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(Bbr Beralft

THURSDAY, APRIL 26,1979

Proposes Jury Changes

CMCH Capo May County Sheriff Beech N. Fox said today ho will altompt to pain broad public support for a movement to press the \ew Jersey Legislature for faster action in rectifying serious problems involving the present Jury systems. The Sheriff said that the time has come for all citizens who have ever son od on the petit or grand juries in New Jersey to join with all other voters who v ould be eligible for jury sen ice. and along with concerned public officials m demanding top priority attention from the Legislature Fox,said he is urging a massive letter writing campaign in addition to having contacted District Legislators. ressing some of the specific major problems. Fox said that in Cape Hay Countv a proposal made recently by him to the . Board of Freeholders to provide lor a Jury Assembly Boom has been acted on with this problem to be resolved in the not too distant future The other problems must be solved at the state level by the legislature. Fox said, who made the laws under which the jury system operates, including who is to serve, how they are chosen, what they are paid, and compensation amounts for mileage Fox continued, saying that one of the greatest problems being created which currently outdated jury laws is the ever increasing number of per sons who discontinue voting, or never register to vote, in order to avoid being called for jury duty Fox said that most of these people greatly dislike having to give up their voting franchise, but feel even stronger about the current inconveniences and expenses of having to serve as a juror There are lulls currently •pending in the legislative system that would cure much of this by greatly .expanding the pool of prospective jurors. Fox

said. Instead of just picking persons who as good citizens go to the polls to vote, only to end up seemingly singled out for punishment as the only group required to serve on the jury, the sheriff said, our massive campaign would be to force the legislature to act on pending bills which would allow* jurors to be selected from rtotor vehicle drivers and registration lists and local property assessment rolls in addition to the voter registration lists. "This would obviously increase the prospective juror pool by thousands of persons, all of who would serve only rarely, and it would be of no benefit to avoid voting.'' the sheriff continued. "As to juror compensation and mileage, the current and obviously outdated rates of J5 per day and two cents per mile are an insult, as all will agree.’’ Fox said, "and although current legislation is proposed that will help solve this .problem, more consideration may have to Ik* given to a form of a financial escalator which will keep juror fees realistic as time goes on.” Sheriff Fox further stated that public support should also lie given for pending jury legislation in the form of Senate Bill S141 sponsored by Senator Cafino "This bill is especially important to the senior'citizens." Fox said. "Jurors are currently eligible up until the age of 70 Paradoxically, many seniors have marginal health or money problems and do not want to serve, while others over 70 and in gowi health wish that they could Senator CaHero’s bill will solve both problems by making juryservice optional Ijetween the ages of 65 and 75." Fox stated "I also hope that anyone with any thoughts. > questions or' suggestions will write to me or call at the Cape May County 'Sheriff’s Department. Cape May Court House. N J 06210. The telephone is «609) 465-7111 ext. 346.

Letters To The Editor

white DeVico Praised For Actions

Support Asked Dear Sir: On Tuesday. May 8. the people of Avalon wMI go to the polls to elect a Mayor and Borough Council. Itisa duty and a privilege to cast our ballots wisely for those candidates we consider best suited to conduct our Municipal business. As candidates for the Office of Mayor, we have the present incumbent Ellsworth % Armacost. Commissioner Owen Quinn and Mr Thoms J White. Of these three candidates there is one for whom I shall not vote, although I have done so three times in the past. That one is Ellsworth Armacost. He has. I feel, been in office long enough-perhaps too long Voters should also recall the storm of protest that arose last summer when parking meters were installed on Dune Drive. Armacost denied having signed the ordinance allowing meters, but I saw a bona fide copy of the ordinance and his signature was on it Perhaps Armacost has signed so many papers that he didn't recall. However, these meters are now in storage, their purchase having cost taxpayers well over $40,000. Avalon needs as Mayor a man with executive ability, imagination and good common sense Thomas J. White. Sr., whose business experience and acumen recommend him highly is such a man. Avalon needs White, not a whitewash. W. Wallace Smith Keep Armacost In To The Editor: It is the feeling of most of us that Mayor Armacost should be re-eletled because he is the only one that has had experience in the Borough of Avalon affairs and problems. Due to the fact that we are beginning a new form of government with all hewly elected councilpersqns, plus a / Manager. Mayor Armacosi's "know how" in our particular borough affairs would be invaluable to our new administrators. Campaign promises are easily made but not easily fulfilled, especially when dealing with a group of newly elected and appointed officials and the majority rules. Mayor Armacost has proven that he has always done his utmost to benefit the Borough of Avalon and we can feel assured that he will continue to do so when he is re-elected. Let's not put "all" new people into handling our Borough. Let’s keep in mind the old saying. "Make new friends, keep the old: one is silver the other is gold.” Vote for Mayor Armacost to be re-elected for Mayor. -Roy Blackledge Citizens for the Re-Election of Mayor Ellsworth Armacost

To the Editor: Dear Mr. Mayor (call me Sam) DeVico; At a time when most conscientious leaders are trying to serve the people, it seems that they can’t even get an "E" for effort - however, the folks and I who brought to your attention a “Drainage Problem” on Rte 9,3rd, 4th & Hereford St. want to thank you publicly for the "Quick" services rendered by your Roads Department personnel. This action not only served homeowners in the area many frustrating weeks but I personally saved $15 on my electric bill now that my eternal sump pump lias stopped Mayor Armacost Indispensable? To The Editor: Two letters to the Herald recently extolling Mayor Armacost ’s experience and service, in my humble opinion require corrective comment. First let us address the seven day service comment, of Citizens to Reelect. The snow storm of 1978 was clcaned-up by then Commissioners Bruce and Riggal who worked long hours and have since departed the scene. Mayor Armacost was in Florida. One elected official. Owen Quinn was visible during the 1979 snow storm and again Mayor Armacost was in Florida. So the seven day service could be better analyzed as 75 percent service due to absenteeism. Concerning experience and knowledge about past and current details of government, it is all too apparent at the Commissioner’s meetings that questions relative to budget, expenditures and cost are referred to the accountant. I have been present at all but one meeting since August. At the last commissioner’s meeting, December 1978, the telephone budget was question. $50,550 was budgeted and bills listed as paid for 1978 totaled $25,089. When questioned about toll calls, especially those made after office hours, answers were not forthcoming. To what account was the excess $25,461 transferred? Corrective action was recommended, but to date none initiated. Does the above indicate good management or fiscal economy? I think not. Additional examples of budgeted money not being spent for the listed intent but diverted to other uses, areon record. The above few facts can be augmented by many others to indicate we have been mismanaged, overtaxed and misled in some cases for the past eight years. William King Candidate for Councilman-at-large 238 64th SI. Avalon 967-4948

draining - and I'm sure the area has saved the electric company many unnecessary kilowatt hours - that have been wasted since the February snow and rain storms. I would also like to thank the Owen Taylors, Hands, Riskys, Wrights, Monaghams, Elisanis, Spaldings & Docherty’s and others. And especially Mrs. Virginia Kwasniesk,

for her sincere and kind cooperation in resolving a neighborhood water problem. Again, in closing we wish to thank you, and like CUR and Edith Spalding keeps teUing us, (Lorc^thankyou for small favors) - God Bless you Sam. Sincerely, A1 Bernardo 509 Hereford Cape May Court House

Armacost Says Thanks TotheEditor: At this time, I have been I would like to take this assured that Marion is

opportunity to personally express my gratitude to the many friends of my wife, Marion. It is heartwarming to know that so many have her recovery in mind; which they have shown by sending her get well cards, flowers, and gifts, as well as by offering prayers during her stay in Burdette Tomlin Memorial Hospital. My gratitude goes out, as well, to Dr. Redolfo 1 Garcia, Dr. Robert Sorenson and all the personnel of the hospital for their dedicated service during her stay.

doing well and should be able to return to our Avalon home within several weeks. I know there are two others at home, besides myself, that will be happy to see her - our two dogs Gidget and Mac. The people who have Marion’s recovery in their minds and hearts are people who mean much to both of us. Thank you all, from the bottom of our hearts. Sincerely, Ellsworth Armacost Avalon

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