I would like to encourage the taxpayers of Freehold Borough to submit their comments to the New Jersey Commissioner of Education regarding the attempt to nullify the results of the Sept. 30, 2014, and Dec. 9, 2014, elections in which borough voters twice rejected a $33 million bond issue.
No one questions the fact that our schools are overcrowded and that more space is needed. However, placing the entire burden on already overburdened borough taxpayers (the referendum came on theheelsofa9percenttaxincrease)isboth unfair and untenable.
Discounting the unlikely scenario of our elected state officials actually doing something about the root causes of the overcrowding, other more viable options need to be explored; $33 million for basically five classrooms and some upgraded public spaces is not the answer.
An original plus a copy of citizen comments should be sent to New Jersey Commissioner of Education, c/o Bureau of Controversies and Disputes, 100 Riverview Plaza, P.O. Box 500, Trenton, NJ 08625- 0500 by June 8.
A copy also needs to be sent to Joseph Howe, Secretary, Freehold Borough School District, 280 Park Ave., Freehold, NJ 07728. It is vital that the commissioner of education hear from those expected to foot this exorbitant bill.
David Giffler
Freehold Borough