Yes We Can!!

ORAYYY!!Check out the AC Press today!! There is a photo of us with friends in the printed version!!!

"There were cheers too in the Millville home of Mark and Carolyne Krull, at their little election party. The six guests all supported Obama, for reasons both domestic and foreign.
"What is important to me also is the way other countries look at us," said musician Robert Price, known locally as Sitar Bob. "Other countries will be more willing to talk to us if it isn't just another guy from the old, white, rich oil club."

Linda Tawes, wife of Millville artist Dennis Tawes, saw Obama's campaign composure as a testament to his character.
"The way he did it, he didn't fight back. He didn't get aggressive," she said. "He sounded more like a human being than anyone else I've heard in a long time."
And Obama's racial identity, all said, had nothing to do with their support.

Carolyne Krull pointed to Obama's message of change - and the eloquence with which he delivered it - as one of the main reasons he got her vote.
"It makes you feel like you're living in an important moment in history," she said. "It's visceral. I don't know what it is, but it does."

Election Day 4pm

Its Election Day at 4pm and I can not concentrate. I hope this tracking poll is correct. I wonder how the Rep Candidates are going to do or if Big Lou will be kind of Cumberland County. We shall see.

Millville's Budget

The City has been developing a financial plan over the past 4 years and it is finally falling into place. The city conducted a land sale to NJMS that helped decrease the debt service, eliminated 7 positions through attrition, used some surplus (as directed by the state), decreased overtime by 8% , used $425,000 of PILOT payments, UEZ funds to pay for infrastructure improvements and to pay for 80% of the salaries of (5) police and (4) firefighters and several other cost saving measures. The increase in rateables also increased the value of a penny from $140,000 to $145,000. We are also faced with contracts with Council 18, PBA, Superior Officers and the Administrative unit. Mr. Porecca questioned the increase in legal which was funny since part of the increase is because of his 2 lawsuits against the city! They really were hard pressed to say anything – but that never stops them – because the municipal rate in 2006-07 was $1.14 and in 2009 it is $1.13.

Millville Board of Education Meeting

David Sciarra, executive director of Education Law Center, spoke at the Millville Board of Education meeting last nite and he did NOT paint a pretty picture. He spoke about the lack of a long-term capitol plan. Yes, Millville got money for a new school but those funds are out and there is no plans by the legislature to allocate more funds. The 2nd topic was "High School Redesign". Pressure from colleges and corporations was put on the legislature to mandate that ALL students would have to take chemistry, Algebra I and II and geometry. Mr. Sciarra was concerned that this would cause more drop outs and this is the LAST thing we need to happen here in Millville!
The AC Press covered the meeting last nite

"Lastly, he said, is the future of state funding for Abbott Districts and Millville."

"With a new funding formula, one that sees a change in name for Abbott Districts and less state funding, Millville, which depends on the state for 80 percent of its funding, would not see an increase in aid in either 2010 or 2011, despite having to mandate new programs that will cause costs to escalate."

Millville, he said, is not alone. He told the board to remain informed and to keep the public informed about everything it's facing.

Nov 3rd the Day Before

I am at work in this photo that was take Nov 3rd.

Just Say NO to Trees

This is very sad. I lived in West Philly where trees were WELCOMED! Here is an article from November 3rd Daily Journal.
"City officials suspended a state program that would plant about 1,100 trees in Center City after some residents complained about the new trees on their property."

Alexander McCartney, a state forester who coordinated the program in Millville and Vineland, said the contractors stopped after planting 480 trees between 3rd and 10th streets. The state planned to install about 1,100 new trees in Center City Millville, he said.

"This is the first time a municipality asked to stop the program, McCartney said."

A source explained the problem and how the city handled it:

"I agree but the person from the state said we had 300 trees now the number is 1000 and he did not notify the property owners. People were coming home and had trees in their yards. People who responded that they did not want them were forced to take them – one person had the police called on them because he refused the trees and he was told by the state that he had to take them. The city is taking a step backwards and will start the program again with better communication to the residents"

November 1st in Fortesque NJ

Nov 1st was a glorious Fall day to be on the bayside to enjoy the weather. We took the dogs and ourselves to Fortesque and had a nice time.