During our recent encounter with Tropical Depression Ernesto, the Town experienced expenses that didn't have to happen. The original plans for the reconstruction of Packard Street that were put together by Adams, Rehmann & Heggan engineers included the removal of several trees along the roadway. Among the concerns were the stability and the health of the trees. As the project began, Town Council decided to eliminate the removal of the trees from the project. Apparently there were concerns raised by some concerning the removal of any trees in our Town. When Ernesto arrived on Friday, 9/1 the winds from this storm took down a tree on Packard Street. It was one of the trees that had been scheduled to be removed during the road project. The tree took a telephone pole down with it which knocked out all phone and electrical service to a large portion of Packard Street. The residents where without power until Saturday and phone service, cable was out even longer. The original cost in the road project of removing the tree was $1,500. We are sure that the resulting cost of going against the engineers reccomendation was much higher. The police and fire departments both had to be dispatched to the scene, the highway department was then called out (at overtime wages), tree removal firms were called in to help remove the fallen tree, the electric, phone and cable companies all had to make repairs, and we are sure the residents suffered losses due to lack of power, and there will probably be additional costs in repair to the curb and roadway. Town Council needs to start trusting the professionals it hires to make the decisions. Doing everything on their own and ignoring others is not an open government. It gives the impression that they believe they can make every decision on their own and they feel they are experts in all areas. Town Council should not be micro-managing. Thankfully this tree didn't fall onto a home or God forbid a passerby.
There are other areas in town such as the work on Cottage and Elms Streets. The residents have addressed their concerns but get shot down. The roots of the trees are actually popping out from the street there. I know people want to save trees but when experts say it's best to take them down for safety it should be done. Since when did HF become tree experts.
This is another public safety issue that Town Council doesn't want to do anything about. Dead, dying, and defective trees must be removed to protect people and property. Removing these trees provides an opportunity to replant the site with a young, vigorous tree that can make a positive contribution to the landscape. I know two homeowners who have addressed the Shade Tree commission and councilmen as well that they would plant several smaller trees to just get rid of the obviously dangerous trees. What does someone have to do to have rights of freedom on their property?
There are many expenses that don't have to occur. Town Council is just ignoring what experts tell them. The Democrats exposed how the low bidder for the clerk of the works was concerned about the budget for town hall. There were a few that wanted more time to review it. Now the Democrats are bringing this to light as well. I didn't know about it. I guess if you don't see or hear a tree fall- Did it happen? Well it did and boy what a headache for many. There are other areas just on the verge of having a tree fall such as Cottage and Elm. The area looks worse. On that street the roots are actually growing up from the street. Why do we ask for and/or pay for expert opinion and not follow it.
Great job DEMS. I've been looking into both the Democrats and Republicans. I voted for Hammonton First last year and I'm pissed. The DEMS look like they've been doing their homework and have the real pulse on what Hammontonians are thinking. Keep up the good work. I want to vote for the right people. So far you have my vote. I am a Reagan Democrat and for the most part have voted Republican almost all the time and sometime a Democrat here and there. This year though you might be getting me to vote for all 3. Eventhough I"m a senior and know who most of my "generation" will be voting for, I'm leaning toward's your next generation of Democrats. I hage the fact that HF is wanting to micro-manage everything. I have never seen anything as bad as this in my 51 years here in Hammonton. I came in from Brooklyn and came to Hammonton when I was 13. I never paid this much attention to politics since 84. I believe the fate of our town depends on this election.
This is great guys. You have to keep exposing the useless Republicans and their lap dog splinter party for what they are. Jimmy Bertino micromanages that Highway Department and hurts our town. We need to get fresh blood in there. Santone, Glorioso and Diaz seem to be a great team! Keep working to throw those Republicans out!
Jose Diaz told me he doesn't care if he's in there for one term or more. Just that he wants to get in and help Hammonton. He's involved with lots of community organizations locally and statewide. I know he'll be fully dedicated to the Town of Hammonton and wont' be afraid to speak out on behalf of the people of Hammonton. Jose was one of my students and I am very proud of him. He was an angel in school. I thought it was great he joined the Navy. Now he has gotten involved politically. I think he'll prove to be Hammonton's best councilman ever.
We have to work together to stop watching Jimmy Bertino, who has run the highway department for years, keep wasting our money! Let's get that bum out of there! Diaz, Santone, and Glorioso have to work together to beat all three Republicans!
The talk at my Wawa is about the Democrats. My "morning pals" as I refer them. The guys and gals I meet each morning getting my coffee told me to visit this website. I'm a life long Democrat but I've always voted from the bottom up to who I think is the best candidates. I lean heavily towards the Democrats but on occasion vote Republican. I'm proud to say that I didn't vote for Me First. Count me in on giving my full support on your campaign. This election is important. Now that I know more about what is happening in town government, I'm amazed the newspapers don't cover these issues more. The price of things are going up and up all around us. All I see is that actions of Town Council is going to cost me more based on their ill-advised decisions. Who's making these decisions that Town Council is approving? I know that Diaz, Glorioso and Santone will be 3 voices that will be heard in council. We need a change. The solution is Vote Democrat.
