34

An Editorial t Replace

Counsel Ash

opinion

Herald & Lantern 6 April '83

Cape May School Board Three Different Views

Cape May County Freeholders last week unanimously (with director Anthony T Catanoso absent) voted to disregard the advice of their counsel. That's surprising because (1.) it seldom happens, and (2.) he's paid $69,000 a year to give them advice. That salary - $1,326 a week - has already been criticized. The Freeholders point out it includes secretarial and office expenses. We point out that the same secretary and office also handle Ash’s private practice, which is considerable. , We’re glad the Freeholders overrode thencounsel by agreeing to offer a long-term lease at the county airport to the Container Decorating Co. WK RE NOT GLAD that no one is able to explain why Ash suddenly started citing a 13-year-old law to object to long-term leases. Ash's refusal to talk to the press or public leaves all in the dark and fuels the rumor that politics, not legalese, lies behind this latest at tempt to detour Container Decorating. Although lawyers are sometimes called’ "mouthpieces!'’ Ash seldom opens his mouth in public That’s partly the Freeholders’ fault They choose to take full advantage of an ex cepfion to the state Qpen'Public Meetings Law that permits closed sessions anytime litigation or attorney-client privilege is involved But last Thursday’s session was a public meeting and Ash failed to show up, to the dismay of his bosses His position has already cost the county a nursery school at the airport complex Ash has been county counsel for almost a dozen years It’s time to give the job to someone who enjoys the confidence of the majority of the Board of Freeholders and who is more aware of the responsibilities of public office. And to someone willing to work for less than $69,006 . Out Readers Write Remove Policeman

To The Editor As citizens of this state, there are certain laws which we are expected to obey These include bolif state and local laws If we violate one of these laws, we are punished by fines or we are sent to jail, depending on the nature of our offense Everyone-is included in this except, apparently, the Sea Isle City Police Department A captain on the Sea Isle City Police Force on two separate occasions beat up his wife, the last time sending »her to the hospital Despite this, no action was taken by.Ehe department and this officer con tmucs to work aixTcarry a gun Had I beat up my-tuisband or vice versa. I would have been arrested and throw n in jail This case in Sea Isle City and others like it are examples of where being a cop lets you get away with breaking the law you were hired to pro tect and enforce This is totally unfair People in Sea Isle City should unite and protest until this man is removed from the force After all. how do they know he won't get angry and beat up a suspect he has arrested or. worse yet, shoot and kill one’’ This incident in Sea Isle City is further proof as to why people all over the country are losing respect for police of ficcrs After all. how can we respect (hose who are suppos ed to enforce the law hut break it instead? LUCY GANSERT Ocean View

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is o?nitted from personnel committee meetings by Anita deSatnick, when the law and school policy specifically state that he is to be included at all times. ' When Demarcst questioned this recently at an open meeting, he was subjected to verbal humiliation and snide remarks from Board President Robert LeMunyon and Vice President deSatnick. Questions from community members who attend board of education meetings go unanswered or, at best, are answered in such a manner that the public input is humiliated and certainly left with a feeling that the board members prefer us to accept all and question nothing. I HAVE ATTENDED several meetings lately and have found that LeMunyon seems to speak for all board members at all times with deSatnick echoing LeMunyon’s feelings. I have yet to hear one other member of the board of education speak openly or question the manner in which meetings are held illegally, or on policy that interferes with the effective teaching process, or financial matters that leave large questions unanswered or negotiations that effect not only staff members but our community as well, etc. etc. It appears that the orderly process of business has been disrupted by officers of the board of education using their positions as a "power play" and the remaining members are cither too intimidated by their officers or too disinterested in their responsibilities to act in an effective manner I agree: "A Change Is Really Mecessary Now " Please vote on April 12; it is very important to you and all community members

To The Editor: I am writing to explain why 1 am a candidate running for re-election on April 12 for the Cape May City Board of Education (CMCBE). A native of Cape May, I am a 1965 graduate of Lower Cape May Regional High School In 1969 I graduated from Trenton State College with a B A. degree in Early Childhood Education, and since then have earned 12 graduate credits in education. I taught for four years and have been at home with our family for 10 years, since our older son was born. I have served on the CMCBE for nine years. During my tenure, I have served on the Negotiations Team and on the Curriculum and Personnel Committees, two committees whose actions and objectives directly affect the children. I was given a vote of confidence and leadership by my fellow board members by being elected vice-president for the past three years. i» MY BACKGROUND in education and nine years of ex perienct; are valuable contributions to the CMCBE. However, the reasons I want to continue my service on the Board arc quite simple. Our two sons attend the Cape May City Elementary Schoof and. by being a board member, I have direct input to the educational processes. Also by serving on the board, I know that I am contributing to my community in my area of expertise. I feel that I am not a candidate of issues, but a candidate for better education. I have always thought as an individual. voted as an individual, and I am running as an individual for the CMCBE. I sincerely want to continue serving as a member of the CMCBE and want to be re-elected. I ask the people of Cape May to vote on April 12, but please choose your candidates wisely ANITA K DE SATNICK Cape May

MITZi BLOMKVEST Cape May (ED NOTE: Blomkvest is a school board candidate.)

To The Editor Many people from our community have asked what seems to be the problem in our school system In recent months a great deal of information has been given, through the press, to all of us, but unless we are involved on a day-to-day basis, it is difficult to determine exactly what is the cause behind all of the events reported to us My continued interest in what I consider a significant part of our community, the Cape May City Elementary School, brought me to school board meetings and to the school administrator to ask the same question, "What seems to be the problem here?” THERE ARE MANY things; however, I have come to the conclusion that it can be narrowed down to board members who are using their positions to air their own personal vendettas through board of education decisions, such as disciplinary reprisals to teachers who stand up for what they think is right and speak openly when board decisions adversely effect their profession and students they were hired to teach. As of late, when the school administrator attempts to see to it that the board of education operates in on orderly and legal manner, he. too, is placed in a position where reprisals of the board have come down in a harsh and degrading manner John Demarest (school administrator

To The Editor: It has been a distinct pleasure and indeed an honor for me to have been associated with the children of Cape May City for the last nine years as a teacher at Cape May Elementary School Their enthusiasm, spirit and dedication have been very encouraging. They, for the most part, come from fine homes with equally dedicated parents. In the past, the Cape May City Board of Education was comprised of members who were interested in all these children and their educational and recreational wellbeing. Any board of education mdst be comprised of individuals who care for all kids, as well as all members of the community. Board members must be citizens who unlerstand that board membership is not a ticket, or licenae "to grind one’s own axes." It B an opportunity to serve all people, not just one’s own children or one’s own family or friends. It is a serious responsibility in today's world. The providing for an adequate education for all, certainly would be a primary responsibility of a school board in Cape May today. But so too, it is necessary for a school board in Cape May today, to provide for adequate use of (Page 35 Please)

El Dorado Unclaimed The Mildew Monster Threatens

By JOE ZELNIK Readers may recall that I wrote my first column in December, extolling the joy of arriving in Cape May County where the roar of the ocean would lull me to sleep Since then, the whine of the wind has kept me awake Let's lie honest Winter in Cape May was like a scene from "Dr Zhivago " Many a Soviet criminal would choose the warmth and camaraderie of Siberia to the chill and solitude of Cape May County off-season l have yearned for spring the way Father Ralph lusted for Meggie on "The Thorn Birds" — silently, but with a tortured expression SPRING, I THOUGHT.^will bring warm weather and reasonable electric bills./That’s a column in itself, hut 1 can tell you that I live iri»a box-like apartment, keep the heat at 40 imy shoulders are permanently hunched from shivering i, and never used my oven, turn off the hot water tank whenever I'm gone for more than an hour, and read by candlelight Result: deep frown lines, a permanent squint, and an average monthly electric bill of $112 I can only assume that Cape May City Council, in its endless quest to save money, has somehow linked its street lighting system to my meter But spring will come, I prayed, and all will be well Then I interviewed Judy Hanson, superintendent of the county Mosquito Commission Spring, she assumed me. will certainly bring warm weather And with it, mosquitoes and mildew "MOSQUITOES in Cape May*’" I said. "Where do you live in Cape May?" she asked 1 told her. "You've got 'em." she said with obvious joy. I came for the roar of the ocean Now I learn that the buzz of the mosquito will drown it out I came for the sunset Now I find that dusk is attack time for the "Aedes solUctonfri**

Thus was born my "3rMs’’ contest: name three things that start with "M" and come with warm weather I had already heard there would be masses (of people) who would make it impossible for me to back out of the driveway. Many entered the contest, but no one picked masses, mosquitoes and mildew Sue Karaso of Court House suggested "mosquitoes, mildew and moths." Franklylike her answer better than mine. So she and her husband, Al, will be awarded second prize of dinner at the "Mad Batter" in Cape May. But first prize of a 1972 Cadillac El Dorado (needs some work) must go unclaimed. NOW I LOOK FORWARD to mildew with trepidation. Ignorance brings fear, and I know nothing about it. Mrs. Karaso warned that, although it usually grows in kitchens and bathrooms, one year it infested her carpets and covered her dining room table like a tablecloth. It sounds like a monster from a science fiction horror film. If anyone can tell me how to fight it, in the name of mercy, write or call me. Suffice to say my longing for spring and warm weather has Jaeen tempered I was so looking forward to unplugging the electric blanket and, since it only works on one side, moving over to the side of the bed near the window for a change For four months I have been wasting half a sheet. Okay, so spring may have its problems. But after spring comes summer Hot weather, women in skimpy bathing suits, sandy beaches, women in skimpy bathing suits, suntans, women in skimpy bathing suits If I can just get to summer. 1 know I can make it, 1 assured my general manager "Summer? " she sneered, her eyebrows raised, her nose wrinkled "You don't have air-conditioning, do you 9 '' How’s autumn down here 7