Despite the recent economic turmoil and the township's apparently insatiable demand for amenities, its tax rate stayed flat from 2006 to 2010 and went up only slightly last year. And that is precisely why the community now faces a financial emergency, say leaders of the five-member, all-Republican Town Council and a chorus of budget experts. Tax increases when times got rough coupled with spending restraint could have saved Medford from the hard choices it now faces. "That's a problem all over the country - the desire to make everyone happy so that you can get their vote," Mayor Pace said. The debt was ignored. http://bit.ly/ygrqCe
Consolidation meetings stalled
The self-appointed Consolidation Commission opened and closed their meeting in short order on Tuesday, March 6th when vice-chairman, Rich James, announced that the pending RFP seeking a consultant to study a possible municipal merger of Merchantville and Cherry Hill had run into a roadblock. Cherry Hill Township wants several legal questions answered about possible sponsorship of the RFP before they will move forward. The meeting schedule has been suspended until those questions are answered by the DCA.
A Police Retirement Brings Tears and Smiles
"I'm going to be the one with my arms around his ankles as he is dragging me down the hall when he leaves," said Fitzgerald, an administrative assistant and 38-year department veteran. "He's beloved and widely respected. He was the best lieutenant I've ever had." Today is Pearce's last day on the job. His retirement begins on March 1, nearly 25 years after he joined the force. Pearce grew up in Merchantville and graduated from Pennsauken High School. http://bit.ly/Adlq7P
Student's painted cow a potential winner
Gustavo Ramirez has aspirations of someday opening his own tattoo parlor. The soft-spoken sophomore at Overbrook High School never expected his first client to be a life-size fiberglass cow. Ramirez is one of nine finalists - and the only one from New Jersey - selected by a panel of judges from 9,200 entrants
Little League program in need of support
The Camden County Parks Freeholder Board is proud to support the North Camden Little League and our Parks Department has been hard at work refurbishing the baseball field at Pyne Poynt Park. You can join this effort by sponsoring a child’s registration fee of $20. Checks can be made payable to: Concerned Citizens of North Camden, 113 State Street, Camden, NJ 08102. Thank you for helping us to bring baseball back to the children of North Camden.