Letter: Twp. Budget Cuts Set 'Tone for Change'

To The Editor:

It takes true leadership to bear an unpopular decision despite knowing the decision needs to be made. The Wyckoff Township Committee has exhibited such leadership by passing a resolution to reduce the 2010-2011 school budget by almost $500K. Unprecedented is their response to the dynamics adversely impacting the delivery of educational services.

Costs forced upon us taxpayers due to state mandates and collective bargaining concessions have been increasing exponentially. Interest groups receiving their financial sustenance from tax revenue have gained inordinate political power and scared the public into believing that taking a hard line on taxes would mean doomsday for our children, our schools and our welfare. Until recently, we've dealt with a lavish collaboration between elected officials and unionized state workers procured by taxpayer dollars.

At this time, Wyckoff can benefit from both the state and local governing bodies who believe that government should work for citizens, not citizens should work for government. The Wyckoff Township Committee has set the tone for positive change in our community.  I believe our Board of Education is capable to continue the evolution.

We have qualified people on the BOE who can review the programs and services in our district and discern what is integral to maintain Wyckoff's high quality educational program while working to eliminate programs and services that don't contribute to our children's education. They will engage in union contract negotiations this fall. Trenton is already working toward eliminating aspects of the collective bargaining process superfluous to our children's educational experience. Perhaps New Jersey will learn from the mistakes made in California and exercise the same rights Colorado has through its efforts to overhaul their educational system.

I commend the Wyckoff Township Committee for taking a bold step toward educational reform and encourage the Board of Education to continue the pace. 

Rich Bonsignore

Wyckoff Homeowners Alliance