Cape May County Herald, 8 March 1979 IIIF issue link — Page 2

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THURSDAY, MARCH 8.1979

editorial Bradley Calls For Full Census Count

Letters To The Editor

Warning that New Jersey’s federal aid and strength in Congress will be at stake. Sen. Bill Bradley. called recently for a nonpartisan grassroots effort to get "a full count” Mr the state in the 1980 national census. Bradley also suggested swift formation of a "Stand Up and Be Counted Committee' to give New Jersey the first such statewide group in the country and a base for involvement of labor, business, civic and other key organizations. T^ie senator, in New Jersey during a week-long congressional recess,' outlined his views in a statement prepared for delivery at a news conference in the State Senate chambers hi re. "We live in the most densely populated state and we must do everything possible to see that all our residents are counted when the next national census is taken in April of 1980," Bradley said. "That population count will be crucial in determining the allocation of about $50 billion a year in federal funds under about 100 different programs tied to the census. In addition, apportionment of seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and state legislatures will hinge on this tally "A full count m New Jersey is essential if our state is to receive its rightful share of federal financial assistance and continue to be entitled to 15 congressional seats. "We cannot afford to have a repeat of the 1970 census when, according to the Census Bureau, a significant number of New Jersey residents went uncounted. But it could happen again — and worst — unless we alert all New Jerseyans to the importance of the census and persuade them to cooperate completely when they receive a questionnaire or a visit by a census-taker. "Achieving these goals will require lead time, and I suggest we get started immediately by creating a statewide ‘Stand Up and Be Counted Committee’ that can enlist the support of citizens all over New Jersey in the next 13 months. “This committee could mobilize the resources of business, labor, civic, social and religious organizations in a sustained drive while helping local officials contact residents in

their area. The statewide committee also would work closely with the U.S. Census Bureau and New Jersey’s Office of Demographic Analysis. Volunteer groups, students and teachers could be asked to take part in large numbers to minimize expenses. “In short, we need a nonpartisan grassroots effort if we are going to protect our state’s interests. Rural communities and urban neighborhoods are traditionally hard to enumerate, and the Census Bureau estimates that in 1970 it failed to count almost 8 percent of the U.S. black population and many HispanicAmericans. "The consequences of a major undercount i . New Jersey could be severe. "Federal revenue sharing funds, for example, are distributed through a formula that includes population and per capita income statistics collected by the census for 39,000 localities. Any area with an undercount will be in danger of losing some of the money it deserves - for years. "Or consider a few of the other huge program involved: "Aid for Elementary and Secondary Education. The amount of money allotted to counties under several titles will depend on census-derived material showing how many children aged 5 to 17 live in poor families or in homes where English is not spoken. "Public Works and Countercyclical Aid. Whether or not areas qualify for assistance will turn on the number of residents who are unemployed or have low income growth - information provided in the census. "Community Economic Development Grants. Allocation of funds is largely contingent on housing data collected in -the

"Comprehensive Employment Training Assistance. Eligibility for this aid is based on unemployment statistics, including those obtained in the census, and the level of population. "With stakes so high, the census would be critical enough. But in addition to the billions of dollars that will be on the line, we must prevent a population undercount to keep a 15-member delegation in the House of Representatives.

Fire Dept. Had Two Busy Weeks

To the Editor: Twice within an eight day period, members of the Avalon Volunteer Fire Department were called tb service in potentially disastrous situations in what will someday be called "The Blizzard of ’79." The Department provided numerous emergency functions throughout the course ‘ of the

storm and its aftermath, as well Fire Chief Richard E. Dean. In as being on hand to aid as rising the initial stages of the storm.

tides and flood waters imperiled the low lying sections of the

Borough.

On Monday. February 19, just minutes after electric power was lost to the entire town,the Avalon Volunteer Fire Department was called to stand-by. by order of

Farewell To A Friend

UPROOTH)

To the Editor:

Everyone in Stone Harbor knew George. Those that didn’t Cape May Thank You

To the Editor:

Because I am very grateful for the help I received from the Chief and Captain of law enforcement in the City of Cape May. I want to thank these two men publicly. Thank you Chief Eugene Velli for your great help and courtesy. Thank you Captain Frank Francesconi for solving the curb problem and your very efficient

help recently.

Your courtesy and kindness to me is deeply appreciated. I will always be grateful.

Joann Weeks

Heart Assn. Says Thanks

To the Editor:

On behalf of the American Heart Association South Jersey Shore Chapter Officers and Board of Directors, we extend our grateful thanks to all who helped to make the 2nd Annual Valentine’s Party at Neil’s a success. Most especially our thanks to Neil Gordon for his generosity and delicious buffet. To "Now and Then" who provided the wonderful ifcusic which was enjoyed by the over 500 people who attended. A special thanks to those who donated door and merchandise prizes, all who sold and bought tickets, the newspaper, radio and television coverage, and all who in anyway participated in making almost $5,000. Most of all, our thanks to the committee and sponsor without which this could not have been the great success it was: Bill Henfey, Chairman, Robert J. Furey. D.O., Honorary Chairman, Wilbur and Betty Ostrander. Publicity and sponsored by the Wildwood Crest Volunteer Ambulance Corps Ladies Auxiliary, especially Rose Osborn, President. Barbara Ann Flacco, Ginger Osborn and Ginny

Posternock.

The American Heart Association is the only organization of its kind totally dedicated to fighting the nation’s leading killer — heart and blood vessel disease. This money will help support heart research, public and professional education and community service. Samuel J. Kligerman 1979 Campaign Chairman Joseph Crouch; Jr. * Chairman of the Board Energy Comments

To the Editor:

the energy situation is finally getting clear. We can either have continued government intervention with crises, shortages, sacrifice and possible rationing, or we can decontrol the oil industry and allow free markets to bring adequate supplies and long range solutions.

had to be new in town. His store was a favorite place to begin a conversation, pick up a bit of ’ benign gossip, or just chat with George himself. You could almost count on him being there everyday, on time, and com- ,

plaining about something. If it ^was assigned wasn’t the magazines, the world, Headquarters to

today’s undisciplined youth, or his lovely wife Pat, then you knew that George was either ill or preoccupied with one of those magazines that he coveted back on that little desk to the left of his

register.

Everyone that wasn’t deaf knew George was a Marine, and proud of it. Perhaps, they didn’t all agree with him on his outspoken opinions concerning the Marines and how the youth of today don’t know what it is to be proud of the land they live in, but only ignorance could explain disrespect for one of the few surviving members of the famous World War II Carlson’s Raiders. It was his greatest moment. He was a hero, and like the very few that managed to survive, he couldn't quite forget it. His unit, which was nearly wiped out, was awarded the highest commendation by the President of the United States. Even when my mind was pre*occupied, I listened to George and his frequent reminiscing. After all, he was a human being and he had needs just like the rest of us. In fact, George Hankins was more than just a human being. He was unique, and there’s never going to be another quite

like him.

I'm going to miss him. (Name withheld by request)

while roads were still passable to four wheel drive vehicles, Fire Department members ‘ in personally owned vehicles ferried emergenev services personnel to Police ana Fire Headquarters. Later the personal vehicles of Fire Department members pressed into service as the streets

were plowed.

With Civil Defense coordination (under the direction of Civil Defense Director, Police Chief Joseph E. Foley) the evacuation of those persons without heat or electricity who had called and requested transportation, was begun. Fire Captain Joseph P. Breslin Jr.

to Police direct this

evacuation, which required the use of snow removal equipment together with four wheel drive vehicles supplied by Fire

Department members.

Also, available Fire Department four wheel drive vehicles transported nurses, doctors and

assisted on ambulance calls.

Again, on Monday, February 26, in the early morning hours, Fire Department members voluntarilly reported to assist in the possible evacuation of the Borough as the tide rose and flooding began in the rain choked streets. Members who volunteered their services and four wheel drive vehicles began a door-to-door warning of citizens along with members of the Police Department and prepared to move fire apparatus to higher ground. Fire Chief Dean, in his personal vehicle began sizing up the possibility of an extremely

high tide, checking what streets would be accessible to fire ap-

paratus.

Once again the Avalon Volunteer Fire Department proved that it is always ready to serve the community whenever, disaster or threat of disaster

strikes.

Lt. John T. Fallon, Firefighter Wayen E. Dean Avalon Vol. Fire Dept. Letters To The Editor Continued on Ptjte 7

CAPE MAY COUNTY

Hfralft

Largest Circulation In The County

Oldest Free Weekly In The County

Oor Thirteenth Year Serving Cape May County P.O. Box O 27tt Dune Drive Avalon, N J. 0S202 Phone H7-3312 947-7209 Published Every Thursday By the Seawave Corporation Darrall Kapp Editor ond Publl.W Bill Sh jrman Sport! Editor J. A. Cunningham Foaturo Wrltor Choryl Croon Foaturo Wrltor Rotor Dunno Columnltt Chariot P. Latnoy Columnist Choryl Croon Graphics Contributor Gall Carlno Advortlslng Graphics Noon A Photos Monday-5 p.m. Advortlslng Spaco Bosorvation .... Monday. 5 p.m. Advertising Copy Tuesday-Noon Classified Advertising Tuesday - Noon Subscriptions — $7.00 PER YEAR Neither participating advertisers nor the publishers of the HERALD vriy bo responsible or liable for misinformation, misprints, typographical errors, etc., in any Issue. The editor reserves the right to edit any letter or articles submitted for publication.

C.A. Haverly