To the editor

With the coming of spring each year, we see the birds return and plans being to flower. Also in May each year, thousands of Memorial Poppies appear throughout New Jersey in the hands of volunteers representing the American Legion.

The tradition of the poppy as a memorial flower for America’s war dead began following World War I. Veterans returning home remembered the poppies, which lived in the devastated battle fields of France. The poppy became a living symbol of their dead comrades’ sacrifices. It was immortalized by a Canadian officer, Col. John McCrea, in his poem, "In Flanders Fields."

These flowers are more than a symbol, however. Handmade by veterans in V.A. facilities they provide therapy and aid in their rehabilitation. Traditionally, poppies have never been sold for a set price. All donations are gratefully accpeted and used in the local community for veterans’ rehabilitation activities and to help needy veterans and their families.

We hope that when an auxiliary volunteer asks, "Will you wear a poppy, please?" residents will show they care about our veterans by accepting a poppy graciously, making a generous donation, pausing a moment during a busy day to pin it on and wear it proudly.

Carolyn Hunt

American Legion Unit 58

Vote of confidence for Bowman

To the editor

My husband and I are seniors who have resided in Englewood for the past 40 years. As community activists, we have established a long and effective relationship with Chief David Bowman in helping to keep our neighborhood safe.

Over the years, Bowman has personally attended several Four Square Block Association meetings and Federation of Block Association gatherings to address and resolve policing concerns of our community, with good results.

Throughout his tenure, Bowman an Englewood resident, has been no stranger to the citizens of our town and has exemplified the dignity and character that endears him to us all. He has been acquitted of the inflated charges brought against him and rightly so.

Furthermore, the "no confidence" vote by a segment of the police force should have no baring on Bowman’s return to his position or his tenure. Police officers are public servants and are expected to continue to perform their duties as such. Just imagine what would happen if our Armed Forces were permitted a "confidence vote" for or against their commander-in-chief to determine if he should remain in office. In all likelihood, we would have an "interim" president sitting in the White House right now.

Carrie Sellers

Former President of Federation of Block Associations, Englewood

Keep the children in mind

To the editor

As a lifelong resident, a graduate of Northern Valley Old Tappan with both children educated here and married to a teacher in the district, I am a stake-holder concerned about the current debate about advanced placement tests. Memory of the precise curriculum has faded, but clearly my AP classes, and my son’s, primed us for subsequent work at college; hence I have followed this issue with much interest.

I am concerned that the strong dissent and criticism of the administration may distract attention from the value of the AP program, which not only prepares students for real work at the university but also proffers college credit at a rate of $27.66 per credit, given the current $83 cost of an AP exam; a substantial discount. The rigor of the program is critical to its acceptance by the colleges and testing is critical to the rigor of the program.

Perhaps the controversy reflects the conflicts regarding education policy, generally. Pressure to achieve and confused metrics are but examples. And why would this district be immune to these general trends? In fact, dissent is positive for when views are aired, a new consensus may be found. And the need for careful planning and more community involvement is a lesson that cannot be lost by the administration in this case.

But opportunities for positive effect will be lost if we do not keep our eye on the prize. For while it is good to be advocates for our children, at the same time we should match efforts to pursue that personal concern with efforts that continue to support our schools and thereby focus on the heart of things; the students and their development.

Edward Curtis

Harrington Park

Supporting Ken Rosenzweig

To the editor:

I am proudly supporting Ken Rosenzweig for re-election as 1st Ward Councilman for the city of Englewood. Ken has done a fantastic job in his first two and a half years and we need to keep him on the council. He has finally gotten the city's budget under control. This year's tax increase is only 3.2 percent, one of the lowest in a decade. He has worked to reduce the size of the city government, helping save taxpayers millions of dollars. As the past president of the Englewood Board of Education, the Community Chest and the League of Women Voters I have had ample opportunity to hone my skills in recognizing quality leadership such as Ken's.

He has been accessible and a resource for the citizens of our city. He has run numerous first ward meetings addressing issues such as gang awareness and traffic control as well as general concerns. As City Council President he has increased the public's input into city governance by allowing the public to speak before the council vote, instead of the old way where citizens couldn't speak until after the council had voted on an issue.

But most important of all Ken will continue to be an independent voice for the people of Englewood. In sharp contrast to his opponent in this primary election, he has not been an employee on the political payroll of our city's mayor nor beholden to out of town political bosses who seek to control the puppet strings of those they push onto the ballot.

Lorraine Cohen

Englewood

Lead story missed facts

To the editor

Thank you for your recent coverage of the recent Cresskill Public School 2008-2009 budget defeat. I particularly appreciated your recognition in the editorial, that the Cresskill Public School budget proposal was one of the more "fiscally responsible" budgets. As always, we prepared it carefully and conservatively. Our proposed tax levy increase of 3.55 percent was below the 4 percent tax levy increase limit imposed on school districts by the state.

The lead story contained some errors. This year’s budget defeat was the second budget defeat, not third as was reported. We never boasted that our proposed budget was one of the lowest in the Northern Valley, we simply compared our tax levy proposal to all of the Northern Valley proposed tax levy proposals and found that our tax levy proposal was near the bottom. As a public service you may want to make the same comparison in your paper next year. We weren’t boasting we were simply stating a fact.

Finally I agree with the sentiments of your editorial. The voters have spoken in Cresskill for two consecutive years. Reductions were made in the school district last year and perhaps more significant reductions will be made again this year. It is easy to say that we should not impact programs but even a cursory examination of our budget would demonstrate that there is little else left to reduce. You do however leave out some other important facts.

In Cresskill, school spending comprises only one of the contributing factors in local property tax bills. Municipal spending and county spending, neither of which requires the approval of voters, account in Cresskill as in most Northern Valley communities, for almost 40 percent of the local property tax bill. Our proposed tax levy increase was 3.55percent, the borough has proposed a 9.45 percent tax levy increase and the county it appears, has proposed an increase of over 7 percent. School spending in Cresskill has been kept in check and now will be reduced further. The solution to the problem that you identify in your editorial must be arrived at by all. It does no good to hold the spending of one entity in check while one or both of the others do not have the same restrictions. The savings that might be realized by the economy of one entity could easily be eroded by the spending of one or both of the other two entities. Perhaps the fairest way to do so would be to require all budgets to be voted on by the taxpayers. That is an idea that I’m certain would receive the support of all those associated with running the schools. This is just a thought.

The taxpayers of Cresskill should know that your voices have been heard again, and action will be taken.

Charles Khoury

Cresskill superintendent

Voters should think of the future

To the editor

As an educator in the Northvale Schools, I would like to address last week’s article regarding the unfortunate budget defeat in Northvale. I would like to begin with a quote from the anonymous resident who stated "They got more than they are entitled to and they think they did us a favor by adding 10 minutes to the day," she said. To begin, I am not sure who this resident is referring to when she says "us", however it is the children that will reap the benefits of more instruction time, and by no means it is a "favor". We are professional educators and it is our job to ensure children receive the best education possible. The next quote, "They should not be rewarded for the way they treated the children while they had no contracts." First, there was no "reward", there was a mutual agreement reached between The Northvale Education Association and Northvale Board of Education. Yes, we did work under an expired contract; however we continued to go above and beyond for all the children in Northvale. The children were by no means ever treated differently. I hope you can now understand how important children and education are to me, and my colleagues. I am a teacher because I truly love my job and the 19 children I greet every morning. I hope next April the voters in Northvale will think of our future, that is, the students in Northvale when they cast their votes.

Dianne M. Smith

Harrington Park