Post by admin on Jan 3, 2009 10:22:55 GMT -5
This time of the year, people reflect on the past and try to predict the future. This is a good time to review our strengths and make them work for us that much more. It is also a time to look in the mirror at our faults and resolve to improve where we need to.
This thread is a wish list for what we want to see in our town this coming year. I will add my own list, but welcome anything that others may add. My wish list is based on both the faults and strengths of this town. 2008 was a good year in the borough, and I believe we can make 2009 an even better one.
1. Down Town redevelopment- this is an appropriate list topper. I hope that the new year brings a lot of progress in this area. I hope that dialog and governing body actions will be open and transparent. I hope the people of this town pay attention and give any and all feedback. Our town is a good place. I believe most sane people will recognize that we have so much potential. All of us, as a community, should strive to fulfill that potential.
2. Recreation- This is one of the least discussed topics, yet it is a very crucial issue for any community. Our Rec commission does a lot with very little. I would like to see more support for recreation in this town. One idea is to have a voter referendum placed on the ballot for next year, giving voters the opportunity to approve a recreation tax that would raise and set aside much needed money for this vital issue.
3. Music and Arts- related to both the recreation issue and down town development, I would love to see more emphasis on bringing in and enhancing arts and music in the borough. I am aware that there are several possible initiatives under way so this could become a reality.
4. Bring back Olde Freehold Day and San Genaro!
5. Budget review- I would love to see the governing body allow an independent citizens group to look at and make suggestions as to how to cut waste out of the municipal budget. This could be modeled after what was done at the county level, which was a success. And no, I am not volunteering, I would not be a good candidate for this. also think the schools should consider this idea too.
6. Education- This is such a crucial issue. Nothing against our BOE or the people in the public schools, but I believe we all need to seek alternatives. Our town has a history of impressive education. I would like the idea to be brought up in public arena to bring another private school to our town. With that, we also need a voucher system, in place. The new private school would have to be non religious, would ease the burdens on the public schools, and aid in boosting the quality education in our town via competition. The first advantage is that a private school would not be subjected to all the dumb mandates from the state and would take education out of the hands of the teachers unions. Both of those measures alone would save tons of money.
7. Build Unity In our Community- This idea is found under all of my posts. It is something I believe in and think is happening. This will come about with some of the really good initiatives from the NPC, CIC, and many other people who are positive, community minded people. So many always talk about the diversity in our town. Diversity is a fact of life. I believe it is far more impressive when a small town like ours can boost town spirit and come together for all the right reasons. I know there are more plans in the future that will build our town spirit and show off how great the people here are. I am optimistic that we will see much more of this in the coming year.
This thread is a wish list for what we want to see in our town this coming year. I will add my own list, but welcome anything that others may add. My wish list is based on both the faults and strengths of this town. 2008 was a good year in the borough, and I believe we can make 2009 an even better one.
1. Down Town redevelopment- this is an appropriate list topper. I hope that the new year brings a lot of progress in this area. I hope that dialog and governing body actions will be open and transparent. I hope the people of this town pay attention and give any and all feedback. Our town is a good place. I believe most sane people will recognize that we have so much potential. All of us, as a community, should strive to fulfill that potential.
2. Recreation- This is one of the least discussed topics, yet it is a very crucial issue for any community. Our Rec commission does a lot with very little. I would like to see more support for recreation in this town. One idea is to have a voter referendum placed on the ballot for next year, giving voters the opportunity to approve a recreation tax that would raise and set aside much needed money for this vital issue.
3. Music and Arts- related to both the recreation issue and down town development, I would love to see more emphasis on bringing in and enhancing arts and music in the borough. I am aware that there are several possible initiatives under way so this could become a reality.
4. Bring back Olde Freehold Day and San Genaro!
5. Budget review- I would love to see the governing body allow an independent citizens group to look at and make suggestions as to how to cut waste out of the municipal budget. This could be modeled after what was done at the county level, which was a success. And no, I am not volunteering, I would not be a good candidate for this. also think the schools should consider this idea too.
6. Education- This is such a crucial issue. Nothing against our BOE or the people in the public schools, but I believe we all need to seek alternatives. Our town has a history of impressive education. I would like the idea to be brought up in public arena to bring another private school to our town. With that, we also need a voucher system, in place. The new private school would have to be non religious, would ease the burdens on the public schools, and aid in boosting the quality education in our town via competition. The first advantage is that a private school would not be subjected to all the dumb mandates from the state and would take education out of the hands of the teachers unions. Both of those measures alone would save tons of money.
7. Build Unity In our Community- This idea is found under all of my posts. It is something I believe in and think is happening. This will come about with some of the really good initiatives from the NPC, CIC, and many other people who are positive, community minded people. So many always talk about the diversity in our town. Diversity is a fact of life. I believe it is far more impressive when a small town like ours can boost town spirit and come together for all the right reasons. I know there are more plans in the future that will build our town spirit and show off how great the people here are. I am optimistic that we will see much more of this in the coming year.
