From the issue of April 5, 2007.
Voters should back budget and Patel
To the editor:
I would like to urge South Brunswick residents to vote April 17. This vote will determine the district’s budget and the members of the Board of Education.
I would also like voters to consider casting a vote for Arif Patel. While I am certain that all of the candidates are qualified, I feel that Mr. Patel’s knowledge and experience in many areas, such as budget allocation, educational goals, and the ability to relate to children will greatly benefit our township.
Mr. Patel’s commitment to communication and diversity would bring a fresh, new perspective to the board.
The face of our township is changing and Mr. Patel would bring a greater understanding between different members of the community and the Board of Education.
First and foremost, though, I urge you to vote. We need your vote on these important issues.
Sherry Manzino
Dayton
Indian concert a great success
To the editor:
The South Brunswick Family YMCA hosted "Geeton Bhari Shaam" an Indian music show on March 24. The band was comprised of local musicians with some very obvious musical talents.
The Y was proud to be a part of sharing the hits of old and new Bollywood movies to the community. The net proceeds from the show were donated to the YMCA.
A special thanks to the musicians: Narendra and Anu Pai, Rohit Ahuja, Ashish Bakre, Harbir Ransi, and the master of ceremony Preeti Shankar. Ashna Pai, an eighth-grader at Crossroads North, sang the National Anthem and played the keyboard during the show.
Not to be forgotten were the behind the scenes efforts of Deepti Ahuja, Mona Bakre and Daisy Ransi.
The South Brunswick Family YMCA is honored to be associated with the group and thankful for the donation. We look forward to an annual event celebrating the cultural diversity of the surrounding communities.
Tom Libassi
Executive Director
South Brunswick
Family YMCA
Delgado, Tupe and Santowasso
To the editor:
It is with the utmost sincerity and confidence that I announce my support for Police Capt. Harry Delgado, Anna Tupe, and Susan Santowasso in their candidacy for the Board of Education.
Capt. Delgado and Ms. Tupe are veterans of four terms on the board. Both of them are seasoned professionals who are always current on the changing field of education on the national, state, and local level. They have constantly fought the battles to make sure that the board is constantly getting the best resources for our children and their education. In addition, they are very active in the community with other related organizations. Capt. Delgado is also a captain in our Police Department and a senior member of the New Jersey School Boards Association.
Ms. Santowasso is making her bid for a place on the board for the first time. She is a retired English teacher from Crossroads South Middle School. She is a 25-year veteran of the South Brunswick educational system. I have had first-hand knowledge of her teaching ability and her ability to motivate our youngsters and keep track of their progress and deficiencies. Her abilities as a leader make her the perfect candidate for this post.
I urge my fellow township residents to make sure that they vote for these three qualified candidates.
Edward Birch
Kendall Park
Mac Shah for board
To the editor:
We are all about to cast our votes for school board election, scheduled for April 17, for who we think is the best person, best in spending, best at saving, best in decisions and on and on.
I would like to lend my voice to support Mahesh "Mac" Shah for the school board. Mr. Shah has been a resident of South Brunswick for more than 10 years. Additionally, his children are in our public school system, so naturally he has a vested interest in preserving the fine quality of instruction from our education system.
Furthermore, Mr. Shah has been involved in a variety of community affairs locally such as the YMCA, library fundraiser and many other cultural activities. It seems like everyone knows Mahesh "Mac" Shah. Recently, Mr. Shah attended all the school board budgetary meetings and demonstrated the high level of dedication and commitment that he will bring as a board member. That’s just one of the things that make him such a good candidate. He will make an excellent addition to the school board.
The school board needs someone who will ask the difficult questions and require clear answers. Mr. Shah has more than 15 years of experience in business and public space. When challenges arrive, Mr. Shah has the skills and experience to listen to input, analyze facts and develop an action plan. Please support Mahesh "Mac" Shah as a school board candidate.
Sanjay Dhruv
Monmouth Junction
Santowasso for board
To the editor:
This letter is to remind you that it is important to all students and their educational futures that you remember to vote on April 17. Your vote is important. Since South Brunswick has such a fine reputation for its schools, it is easy to get busy and think your vote is not that important.
To continue South Brunswick’s reputation for excellent schools we are endorsing Susan Santowasso for Board of Education. She is a longtime South Brunswick resident who cares about her community and the future of its students. She has proven her ability to lead, problem solve and think creatively in the field of education. She brings with her years of experience in educational planning.
You owe it to the students of South Brunswick to get out and vote. Vote for excellence, vote for integrity, vote for Susan Santowasso.
Pat and Bill Yost
Kendall Park
Delgado is clear choice
To the editor:
I would like to thank all the candidates for showing their willingness to volunteer and commit to serve on the Board of Education. However, it is clear to me that Police Capt. Harry J. Delgado has acquired knowledge through his years of service that we cannot afford to lose. He willingly gives us his time not only locally but represents South Brunswick at the county, state and national levels. Currently he is vice president of the New Jersey School Boards Association and has served as president of our board, president of the Middlesex County School Boards Association and is the northeastern regional director for the National Hispanic Caucus of the National School Boards Association. His participation on these boards proves that he is truly committed to remaining current on issues that impact this district. Evidence of his involvement at the local and state level supports the fact that he is a doer, a go-to person.
As a chair of the budget committee, Capt. Delgado demonstrated fiscal responsibility by supporting resources for our children, our teachers and staff, always cognizant of the impact on all taxpayers in this community, even those on fixed incomes. I am impressed by his sensitivity to the needs of all residents.
Upon reading all these letters to the editor I grow more concerned about the glaring lack of measurable experience some of the new candidates have with issues facing this district. Capt. Delgado has facts and figures to support the work of many years of his involvement in the pursuit of not just academic excellence, but tangible offerings of challenging educational opportunities for all. I appreciate the efforts verbalized by the new candidates but not one of them communicates insightful knowledge of systems and subjects in areas critical to the challenges our children will face. They speak of their interest to serve and promote academic excellence but fail to demonstrate or validate committee involvement at any level dealing with issues the board of education addresses daily. I have known Capt. Delgado for many years. We met as involved parents at Crossroads School Middle School. Through these years I have seen first hand his commitment not just to his own children but to all children in this district.
As a resident of South Brunswick for over 21 years, I have occasionally attended and often watched the televised board meetings. In order to lead you have to earn the trust and respect of others over time. Capt. Delgado has always faced all issues openly and honestly, respecting everyone and their right to express their opinion, valuing those opinions, and encouraging open dialogue. His conduct has always been professional even when facing emotionally charged matters. He has earned my respect and the respect of all whose lives he has touched.
Whether sitting on the Board of Education representing the interests of our teachers and children, working side by side with these very children at a band or Winter Guard competition and many other school activities, as a board member, a parent, a chaperone, or stage hand, there is no mistaking that Capt. Delgado leads with actions. These very actions speak for themselves demonstrating his standing as an exceptional role model and leader.
This is not the time to put the needs of our children in inexperienced hands. I agree with Capt. Delgado that we need leadership, experience, excellence, and commitment. Capt. Harry Delgado possesses all of these qualities. I support Capt. Harry J. Delgado as a member of the Board of Education and ask you to join me April 17.
Jayne Daube
Monmouth Junction
Delgado brings experience
To the editor:
Supporting a candidate for public office is not something to be taken lightly. An individual should be confident and steadfast in his or her opinions before speaking out in a public forum. A candidate, therefore, is challenged with proving him or herself worthy of public support.
While all of this year’s school board candidates have earned my respect simply by their willingness to serve, one in particular is clearly more deserving of support. Police Capt. Harry Delgado, an incumbent, has proven himself in countless ways over the past 12 years. His commitment to public service is unmatched. His genuine desire to serve the best interests of our children is clear. He remains involved with various school board associations at the state and national level. He continues to work tirelessly for the betterment of our schools, striving for fiscal responsibility and accountability while maintaining high educational standards.
He is also the best suited to promote the safety of our schools, due to his position with the South Brunswick Police Department. This gives him an understanding of security issues well beyond that of the average person. These things have set Capt. Delgado apart from the rest of the candidates.
There is no substitute for the experience that Capt. Delgado offers to voters. There is no argument against his qualifications. There are no doubts about his integrity. Capt. Delgado has gained my respect, my confidence, and my vote. He has shown, time and again, that he is committed to the people of South Brunswick, and we have been the benefactors of his fine service. We would be doing ourselves a disservice if we denied him the opportunity to serve for three more years. I urge all concerned citizens of South Brunswick to join me in reelecting Capt. Harry Delgado on April 17.
John Smith
Dayton
Arif Patel for board
To the editor:
As a high school junior who lives in the wonderful township of South Brunswick, I should like to endorse the candidacy of Arif Patel for the South Brunswick Board of Education election on April 17. Mr. Patel is someone young people like me can relate to.
Mr. Patel has been born and raised in New Jersey. He moved to South Brunswick because of the excellent reputation of the township and the school district. He wants to raise his family in South Brunswick. Mr. Patel believes that an excellent school district is the foundation for an excellent township.
With managerial experience in an I.T. company, Mr. Patel is ideally suited to serve his township. He will demand accountability and analysis and ensure that our tax dollars are spent wisely for the benefit of the South Brunswick residents.
Mr. Patel’s parents are from India. He is a part of the wonderfully diverse mosaic that makes South Brunswick such delightful place to live in. However, Mr. Patel will represent and look out for the interest of each and every citizen who is lucky enough to live in South Brunswick.
I truly believe that South Brunswick will be a better place if the education of the younger generation is left in the hands of visionaries like Arif Patel.
Reham Mobarak
Monmouth Junction
Taylor deserves public’s support
To the editor:
My name is Dawn Jackson, I am the director of the SBPAL Pop Warner Cheerleaders, I have three children ages 12,8 and 6. I wanted to take a moment and talk about a phenomenal woman, wife, mother, daughter and personal friend, Deborah Taylor.
Ms. Taylor and I have been friends for a number of years. We met through our children’s participation with SBPAL Pop Warner basketball and football. Our boys also played together on a recreational basketball team when they were small. Throughout the years our families have become one.
Ms. Taylor is truly a unique woman of integrity. She is hard working, responsible, committed, and passionate for what she believes is right.
I completely support Ms. Taylor’s candidacy, I don’t know anyone else so driven and committed to making a difference for the children of South Brunswick. She has brought all of the qualities that I have mentioned to the school board and she has enlightened many with her fresh ideas and input.
By Ms. Taylor earning the seat for the next three-year term, she will continue be a huge asset, a voice, and an individual who continues to make a difference in our community. She has built relationships with the other board members in one year and has proven time and time again that she can get can the job done.
Dawn Jackson
Monmouth Junction
Vote Delgado, Tupe and Shah
To the editor:
South Brunswick is a very desirable township to live in where its school system is one of the best among other comparable communities. Most of the credit is shared equally by the community in general (parents and students), members of Board of Education and our teachers. Every year we elect or sometimes re-elect our board members. Time has come when we have to make tough decisions.
Our community is a very diverse community but we are blessed with a very large segment consisting of professionals, some of who do contribute their time and energy in making our community a better community to live in. I find especially, Capt.Harry Delgado and Anna Tupe, incumbents in this election for Board of Education, to have served our community in an exemplary manner and deserve to continue on the board. I strongly endorse their candidacy. Their record speaks for their re-election.
We do have one more seat to fill. The decision is tough because we have many good candidates. One of the candidates, Mac Shah, stands in the forefront of all of them because of his broad educational background and tremendous experience (senior scientist/project manager with a large pharmaceutical company), his extensive involvement with our community, such having served or currently serving on many boards (YMCA, Planning Board, zoning board, etc). Mr. Shah brings another dimension besides diverse background.
Also, his children are currently students in our public schools. He wants to see the best from our school system. We all must appreciate his keen interest in our community and I ask your help in joining me to get him elected to the board on April 17. Mr. Shah will be a great asset to our board.
Pammi T. Bais
Monmouth Junction
Support budget, Delgado and Tupe
To the editor:
I want to take this opportunity to thank the Board of Education for their diligence in putting together the 2007-2008 school operating budget.
The budget maintains the integrity of our school system while rising up to meet the demands placed on us with the state’s required 4 percent cap. This is not a simple task.
A large percentage of our budget is untouchable, either because of mandated programs or contracts. They must cut from programs and services that are valued by our parents and community members, while at the same time, preserving components that South Brunswick considers essential to maintain our high standards for academic achievement.
Police Capt. Harry Delgado and Anna Tupe bring many years of experience as board members. Their dedication and work ethic have served us well. They have worked hard to set and achieve many important goals for our district. Capt. Delgado and Ms. Tupe always go beyond what needs to be done and do so thoroughly and efficiently.
Most importantly, they understand the needs of our community. Their children have been educated in South Brunswick from kindergarten through high school graduation, giving them a strong foundation and understanding of the change that has occurred in our district, from re-districting issues to Blue Ribbon schools.
We need Capt. Delgado and Ms. Tupe to continue to work for our children.
Please join me April 17 to support the 2007-2008 operating budget and to re-elect Capt. Harry Delgado and Anna Tupe.
Shari Woogen
Monmouth Junction
For board: Shah, Delgado
To the editor:
The election for the school board are only two weeks away. I believe that good citizenship requires us to read the newspapers, watch the meetings and compare the candidates based on their backgrounds, their views and their work ethic when it comes to what counts for our community’s children.
Having been through the process twice, I know how easy it is to put up signs and have friends write endorsement letters. There are people who run their campaigns based on their circle of friends, supporters and present or former coworkers. Others count on their labor affiliations to help them.
I believe our children deserve better. Our children deserve school board members whose unwavering interest is what is best for the children, who are willing to work hard, attend meetings, and make their views known to the community.
Two candidates stand our in this regard: Mac Shah and Police Capt. Harry Delgado.
Mr. Shah is a research scientist at Bristol-Myers Squibb. He knows the value of and believes in excellence in education. He has been active in the community, having been involved with the YMCA, and is currently serving on the township Planning Board. He has had a child who has graduated from our school system and has another child in our high school.
Despite a busy schedule, Mr. Shah has been attending school board meetings as well as all of the budget committee meetings. He is well versed in how our school board functions and how the budget is put together. None of the new candidates have shown their dedication to our children by attending these all-important meetings. This willingness to work as well as his views on education will serve him well as a new board member.
Capt. Harry Delgado has served as president of the school board for two terms as well as multiple committees. He has served this year as chairman of the Budget Committee, helping to shape a budget which maintains all our children’s’ programs while protecting our taxpayers with only a 4 percent increase. During Capt. Delgado’s tenure as school board president, he endured much of the criticism of our transition from our previous superintendent to our current one. Capt. Delgado always stood for what was right, legal and honorable. His character and his service have been impeccable.
Capt. Delgado also has a daughter who has graduated from our high school and another still in our high school. As captain in our Police Department, he has helped protect our children and our citizens. There are few events in our schools that he does not attend along with his wife, Nancy. He goes to athletic events, music, as well as drama program and PTA meetings.
It is with great personal enthusiasm that I support Mac Shah and Capt. Harry Delgado, two fine individuals who will always support what is best for our children and find the time to work for them.
Paul Prodromo
Kendall Park
Agarwal stands out
To the editor:
I have been reading about the various school board candidates with interest in your paper. One candidate that stands out is Surabhi Agarwal. She seems to have some very interesting new ideas for improving the school district that are definitely worth considering.
I particularly like her "green initiatives." I think we all have to change our mindsets and embrace alternate cleaner energy sources if we have to save and protect this world for the next generation. I appreciate her concern about "grade inflation" and "course title inflation" in other districts putting our children at a disadvantage.
I have a child attending high school so this is definitely an area of concern for me as well. We need her new ideas and ways of looking at methods to lower the costs and improve the standards in our schools. In short we need a new face on the board and I support Ms. Agarwal and I urge voters to cast their ballots for her.
Rajeev Kaushal
Kendall Park
Delgado, Tupe, Shah are trustees
To the editor:
The decision of whom to vote for in our annual school board election should always be one given serious thought and consideration, given the influence these individuals exert over the direction of our children’s education.
Given the current fiscal climate surrounding the funding of education in New Jersey, this decision becomes even more crucial. It is imperative that those elected to serve as trustees of our children’s education be individuals that possess just the right combination of commitment, dedication, knowledge, experience and ingenuity to carve out the best possible education for our children. Given this serious charge, I am pleased to support board incumbents police Capt. Harry J. Delgado and Anna Tupe for re-election, as well as Mahesh "Mac" Shah for election to the Board of Education.
The bodies of work that Capt. Delgado and Ms. Tupe have amassed over the last decade are impressive and speak for themselves. Both have managed the tremendous growth of our district in the face of stagnant state aid without sacrificing the level the excellence in education our community has come to expect and demand. In addition, both Capt. Delgado and Mrs. Tupe are serious, committed individuals whose dedication to the citizens of South Brunswick extend far beyond their positions on the Board of Education, as evidenced by their tireless involvement in numerous civic organizations and committees in town. As we continue to face a myriad of uncertainties with regard to our state government, it is critical that we buffer these uncertainties with proven voices of experience, dedication and commitment. Capt. Harry Delgado and Anna Tupe will continue to provide just such a safeguard.
Likewise, Mr. Shah, while a newcomer to the Board of Education, has proven himself to be an involved, dedicated citizen of our community. A South Brunswick resident for over 10 years, Mr. Shah currently serves on the Planning Board and is a past board member of the South Brunswick Family YMCA. He has immersed himself in the workings of our community and will bring to the Board of Education an extensive and formidable base of knowledge of South Brunswick from which to work. Mr. Shah’s addition to the Board of Education will serve as a further safeguard against the uncertainties our district faces in the future.
Finally, no member of the Board of Education can do his or her job successfully without the financial means to do so. It is imperative that every parent in our community supports our children’s education by voting yes to approve the 2007-08 school budget. It is a budget that protects, preserves and improves the quality of education in our town in the face of declining state and federal support.
Please don’t assume someone else will vote for excellence in your child’s education on April 17. Vote yes to approve the school budget and cast your vote for those candidates who will work to ensure it: Capt. Harry Delgado, Anna Tupe and Mac Shah.
Christine Mariano
Monmouth Junction
State needs funding reform
To the editor:
Your editorial "A new Rx needed for tax reform" on March 22 was right on target and I strongly agree with your comments. Just recently on New Jersey Network, state Education Commissioner Lucille E. Davy stated, "We will have a new school funding formula in 2008 by the time the new school term starts." I sincerely hope that she has the governor and Legislature on her side.
For years, school boards across the state were labeled as the "bad guys" when it comes to property taxes, since approximately 70 percent of each tax dollar goes towards school funding. I say that members of the Legislature need to accept the blame for being poor policymakers in finding a fair and equitable methodology to fund our schools.
Furthermore, I want to remind every voter that the whole Legislature (Senate and Assembly) is up for election this year. Support those candidates that put the school funding formula at the very top of their platforms. Let’s hold their feet to the fire and place the full burden on their shoulders. After all, we elected them.
Locally, I want every voter to come out and support the school budget on April 17. I strongly believe that the budget is fiscally responsible. It has no fat. It puts the needs of our children first. Also, there is a wonderful slate of candidates running for re-election and election to the board. Special consideration should be given to the candidacies of Mahesh "Mac" Shah and Susan Santowasso on their first bid as school board members.
Arthur Robinson
Kendall Park
Mac Shah is best choice
To the editor:
I was glad to see my dear friend Mahesh "Mac" Shah for this year’s school board election. I have known Mr. Shah personally for over 10 years and he has always demonstrated to be a man of great character.
His children attend school in South Brunswick, which gives him a vested interest in maintaining the high quality of education in South Brunswick while maintaining a reasonable cost in a safe environment.
In addition, he has demonstrated a high level of commitment by being consistent in attending all recent board meetings and in volunteering his time with various organizations in South Brunswick over the years.
I appreciate Mr. Shah because he has proven to me to be as dependable as he is hard working. I sincerely urge all voters to support and elect Mahesh "Mac" Shah to the school board April 17.
Tarak Patel
Kendall Park
Harry Delgado offers leadership
To the editor:
I agree with some of the letters written to your paper last week that as the demographics of the township has changed in the last 10 years, the criteria of ethnic diversity should be taken into consideration by the voters who plan to vote in this year’s school board election.
However, ethnic diversity alone should not be the only criteria in voting for our next school board candidates. Additional factors voters should take into consideration is whether the new candidates running for the school board are well informed of the budget issues as it relates to the state government’s ill-advised 4 percent growth cap, which is going to subject the school board to make some very difficult decisions in the years to come.
As a result, voters need to take into consideration which of the candidates is willing to provide leadership in addressing the real problem with property taxes. In essence, how schools are funded across the state. This requires the candidates to possess a fundamental understanding of how the local school board interacts and works in partnership with the state and federal government.
It is for this reason that I’m endorsing police Capt. Harry J. Delgado. I believe he meets all of the aforementioned criteria to continue serving on the school board. As current president and school board member the last 12 years, Capt. Delgado has assiduously worked to maintain the academic integrity that our school board has provided and continues to provide to all of our children.
Juan Lebron
Dayton
Agarwal’s idea are superior
To the editor:
Among the South Brunswick school board candidate profiles that I have been reading in your newspaper, Surabhi Agarwal’s innovative ideas seem to strike a superior note. She has the background and qualifications to serve on the board and help our children get the education they need to be successful.
She will also bring a diversity of opinion to the district’s school board. I welcome and support her ideas for "greening" our district. It is now imperative that we take quick steps to do our bit to save our planet. As Ms. Agarwal suggests we can begin by switching our various school buildings to use solar power and promote them as models to bring awareness amongst our residents.
I also like her take on rooting out wasteful expenditures from our skyrocketing school budget and bring some relief to taxpayers. We need a fresh new face on our school board. Let’s give Ms. Agarwal a chance by voting in her favor on April 17. Surabhi Agarwal has my full support for a seat on the board.
Anita Britto
Dayton
Experience counts, vote Anna Tupe
To the editor:
I think that experience counts when looking at people we elect for our school board. That is why my vote is for Anna Tupe and I would like to share with you why.
Ms. Tupe has shown her commitment to education to not only her own three children, but the children of the South Brunswick schools for 12 years. Her experience lies in the fact that she truly cares what happens in this district from the elementary level to high school and beyond. Her choices are selfless and done for the greater good.
Ms. Tupe believes that Trenton needs to be more fiscally responsible with school funding. We need to work with our legislators to increase state aid. I like that she wants to take charge of the issue by developing a funding formula that decreases the over reliance on property taxes and supports public education.
Ms. Tupe also sees a need to focus the board’s attention on providing a strong, challenging curriculum while addressing the individual needs and strengths of our students. The face of our district has changed over the last 10 years and we need to rise to embrace this change and educate ourselves in how to use it towards a positive, unified appearance.
As a parent and pre-school teacher, I hear the concerns of parents from all levels of education. Their concerns are for safe and caring schools. Ms. Tupe believes partnerships between parents and teachers results in positive educational experiences for all children. It is important to connect our families and community through open, easily accessible two-way communication. The introduction of online Friday folders and updated, easy-to-navigate Web sites has been a real bonus this year. Not only does the information get home quickly, it leads the district toward becoming more "green." She also believes we need to provide more opportunities for our children to participate in art, music, athletics and clubs and encourage them to take advantage of these opportunities. These experiences are important to a well-rounded student and education.
Anna Tupe has demonstrated a very positive 12-year commitment to my kids as well as yours. Why would we want to change that? Her thoughts and beliefs for the future as well as her demonstrated abilities in the past is the picture of who we want and need on our side. On April 17, I am voting for Anna Tupe for the South Brunswick school board. Please join me.
Tracey Weingarten
Kendall Park