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Vol. LXIV, No. 17
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Wednesday, April 28, 2010
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Vol. LXIV, No. 17
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Wednesday, April 28, 2010
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JENNY CRUMILLER
Library Place
(2 Letters)
To the Editor:
As a new member of the Princeton Borough Council this year, I’m excited to be working alongside the Shade Tree Commission (STC), a group of dedicated residents appointed by the Mayor and Borough Council who contribute expertise and countless volunteer hours toward the mission of preserving and enhancing the tree cover that defines our beautiful Borough and provides environmental benefits.
The STC is currently embarking on its second five-year business plan that includes a long-term maintenance and replacement schedule to better care for our trees. This effort includes producing a detailed inventory of the condition and diversity of our “Borough forest.”
Residents who would like to get involved are welcomed and encouraged to do so. Working on behalf of our trees will benefit generations to come. The opportunities include:
• Serving as a Shade Tree Commissioner (we currently have a vacancy);
• Making a tax-deductible donation to the Shade Tree Fund (donation form on our website);
• Becoming a tree historian identifying trees of historical interest;
• Joining the STC Tree Watch and conducting biannual surveys of trees in your immediate neighborhood;
• Participating in Arbor Day and Communiversity activities;
• Developing a tree walking tour;
• Helping to expand the Shade Tree website.
For more information about participating in Shade Tree activities or to contact the Commission, please visit the STC website, www.pbshadetree.com or contact Commission Chair, Polly Burlingham at (609) 924-0408.
JENNY CRUMILLER
Library Place
To the Editor:
The passing of the Princeton school budget shows that voters view education as a long-term investment in the future of our children’s education while maintaining a sensitivity to the needs of taxpayers in our community.
Despite local passage of the school budget, it is disturbing that so many dedicated employees across New Jersey have lost their jobs because of the huge cuts made to state aid for education.
The members of the Princeton Regional Education Association are appreciative and grateful for the continued support from Princeton parents, students, and community members.
JOANNE RYAN
President
Princeton Regional Education Association
To the Editor:
On April 20, Princeton voters resoundingly took a stand on the matter of the education of the children of this community. Dedicated over many decades to the principle of “Excellence,” the notion of adopting “Adequacy” as a standard was rejected, and in no uncertain terms. Voter turnout and voter support of the school budget, both nearly at all time records, boldly stated that Princeton refuses to be reduced to the mediocrity that would be the consequence of state mandated spending limits.
We know that this battle is not over, nor is it likely to subside over the next few years. New Jersey will continue to be a difficult fiscal environment. Shared sacrifice will be the norm, demanding involvement by all those who live and prosper here. We commit to continuing to offer the very best of education and at the most efficient level of taxpayer money and per student costs.
On behalf of the Princeton Regional School Board, and all of the staff, employees, parents, teachers, PTO’s, volunteers, and most especially the more than 3,000 children/students who grace our classrooms each day, we say “Thank you!” for the foresight and shared vision. We will continue to produce the level of excellence for your children’s future that you have come to expect.
ALAN K. HEGEDUS
President, Board of Education
REBECCA COX
Vice president, Board of Education