SOUTH BRUNSWICK – Editorial: Support for budget and candidates

EDITORIAL
   We support the school district’s $134 million budget and urge all South Brunswick voters to show their support as well on April 27.
   The Board of Education did the very best it could in crafting this year’s budget despite a 4.3 percent drop in the property value of the municipality.
   The spending plan does come with an increase of 12.2 cents per $100 of assessed valuation, amounting to about an additional $228 in tax for the owner of an average home valued at $190,000.
   We know these are hard times for everyone and paying a bit more may not be easy these days, but the board has been very responsible in keeping the tax levy flat for the third straight year and has also taken the step of eliminating between 30 to 50 jobs to try and keep costs down.
   Board member Martin Abschutz and the rest of his Budget Committee also formed a citizen’s advisory panel to bring the public into the process this year and hopefully the panel will continue in the future.
   These actions show how serious the board was in developing a budget as frugal as possible that kept the taxpayers in mind as well as continuing the excellent reputation of the district and its programs.
   In addition to supporting the budget, we endorse incumbents Dr. Matthew Speesler, Arthur Robinson and challenger Ray Kuehner for the three board seats up in this election.
   All of the candidates are excellent and this was not an easy choice for us to make.
   We believe the experience of both Dr. Speesler and Mr. Robinson is needed as the board moves forward dealing with very uncertain economic times and upcoming negotiations with the various unions in the district.
   We also believe Mr. Kuehner distinguished himself by serving on the Budget Committee’s citizen advisory panel.
   His way of thinking “out of the box” we hope will bring a different perspective and idea base to the board that will help it deal with the hard financial realities being faced by districts throughout the state.
   We believe these three men will have their hands full in the next three years, but will meet the challenges faced by the district with a proper mix of experience and professionalism.
   We also hope the three other candidates will continue to be involved with the district and share their insights and ideas with the panel to make the district better.
   Lastly, we strongly urge all township voters to have their voice heard on April 27. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. giving everyone in the community a chance to cast their important ballots on the budget and the candidates.