We at the Hammonton Democratic club usually try to stay away from school board issues, so as not to mix politics into the schools. However, the actions of Tom Costa at the 3/15 school board meeting need to be brought to the attention of all Hammonton taxpayers. Mr. Costa voted no on the proposed school budget which included NO tax increase for the Hammonton taxpayers. He voted no because he didn't like the tuition we are charging Waterford and Folsom. Last year Mr. Costa voted in favor of charging the Hammonton taxpayers a 22.9 cent increase on their taxes but voted against a zero tax increase this year. The Waterford school district currently spends $13,600 per student to educate their Kindergarten through 6 grade students. They are among the highest spending districts in the area. However, they are complaining that we are charging them only $10,200 to educate their high school students. Our district only spends about $6,500 at the elementary level. Folsom elementary numbers are not as high as Waterford's, but are still substantially above ours. Tom Costa's vote was to support the Waterford and Folsom districts in trying to lower their tax rates at the cost of the Hammonton taxpayers who would then have to pay higher taxes to make up the difference. The rate Hammonton is charging is fair and just but Mr. Costa wants the Hammonton taxpayer to pay more to the benefit of the sending districts.
I think all three parties would agree that Tommy Costa has fallen off the rocker on this one.
The plan the Mayor worked on with the school board has worked spectacularly well. Hammonton taxpayers will recieve no tax increase. ALL students will recieve the benefits of an increased investment in education due to the new money from the sending districts.
Tommy really needs to do some soul searching as to why in the world he'd vote no. Last year the naysayers said the Mayor's plan would not work. After the past year of hard work by the BOE we see the truth... it worked great!
Now is the time for unity behind a great plan for Hammonton. He naysayers who have been bashing need to look in the mirror and decide if they want to help keep the progress going.
The "naysayers" are not bashing. The "naysayers" want to keep the progress that is occurring in Hammonton going. The "naysayers" just want to give the credit where the credit is due and stop HF from claiming the credit when they don't deserve it.
But at least we do agree, Tommy has fallen off the rocker on this one.
They keep mentioning the Mayor's plan. I don't remember any PLAN offered by the Mayor. Could you fill us in on what this PLAN was? Is it in writing anywhere and can I get a copy of it? Was this plan ever approved by Mayor and Council? I look forward to finding out what this PLAN was.
The reality is that Costa wants to cut services in Hammonton so Waterford can have a break... I guess Tom dosent care about the Hammonton residents that he services...
His partner in poltics Joe Bruno doesn't even show up for the school board meeting. Good to see that he's an informed canidate.
Just about all Firsters are off their rocker; and some of them for being smart and educated say that they care about taxpayers but in the end our putting themselves First and are about putting up a good show. Now, I see another Firster who has helped make Hammonton continuously in water cooler jokes just make things even worse. Must we alienate ourselves from all of South Jersey. When will Firsters learn that they are hurting Hammonton. Will HF finally tell the likes of RC and Costa to think before they speak.
Considering Tommy Coata trashed Steve DiDonato in his letters to the editor, I doubt that he would count as a supporter. I think we all agree Tommy marches to the beat of his own drummer. In tis case that drum beat is way off.
The important thing is that as many Hammonton voters as possible need to turn out for the school election and vote YES on this budget. It helps fix the school finances and keep taxes down. People need to get out and please vote YES on this budget.
Anonymous wrote: Considering Tommy Coata trashed Steve DiDonato in his letters to the editor, I doubt that he would count as a supporter. I think we all agree Tommy marches to the beat of his own drummer. In tis case that drum beat is way off.
Next week Tommy will be saying he is a member of Jerry Vitalo's fourth party.
Anonymous wrote: Considering Tommy Coata trashed Steve DiDonato in his letters to the editor, I doubt that he would count as a supporter. I think we all agree Tommy marches to the beat of his own drummer. In tis case that drum beat is way off.
Next week Tommy will be saying he is a member of Jerry Vitalo's fourth party.
Costa was a regular at HF meetings. If he's not a member anymore then maybe he's wising up.
Anonymous wrote: Considering Tommy Coata trashed Steve DiDonato in his letters to the editor, I doubt that he would count as a supporter. I think we all agree Tommy marches to the beat of his own drummer. In tis case that drum beat is way off.
We need to protect the middle class. Enough with the Republicans high taxes. The three democrat candidates should take a pledge they are against raising taxes this year and into the future.
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Anonymous
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RE: School Board Member Tom Costa votes against Hammonton taxpayers
Anonymous wrote: Anonymous wrote: Considering Tommy Coata trashed Steve DiDonato in his letters to the editor, I doubt that he would count as a supporter. I think we all agree Tommy marches to the beat of his own drummer. In tis case that drum beat is way off.
Can you explain RC then. Does RC march to the beat of his own drummer. Just face HF leaders are out of touch with the average Hammontonian.
Anonymous wrote: We need to protect the middle class. Enough with the Republicans high taxes. The three democrat candidates should take a pledge they are against raising taxes this year and into the future.
Come to our meeting. We are always looking for people who believe in holding elected officials accountable. It's important to know that one needs to look towards Today, Tommorow and to the Future. That's what the Democrats campaigned on last year and that still holds true. This time though we're telling people We Won't Get Fooled Again.
