming to them. The doctors will finally stop billing us. And everyone will have a job now. Obama said so. So what’s the problem exactly, dude?
they have reached an agreement.
Lexington Ave is shut down south bound due to 4 firetrucks lining the street including the chiefs car and a policeman with a car diverting traffic!
Can anyone explain to me:
1. Why firefighters are allowed to pull their trucks out of the station for no good reason?
2. Why are they allowed to park wherever they choose?
3. Why is there a officer diverting the traffic but not towing the trucks away?
4. Why is everyone scared to ask these questions?
Go King Obama Go!!!
Congratulations Steve!
You are the first committee man that had the fortitude to see this thing through!
You can’t get intimidated by the union tactics. You are doing the people’s work!
I’m sure our Governor is very proud of you too.
It’s about time we brought some business sanity to our gov’t spending!
Now don’t rest on your laurels, keep looking through all contracts and municipal expenses to see where else there is waste!
Scharcha Harbeh Me’od!!
A kosheren pesach!!!
It is good to learn that we still have our EMS but I find it sad to see how they were bullied & railroaded.
Excuse me! The public is delighted withe the cut. Far from disappointed.
The EMS workers have to shoulder the pain of the recession just like everyone els!
No he ended the meeting with his normal attitude ” At least they still have jobs” How arrogant. Cant wait for new election. HH for Mayor.
Tyrone, can I have 30% of your pay and an additional potion towards your healthcare and see how well you support your family. wait I probably am already supporting them
I took more than a thirty percent reduction in income… Can’t you see i’m a scooperholic………!
No money for EMS but there’s money for PASSOVER
no complain on this.
Wow 44
Steve HILL FOR MAYOR YOU HAVE 1,455 VOTE
to all u air heads… langert did nothing but target and bully the eme dept into these cuts.. why is it no other dept has been required to reduce money or staff.. the other depts were given pay increases at taxpayer expense… humm. the twp was given other ways of increaseing revenue for the ems deptbut chose to ignore it… thats a stab at tax payers the comette doesnt care about the taxpayers only what they can get from them
dont graze in Lakewood anymore. Congrats to a courageous Mayor, the first in many many years to be willing to see something like this through. Now, make no mistake, these people are STILL MAKING MORE than the paid people in neighboring towns like Brick and Howell. All this accomplished was to bring their pay scale in line, not beat them up. Still, for Lakewood, its a breath of fresh air. Intimidators like that rude FMBA rep who spoke can go home – you won’t be bullying Lakewood into outrageous deals anymore. how dare he say he would tell them where to stick the contract? typical union tough. Well those days are gone, Christie called you out weeks ago and now Langert has struck a blow for sanity.
oh, and kudos to Hershel for the 20% offer. how do I get one of those ID cards? 🙂
DPW work for Passover 24 hour • 4 days
=$$$$$$.it is for the Jewish.
I will tell you why they do this-
The Way It Is says:
MARCH 25, 2010 AT 9:31 PM
Lexington Ave is shut down south bound due to 4 firetrucks lining the street including the chiefs car and a policeman with a car diverting traffic!
Can anyone explain to me:
1. Why firefighters are allowed to pull their trucks out of the station for no good reason? Where else should we put our trucks? there is no parking on any street, the parking lot is full and we are here to support our Lakewood Brothers & Sisters for the fight of their survival.
2. Why are they allowed to park wherever they choose? Hey get a grip, it happens all over town, people don’t care where they park. We as firefighters depend on the EMS and vice versa..They are there for us when we need them And WE ARE HERE FOR THEM
3. Why is there a officer diverting the traffic but not towing the trucks away? If you have any problems with the Traffic & Safety Officer that closed ONE LANE so the fire dept can come support part of their team please do me a favor..GROW UP..there are so many streets in this town you need to stop complaining about why 4 Lakewood FD trucks are parked for a meeting at the Municipal Building. Where else to you park trucks like this?? besides the firehouse..I swear some people have no regards for anyone. Its not always about YOU
4. Why is everyone scared to ask these questions? Do you see firefighters complaining when you have your car parked in front of a fire hydrant? People complain about a little detour in Lakewood..what a shock …there have been times where Route 9 has been closed in both directions for a movement, do you hear the firefighters complaining..NO. Do you see us complain when your house is on fire and we can’t get it out …NO Get a life..stop worrying about everyone else and worry about how we can survive as a town together
I bet the person complaining about the fire trucks parked on a block is the same person that complains about them parked blocking 9th st on Memorial Day. What a shock.. and for future reference..I am a Volunteer Firefighter in Lakewood, and proud of who I protect when the call comes in..well I was proud.
i guess the manager slipped when he stated that they were not touching anyone’s budget until we see what happens with EMS. I guess that proves it was a set up. In the meeting they agreed they were talking to another service. This is a direct violation of state negotiation laws. Wow another law violation – What a surprise.
Mayor was quite angry that he lost and EMS called the bluff that they did not expect and now will have to rethink there own smart growth plan. Did anyone notice how he rudly he stopped his own committeeman at the end in disrespect and slammed down the gavel so he could run.
nice job committee – Singer you start campaigning in a month or two. Wait for it. you tries to save face last night thinking about the resident on a one way street. What about your employees, no thought for them. Very obvious.
LAKEWOOD HAS TAKEN THE FIRST (OF HOPEFULLY MANY) STEPS TO BRING AN AFFORDABLE PROPERTY TAX BASED SYSTEM OF FUNDING OUR PUBLIC NEEDS. THE VERY PROBLEM THAT HAS BEEN CREATED AT ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT SPENDING IS ONE OF INDIFFERANCE. NOW WE HAVE A LEADER WHO HAS THE BACKBONE TO START A PROCESS THAT SHOULD HAVE BEGUN DECADES AGO. WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE. IF YOU CAN’T AFFORD SOMETHING IN A STORE YOU CAN’T TAKE IT. OTHERWISE IT’S CALLED SHOPLIFTING. STEVE LANGERT IS THE BEST THING THAT HAS HAPPENED FOR LAKEWOOD IN A VERY LONG TIME. I HOPE THAT JEWISH LEADERSHIP COUNCIL DOESN’T GIVE HIM THE BOOT AFTER ONE TERM.
It is time for the FBI to be called. Lakewood has sooo much growth taxes are very high and the town is broke I don’t buy it. thier is several houses the size of the lots. This town can’t be broke. That is the job of the FBI to investigate corruption.
singer dont even run, u lost my vote. hh i will get u atleast 1000 vote.
Congratulations to the EMS Dept. I know this hurt but you showed the people of Lakewood you are there for them by taking such a ridiculos pay cut. Now I have no complaint with the LPD , I think they do a terrific job, But lets see if the Twsp. Comm. will make them take a 30% pay cut. I DOUBT IT.
why is it all other towns are talking about the school budget and layoffs.It’s all over the news and newspapers.And lakewood is to busy pi cking on the ems.Come on theres more fish to fry the lakewood BOE.
You are rights cuts are needed since taxes are not being paid but cutting the people who are here to protect and serve us is not the answer. Look at bussing that is still killing this town how is that not the issue on the table?????
#59 you are so right why isn’t lakewood talking about school budget cuts.TLS needs to find out that story
Its amazing how when i type the truth about this town that it doesn’t get posted. what happen to freedom of speech, mr. editor stop trying to be so nice in the field stand up and post the truth when it gets typed. you know just as everyone else there are 2 sets of rules in this town.
Live in brick says:
MARCH 26, 2010 AT 6:24 AM
DPW work for Passover 24 hour • 4 days
=$$$$$$.it is for the Jewish.
Yes..but of course no one is talking about all the overtime pay these guys are going to be making or all the wasted fuel from the trucks sitting 24 hrs a day running so the extra garbage can be picked up..
EMS workers, God bless you for doing all that you do.
Vote for Harold Herskowitz
with the baloney. if the police dept or any other municipay worker is being overpaid compared to other municipalities then they too should be scrutinized. no one should be exempt from having their salaries adjusted to meet the current economic crisis. The mayor should be applauded for his efforts and should continue on his quest to establish an efficient running municipal government. ALL areas of municipal spending that fall under the committees jurisdiction should be under the microscope as should the school system budget by the board of education.
Are we paying for bussing while lakewood public schools are on spring break?Let the cuts begin
Here in Lakewood over 50% of the population is Jewish (maybe this is what is bothering you).
This equals over 50% of the bills are being paid by them, so I don’t think this is called undue influence by having a couple extra amenities around the majority of the population of this town. If this would happen in Brick maybe it would be due to someone having more influence then they should.
To EnoughisEnough82:
I have no idea about what trucks were or were not blocking streets last night. But based on your comments I find it wrong to have you use publicly owned equipment to come support your political views. Be my guest and come as a private citizen and express your support, but the publicly owned Fire Department (and their equipment) should not be used for this.
#70 there not paying any bills.Would you like this to happen in brick.Our public school children don’t even have school books,they cut our ems,next it’s our police dept.What about all the hard working people of lakewood that get screwed all the time
Lets talk budget cuts! You work part time You pay for your benefits. Most companies dont pay for benefits for part time employees. Lets start that with the township committee. Some committee members are getting benefits thru full time jobs or spouses. That would save the town a lot. Cut all trash pickup for private business, and yes private school is a private business. You make a profit, pay for trash pick up just you like you pay water and electricity. No more breaks! Take in more revenue by enforcing township ordanances. Your trash blows, you pick it up or get ticketed. and while im on the subject of tickets, why not ticket those buses running stop signs and driving well above the limit and ticket those that pass busses while loading and discharging those kids. Many streets in this town are low speed streets. Maybe we should have an officer sit on some of these streets and ticket those speeding and by all means those on cell phones. Just yesterday while observing the speed limit, many children were playing outside and on a 25 mph street i had a woman try to pass me on one side while a man was trying to pass me on the right. Good grief! Fine all those who’s homes and businesses that face rt 9! Look at all the garbage in these yards. Not only and eyesore but a health hazard. Not to mention what people passing thru this town think of the people that live here. Ticket them! And the buses, why are the taxpayers being burdened for you excersizing your privledge to private school your kids. Public education is provided thru the taxpayer. Public schools are cutting extracuricular activities due to budget short falls. Parents are made more responsible in providing needs such as pencils and paper for these kids. Why are the taxpayers taking on the burden of busing kids whose parents chose the PRIVLEDGE to private school. Why are the taxpayers responsible for your choices in life. Why are the taxpayers not treated equally. Times are tough and belts need to be tighten all around. We pay 40,000 to build muster zones condoning bad behavior. Yes illigal is bad behavior. Are you giving 1040’s to those illegal people you pay. What income are you hiding from the irs by paying these people cash? This income not reported, it is enabling you to collect benefits such as medicaid and food stamps? Are you furthur burdening the taxpayer by not reporting all your income? Are you furthur burdening the taxpayer by paying undocumented workers who dont pay into a system they are not paying into. Are you further burdening the taxpayer by paying someone who has no accountability to the system by providing funds to them and they inturn give these funds to slumlords who keep them here, padding their own pockets, and having no concern who they put in the house next to you. This a vicious cycle and this ball will keep rolling if the taxpayers dont cry our fraud! Fraud burdens the taxpayers!
I hope the township is proud of themselves. The EMS, is important to everyone in the town. Most of the workers are more than Emergency Medical Services. They are Registered Nurses, Paramedics with many hours of classes, to protect you. A private service, does not give you the coverage that this EMS department will give. After a couple of months you will find that a private ambulance service, will be raising their prices and in a year or two, you won’t be able to afford that service. Look at other services that have been privitized. Those costs have gone way up. We are proud of the jobs the Lakewood EMS has done. The supervisor Scott Carter, has gone above and beyond, to help keep the department. Money isn’t everything, however when you have this level of experence and concern for the people of Lakewood, it is worth a little more. 30% isn’t reasonable, if it was you could reduce all politicians and that would help the budget. We are praying for the EMS Department. All of them.
Did any one see how much the Lakewood township committee made last year, as public servants, (they are not township employees), they made $250,000 total. That includes a pension and benefits all for a part time public service. Are any of you getting a pension and benefits for your part time JOB. I think that in this ECONOMIC RECESSION the TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE should take a 50% pay cut, and give up the pension and benefits. In every other township in Ocean County their township committee DON’T even get a QUARTER OF WHAT LAKEWOOD GETS. Lets start the budget cuts from the top down.
stop the busing and let them walk , save a lot of money there, everytime you look an other school opens up , more buses( money money)
A very sad day in Lakewood
71 and on you hit the nail on the head how does everyone not see this. Instead of looking at the real issue it is cut EMT’s Fire and Cops how is that a good solution??? How come looking at the real issues is not even discussed. I agree ticket, ticket, ticket PD read this it is time to act.
#69 You only enjoy when the publicly owned fire trucks come visit your school so your kids can jump around on them like playground equiptment. I see your point.
largert campaigned on cutting down thw government. he won. thats what the voter backed, thats what the voters want . it is finally a government thats working for the people , not the people working so gov employees can get paid. i hopt he takes on the BOE next , cut their salaries down 30% and if they dont accept buss the kids out of dicstrict.
Steven Langert should be commended. Do any of the public servants believe that Langert enjoyed putting these cuts into effect? I guarantee you Mr. Langert and the rest of the commitee took no pleasure in cutting these fine individuals salaries. I know that they along with the rest of our town were thankful that the EMS agreed to the offer. The state of our economy is such that public employees need to make sacrifices as well as the private citizenry. The union should recognize, as I’m sure they do, that they are still employed. 121,000 of our fellow New Jersey residents can’t say that as of last month!
To all those commenting about the buses in this town used to transport children to & from school, please be aware of the cost this township will pay should all 30000 private school children enroll in the Lakewood Public School system. The issue of busing has been discussed ad nauseum over the years.
What I dont understand is that the Town went after EMS but allowed Franklin to purchase $800,000.00 worth of yellow trash buckets when the old one work fine.
Yes, publicly owned fire trucks for all the public’s children to jump on. Not for your own personal agenda.
Mr. Amazed 72,
Why don’t you just insert the word “Jews” that is sitting at the tip of your tongue.
Mr. Langert, you are doing a good job. Keep it up
Cut all trash pickup for private business, and yes private school is a private business AND,100+ Lakewood home business!!
You are correct, it is a privilege to send our children to private school and it is our choice, one we proudly embrace. We sacrifice for this privilege as we are double paying for education, taxes and tuition. We have no complaints. Tax dollars are collected from the tax payers and redistributed to the community. That is how taxes work. It is not the Town that pays for schooling it is each and every one of us through our tax dollars. We send them to the Government and they in exchange provide the services. One of the Education services that is provided is busing. It would be great if the Township were able to provide for all of our educational needs, however the Supreme Court ruled that “religious” education cannot be funded with tax dollars. I agree with that. However, that has no bearing on busing as busing provides no religious basis and has no conflict with Church and State. Why should my children get any less of this benefit than yours? After all they my tax dollars too. Let us not degrade ourselves into a food fight and work together to solve our towns problems… We all want improved services and lower taxes. Let’s just focus on that.
Its time to get serious about cutting the BOE budget
Thank you EMS for being the caring professionals that you are. You are to be commended for all that you do each day in ensuring the safety of people’s lives. This is a drastic cut, and yet you showed how truly devoted you are to your career and the people of Lakewood.
# 81, # 69 your comments are stupid. We who operate those trucks are also taxpayers and we see to it that those publicly owned trucks are used properly and to clarify that the trucks were at a public function representing a public agenda for the support of a public entity parked on a public street operated by the public the trucks were there to be displayed to the pulic in support of the public. It seems that the only personal agenda is from a hater like yourself. And please explain what exactly is public children. Rediculous comments u posted earlier.
To # 71
U the Man.
#83 torah truth, I private schooled my 3 children. I exercised my privlege to private school my 3 children and I drove them to and from school several towns away. It was a sacrifice, I did it the entire time they were schooled and I did it because my kids are worth it I would never have publically schooled my children especially in this town.
Steve Hill for mayor you have 20 678 vote