After reading the front page article of the Sept. 23 issue titled “Ghosts and goblins may not haunt this year,” I had to write in.
I cannot believe the claims and comments that come out of Town Council President Stephen Acropolis’ mouth, the latest that “he didn’t know that a Halloween celebration would not take place” this year. It was his Republican Party platform to eliminate HalloweenFest, reduce the number of SummerFest concerts, as well as significantly raise the rates of many Brick Recreation programs to make them self-funding in order to keep the tax rate stable. Does he forget his winning platform already?
He claims that he “thought the township was seeking alternative funding for this event, as well as others.” What does he mean, “he thought?” I find it hard to believe that Acropolis, as the council president, who presides over council meetings, doesn’t know what funding is being pursued for various town projects or programs, since the Republican Party made bringing the budget under control such an issue in their campaign as the “Taxpayer Team.” In addition, when these programs were proposed to be cut by the Republicans to keep their promise to stabilize taxes, it was always reported as Republicans saying that alternate funding would be sought, as even the Republicans recognized these were popular events with Brick residents. Whose responsibility is it to seek alternate funding?
Acropolis seems to indicate that it is the mayor alone who is responsible for soliciting contributions saying “if you wanted to do it, you’d raise the money to do it.” Well, I say the same to you Mr. Acropolis.
I would be amazed if just once, I could open the paper and read about a bipartisan, collective effort to work together for what is best for Brick Township residents based on what we, the residents, say. If HalloweenFest was a priority, it would have appeared on a council agenda before Sept. 14 and perhaps more than a passive, letter-writing campaign by the administration could have been implemented. It is amazing what creative fund-raising events are planned when it is to fund the Republican or Democratic campaigns, but the best we could do for HalloweenFest was write letters?
I agree with Councilwoman Ruthanne Scaturro that HalloweenFest doesn’t necessarily have to cost $25,000 — but to eliminate it completely is a shame for the children of Brick. According to Acropolis, the mayor is solely responsible for putting on these events. Why? Why is it so difficult for Acropolis to be a team player and work with the mayor for the common good?
The Republicans won on a platform of “stable taxes” and successfully achieved that by eliminating programs and raising the cost of others. Although I do not agree with the choices made, I would have respect for Acropolis if even once he soundly defended his budget decisions and accepted the “flak” when complaints are voiced.
Acropolis: What’s next? Take ownership of your decisions and be accountable. I am embarrassed by the lack of teamwork between the council and the mayor and Acropolis’ complete lack of respect shown to the mayor — the latest swipe being the surprise “treat” of videotaping the council meeting. Would it have been so difficult to have notified the mayor in advance of the decision to have the meeting videotaped, instead of purposely blindsiding the mayor?
That action alone shows such unprofessionalism and disrespect meant solely to embarrass the mayor. In my opinion, however, it is more embarrassing that a council president does not know how to be a team player. My preschool children act better.
Acropolis, with future aspirations to be mayor, may want to consider the precedent he is setting as council president.
Remember — what goes around, comes around.
Sharon Rosa
Brick