UNofficially Winslow

2012-02-07T19:00:00.011-05:00

BELOW IS A LINK TO EYEWITNESS NEWS VIDEO FOOTAGE OF THEIR INVESTIGATION OF WINSLOW SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR DR. ANN GARCIA.

The document noted in the video is available in PDF format here on UNofficially Winslow.

Originally aired by CBS news on February 6, 2012

Can you find Waldo in this video clip ?

2012-02-03T17:41:00.006-05:00

Monday At 11 p.m. I-Team (CBS News) Investigates
A woman is working five different jobs and earning $300,000, but the tax payers are fronting the bill. On Monday night at 11 p.m. the I-Team Investigates.

Please click on the graphic below to view the preview news clip video on this subject.

On September 1, 2011 UNofficially Winslow posted a report from the State of New Jersey Department of Education Office of Fiscal Accountability And Compliance Investagation Unit.

Please click on the graphic below to review the UNofficially Winslow posting which includes a link (wheel barrel of cash) to the above noted report.

JANUARY 7, 2012 TWELVE NOON

2011-12-29T22:08:00.003-05:00

DON'T LET THIS BECOME A REALITY--VOTE TODAY

2011-11-08T03:00:00.000-05:00

Click on the image to enlarge

UNofficially Winslow supports SUE ANN METZNER for Mayor, for she obeys the law. Not only the motor vehicle laws, but also all the laws of our society.

Wright is a retired police officer of 27 years and Director of Public Safety for Winslow Township. If Wright has a disrespect for the most simplest of motor vehicle laws and his own personal safety, what does he think about your personal safety?

Well let's see... he laid off eight police officers while his business partner, who just happens to be the municipal judge, got a 25% pay raise.

CLICK HERE for the UNofficially Winslow report on the judge's 25% raise.

SMILE YOU'RE ON BARRY CAM

2011-11-02T22:16:00.002-04:00

Committeeman Barry Wright, Director of Public Safety, 2nd a motion to approve an ordinance to permit the installation of traffic cameras in Winslow Township. Both the Philadelphia Inquirer and the Courier-Post have published articles explaining that traffic cameras often cause accidents instead of preventing them. You may review both newspaper articles using the links provided below. In addition to a copy of the ordinance Barry Wright 2nd the motion during a meeting when there was no television camera present. UNofficially Winslow was present and recorded the meeting. A video clip has also been inserted below.

Barry Cam ordinance

Courier-Post/USA Today
Red-light traffic camera deals under scrutiny

Philadelphia Inquirer
Red-light cameras' effect on accidents is debatable

CHANGE?....IS THEIR SLOGAN LYING ? IF SO, WHAT WILL THEY DO IF THEY ARE RE-ELECTED?

2011-10-27T23:58:00.025-04:00

Below is a copy of a Flamini mailer from his 2008 campaign.

UNofficially Winslow believes Flamini is right, it's time for a "Real Change" in ward four. Time for ward four to have representation.

Flamini was re-elected in 2008 in spite of his lack of representation of the ward 4 residents. Flamini missed so many important meetings for ward 4 UNofficially Winslow posted his picture on a milk carton.

Committeewoman Lawrence seems to be a bit confused with the term "change" as well. This is a picture of Lawrence being sworn into office for the first time in 2004. This picture and text first appeared on UNofficially Winslow in October of 2004 and now Lawrence's re-election campaign signs say "Time for a change" ?

Notice Lawrence's hand is on the Bible while she is being sworn in. Since this picture was taken in 2004, perhaps there is a statue of limitations for lying while being sworn in on the Bible.

UNofficially Winslow October 2004:

MRS. MARIE LAWRENCE WAS NOMINATED BY THE WINSLOW DEMOCRAT MUNICIPAL CHAIR, LARRY HOLCOMB, TO FILL THE COMMITTEE SEAT VACATED BY MR. BATES.

FOLLOWING THIS NOMINATION, MRS. LAWRENCE WAS APPOINTED AND SWORN INTO OFFICE. MRS. LAWRENCE SERVED AS COMMITTEEWOMAN FOR WARD 3 FOR THE BALANCE OF MR. BATES' TERM EXPIRING DECEMBER 31, 2005.

Barry Wright, Flamini, Lawrence, and Pleczynski's campaign signs and mailers include a slogan "Time for a Change", which sounds a lot like what they promised in 2008. It is 2011 now and Wright and his puppets have been in power for those 3 years and things have gotten progressively worse. Don't be fooled by the fact that Mayor Metzner is an incumbent...she has been an incumbent in a Committee that has been COMPLETELY CONTROLLED by the Wright team. By hiding behind a slogan like "TIME FOR A CHANGE" they are saying that you as a voter are not intelligent enough to realize that most of them have been there for almost a decade. And in fact if re-elected will be able to draw a pension for life!

CLICK HERE to view Barry Wright, Chuck Flamini, and Marie Lawrence's official signed sworn oaths of office from 2003 to 2010. Time for a change ?

METZNER'S TEAM VS. WRIGHT'S TEAM --- WHY IS WRIGHT WRONG FOR WINSLOW TOWNSHIP?

2011-10-17T18:31:00.009-04:00

CLICK ON EACH PICTURE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Why is Barry Wright so silent on this issue? Isn't it unusual that none of the other seven Committee members present* didn't have a single comment ?

2011-09-18T17:15:00.000-04:00

* Committeewoman Gibison was absent from the meeting.

GARCIA IN THE NEWS UPDATED: SEPT. 23, 2011

2011-09-10T11:54:00.012-04:00

PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER SEPTEMBER 9, 2011

THE STAR-LEDGER (NJ.COM) SEPTEMBER 9, 2011

COURIER-POST SEPTEMBER 14, 2011

ATLANTIC CITY PRESS SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

UNofficially Winslow Receives Document

2011-09-01T21:30:00.013-04:00

This document containing the name of the Winslow Township Board of Education Administrator, Dr. Ann F. Garcia, is being posted for the edification of the public.

UNofficially Winslow has received this document from several sources over the past eleven days. This document has NOT been requested or received by UNofficially Winslow from any government agency via the Open Public Records Act. Please click on the graphic below to review the document.

UNofficially Winslow Receives E-mail RE: Regional Day School

2011-08-16T23:57:00.004-04:00

----- Original Message -----
From: UNofficially Winslow receives e-mail
To: UNofficiallywinslow@comcast.net
Sent: Saturday, August 13, 2011 12:00 PM
Subject: Regional Day School

How is it that RDS is being used as the board office when we don’t own the building? And where did the money come from to tear up the carpets and lay tile in all the classrooms that have become offices? This is a travesty that Winslow’s special needs students are relocated to a trailer in substandard condition while the central office staff take over a perfect building that was built for the sole purpose of educating special needs students.

UNofficially Winslow Receives E-mail

2011-07-17T23:02:00.004-04:00

----- Original Message -----
From: Graz
To: UNofficially Winslow
Sent: Thursday, July 14, 2011 12:46 PM
Subject:Garcia's Commitment

I spoke up at the Board meeting back in May and spoke to Board about Dr Garcia's TOTAL commitment to Winslow (I called myself a selfish taxpayer) and how she could devote full time to Winslow when she was also affliated with a few Charter Schools in Camden, Vineland and soon to open one in Somers Point. Not real happy if Board grants her the salary of $156,000 if only giving us part time work. May as well hire a consultant to do her job for far less money.

UNofficially Winslow Receives E-mail

2011-07-06T14:32:00.008-04:00

----- Original Message -----
From: UNofficially Winslow Receives E-mail
To: UNofficially Winslow
Sent: Friday, June 24, 2011 7:47 AM
Subject: email to UNofficiallywinslow

Dear UNofficially Winslow:

At the June 15, 2011 Winslow School Board meeting, there was an addendum to the Board Agenda. This one included only two items:

A.) Approve Ann F. Garcia, Ed.D. as Business Administrator/Board Secretary, effective 7/1/2011, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the mutually agreed upon Employment Agreement.

B.) Approve Dorothy Carcamo, Ed.D. as Assistant Superintendent, effective 7/1/2011, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the mutually agreed upon Employment Agreement.

I don’t understand why this wasn’t in the original Board Minutes. There was plenty of time for it to be included in the agenda. I wish that the public would have known about it before it was voted upon and approved. I am sure that there would have been many more people at the board meeting to make comments on these items.

I can only hope that there is a caveat in the contracts that are “mutually agreed upon” that includes exclusivity of employment in our district. I do know that at many Universities, the employment contracts state that the full time employee cannot hold another job. This is to maintain the individual’s focus on why they were hired.

In some cases, there is an allowance for outside work to be allowed but the payment would go to the education institution instead of the individual.

I truly hope that these things are considered before the final copy of the contracts is signed by the Board of Education.

Concerned Winslow Taxpayer

UNofficially Winslow Receives E-mail

2011-06-24T17:02:00.001-04:00

From: Ellery Karl
Date: Thu, Jun 23, 2011 at 11:08 AM
Subject: Re: For Posting on UNofficially Winslow
To: UNofficially Winslow

Dear UNofficially Winslow,

I would have sent this message sooner but I was going to wait for the next Winslow Township School Board meeting and make the comments there. The more I thought about it, though, the more outraged I became. Let me explain.

On June 15, 2011, the Winslow Township Board of Education had a meeting that began with honoring of the retiring teachers at 5:00 and continued with the Public meeting at 7:00. Just before the Board members adjourned to Executive session, one board member (Mr. Mark Benjamin) made a comment during the “new business” portion of the agenda which upset me immensely.

Mr. Benjamin stated that he was filing ethics charges against board members for pursuing the hiring of a company and that he did not want his name associated with a board that did this as it would negatively affect his political career.

The part that really disturbed me was that he was thinking of his “political” career. I am now embarrassed that I voted for Mr. Benjamin in the elections to become a board member. I was under the impression that it was for the students and the community of Winslow Township. I did not realize that Mr. Benjamin was using this position as a stepping stone to other political aspirations.

Ellery Karl Winslow Taxpayer since 1982

Click here to view previous e-mails sent to UNofficially Winslow concerning Winslow Township School District and B.O.E.

UNofficially Winslow Receives E-mail

2011-06-02T21:12:00.010-04:00

BELOW IS AN E-MAIL AND DATA RECEIVED BY UNOFFICIALLY WINSLOW. QUESTIONS ABOUT THE DATA MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE AUTHOR.

----- Original Message -----
From: Gail Peirson
To: UNofficially Winslow
Sent: Thursday, June 02, 2011 11:45 AM
Subject: Re: school board budget

TO: UNofficially Winslow

I have been perusing the school budget and have been quite disturbed about the cost of salaries and benefits for school administrators. Their own budget says their ratio is 40% benefits above salary. That is huge. And the national average by the labor statistics is 20 - 30%. Also these folks can "buy back" unused vacation and sick days to an extent. This seems to mean they get paid for working and then get paid again for not taking the days allotted to them. Vacation should always be taken, its good for you. I really object to the stats below.

In general it seems our ratio of "instruction costs" is significantly lower than the administrative and services costs, compared to other districts. Why is this?

Finally the arrangement of the budget available to us is very poor, it takes hours to figure out what it really says. I'd sure like to see something clearer.

We have to address some of these issues. Please come out to the school board meetings to hear what they say and to get questions answered like:

* what is being taught about the Constitution and our govt'
* what is in the history books about our founding fathers
* what is being taught directly or indirectly about the political scene and the political parties?
* what is being taught about the homosexual agenda
* what is being taught about the religions?

These issues are very scary in some school districts around the country, I think we should know the curriculum. Some schools are being taught little about our history and the Constitution. Some are being taught nothing about the role of the Christian faith in our history. Some are being "brainwashed" about political issues. Many schools are teaching homosexuality as "an alternative lifestyle". It seems the Muslim faith and Buddhism are receiving attention, whereas the Christian faith is being banned.

Help us in finding out what matters to you.

Gail Peirson
Sicklerville

WINSLOW SCHOOL BUDGET ISSUES

STATS - pupils on roll total = 5,654 + 500 others district responsible for

Number of teachers 509.

Salary range (5th. highest in the nation) – average being $49,700.

Teacher to student ratio 1:12

NJ $ amount spend per student $13,600.

Amount spent salary & curriculum $9,400. per student
Administrators = 21
Teacher aides = 155 Coordinators 8
Spec Ed day school = 49 students 19 teachers
Total revenues from all sources 2009 = $100,602,423.
2010 = $100,240,485.
2011 est = $97,959,328. this of course = total expenditures

2011 est revenue sources.

Taxes – local = $43,168,135. est + $1,715,278.
State $ 50,612,488. + 363,324.
Federal $ 6,500,000.
Preschool aid $1,644,274 # students ? (State$)
Cost of instruction K – 12 $49,181,000. ( $32,951,000. for teacher/aide salaries)

Teacher salaries national average for 2009 $49,700. to $61830

NJ Average $61,830.
New York average $66,760.
Delaware average $52,957.
Winslow average $64,736.

Cost of Benefits $20,592,000 “employee benefits as a % of salaries = 40.2 %”

Teacher and administrative benefits in New Jersey.
Total State salaries $8,661,066,891.
Total State benefits $4,279,503,333. (OVER 49%)

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Average benefit rate 20-30%

Includes:
Retirement 3.4%
Vacation & PTO 7%
Health Care 8%

Winslow:
Classroom salaries and benefits $7485. per student.
Special education cost $586,000.
Special note: Special day school 49 students and 19 teachers.
School sponsored activities and athletics $ 959,075.
Transfer of funds to charter schools $3,418,498.

Non-educational costs:
All support costs (not direct instruction costs) $28,031,000.

General administration $1,255,195.
School Administration $ 3,213,174.
Administration salaries and benefits $1008. per student.
Total administrative costs $1349. per student.
Central services and administration info technology. $2,065,330.

Social work ,health, speech, OT, PT, related services $4,650,311.
includes $1,274,044. for Guidance.
Child Study Teams $2,342,523.

Improvement of instructional services $ 531,705.
Instructional staff training services $165,650.

Building services:

Operation and maintenance of plant services $ 5,272,101.
Capital expenditures $48,593.
Total operations and plant maintenance $1,018. per student + $462. salaries.
Support services, support salaries and benefits $1,739. per student
Buses service $6,458,304.
Repayment of debt 2011 $3,263,196.

Examples of certain administrative salaries:
District superintendent - Poteet
FTE – 240 days a year,
25 vacation days ,15 sick days, 3 personal days
Annual salary $170,775. ( This = $711./day---Note: Gov. Christie makes $175,000.)
Allowance $4,021.
Health and other benefits for teachers benefit amounts (40 – 49% above salary)
Other remuneration and buyback of sick days, vacation days, personal days, annually $16,240.
Retirement buy back 100% of vacation days.

NOTE: If there are 21 administrative staff people and they can each buy back 10 vacation days a year at their daily rate and we average that rate at $500., the annual amount we owe these 21 people is $105,000. And that is just for their vacation day buy back, which they should have to take because it is what is good for them (and thereby the students) and which they were already paid for on those days they worked instead of taking vacation.

Carcamo - Asst. Supt. $156,375. ( 663/day) + $ 2,869. and buy backs $6,014. 236 work days ,25 vacation days, and 12 sick days.

Garcia -Business Administrator $156,375. + $1,140. + buy backs + $6,014. 236 work days, 20 vacation, 12 sick .

Moore - Coordinator/Dir/Mgr/Supvr. $120,000. + benefits $236 20 vacation, 12 sick.

RESIDENTS E-MAIL UNOFFICIALLY WINSLOW RE: SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS

2011-05-15T09:24:00.008-04:00

Unedited emails addressed to UNofficially Winslow have been posted to UNofficially Winslow Schools. Please use the link in the right hand blue margin.

Please click on the graphic below to e-mail your remarks for posting on UNofficially Winslow. You name and email address will be automatically removed, unless you expressly request your name to be published with your remarks.

RESULTS OF THE B.O.E. ELECTION

2011-04-28T00:09:00.019-04:00

CONGRATULATIONS

Lorraine Dredden, Patricia Davis, Gulab Gidwani, Joanne Masciocchi, and most of all the children* of Winslow Township.

John Korostowski 518- 12.6%

Lorraine Dredden 923- 22.45%

Deborah Yanez 374- 9.10%

Patricia Davis 1,088- 26.46%

Gulab Gidwani 866- 21.06%

Angelia Tutt 343- 8.34%

______________________

Joanne Masciocchi 1092- 77.31%

Eartha Mitchell 319- 22.61%

Budget Question : YES 709 NO 814

* Including the illegally bussed in students.

VOTE THE CLOWNS OUT

2011-04-22T22:44:00.027-04:00

WINSLOW TOWNSHIP BOARD OF EDUCATION ELECTION

VOTE WEDNESDAY APRIL 27, 2011 POLLS OPEN 4 P.M. - 9 P.M.

UNofficially Winslow supports the following candidates:

Lorraine Dredden

Patricia Davis

Gulab Gidwani

Joanne Masciocchi

John Korostowski

CLICK HERE to print a sample ballot marked with UNofficially Winslow's candidates of choice.

http://home.comcast.net/~n2fob/garcia-doe.pdf

Winslow school bias lawsuit revived

2011-04-20T22:30:00.006-04:00

REPRINTED FROM THE COURIER-POST

By JIM WALSH • Courier-Post Staff • April 15, 2011

WINSLOW — A white man, who was fired by the township school district after complaining of reverse discrimination, can sue under the state's Whistleblower's Law, an appeals court ruled Thursday.

The decision revived a legal challenge by Jerry Hester, a former director of facilities and operations for the Winslow district. He is suing the school board and former board president Patricia Parker.

Hester contends his August 2007 dismissal was payback for his internal complaint, made in December 2005, and his civil suit, filed in May 2007, that claimed he faced bias due to his race.

District officials pointed instead to problems at the local high school, including mouse droppings in the cafeteria that led to citations from Camden County health officials in 2007.

A Superior Court judge initially dismissed Hester's suit. But a three-judge panel said Thursday that Hester should be able to argue as a whistleblower, saying his complaints, if true, would show illegal activity in the district.

AREA FOOD DRIVE NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT

2011-03-10T20:59:00.008-05:00

YES WE CAN FOOD DRIVE

A Winslow Community Event

Non-Perishable Food Items Can Be Dropped Off at ANY Winslow Township School or look for collection bins with this flyer attached in public buildings throughout the township.

Tuesday, March 1st through
Friday, April 1st

Friday, April 1st – 4pm-7pm--all items will be transported to Winslow Township High School for sorting.

Saturday, April 2nd – 9am-Noon--all items will be packed and distributed LOCALLY to Winslow Township families in need.

This is a community event! Winslow’s fire department, police department, EMS, students, and families will be joining together for this great cause!

Volunteers Needed! Bring the Kids!

For more information e-mail: catfishcav@comcast.net

WINSLOW CHARTER SCHOOL FOUNDER INDICTED BY GRAND JURY

2011-02-26T21:09:00.021-05:00

REPRINTED FROM THE COURIER-POST FEBRUARY 26, 2011

(Click on picture to enlarge)

WINSLOW — The founder of Camden County's only suburban charter school has been accused of attempting to defraud the school in an indictment handed down Wednesday by the state grand jury following an investigation by the state Attorney General Office's Division of Criminal Justice.
Linda L. Clemons of Winslow's Sicklerville section, founder of The Institute for Excellence Charter School and president of its board of trustees, was charged with one count of attempted theft by deception in the third degree. The school opened in September 2009 in the township's Cedar Brook section.

For the complete Courier-Post story please click the graphic below.

ARE THE WINSLOW TOWNSHIP ROADS ON A SODIUM FREE DIET?

2011-01-20T17:57:00.015-05:00

Below is an e-mail received by UNofficially Winslow and UNofficially Winslow's reply.

Has Winslow Township been snow plowing your street and not treating the icy conditions? Were the County roads noted in the Township's e-mail below cleared of all icy conditions quickly as compared to the Township's own streets?

Click here to e-mail your remarks about Winslow Township's effort on treating ice and compacted snow in your area.

----- Original Message -----
From: Paul S Kaplan
To: thaddeusmackey@winslowtownship.com ; russellbates@winslowtownship.com ; mayormetzner@winslowtownship.com ; marielawrence@winslowtownship.com ; Lisa Dority ; karengibison@winslowtownship.com ; johnwilson@winslowtownship.com ; Joe Gallagher ; emcglinchey@winslowtownship.com ; diannaco@winslowtownship.com ; charlesflamini@winslowtownship.com ; barrywright@winslowtownship.com ; anthonytomasello@winslowtownship.com ; WINSLOW TOWNSHIP PUBLIC WORKS
Cc: Stuart ; Eric J. Riso

Sent: Sunday, January 09, 2011 6:08 PM
Subject: Re: SNOW REMOVAL GUIDELINES

IN REFERENCE TO THE COUNTY ROAD REFERENCES IN THIS EMAIL. WHERE IS THE LOCAL REPRESENTATION? GOD FORBID THE LOCAL REPRESENTATION SHOULD COMMUNICATE ON BEHALF OF THE RESIDENTS. I'VE BEEN HEARING THIS "COUNTY ROAD COP-OUT" FOR YEARS. NOT JUST WITH SNOW REMOVAL ISSUES, BUT ROAD REPAIRS MATTERS AS WELL.

ALSO THE LOCAL ROADS IN MY AREA THAT ARE WINSLOW ROADS ARE VERY POORLY CLEARED AND HAVE NO, ZERO, SALT APPLIED. EVEN TOUGH I RECENTLY OBSERVED THE GOVERNING BODY APPROVE IT'S PURCHASE.

NOW THAT THE JUDGE HAS HIS 25% INCREASE, MAYBE NEXT BUDGET THE GOVERNING BODY WILL ALLOW FOR A 25% INCREASE OF ROAD SALT. SOUNDS SILLY ? SO IS A 25% INCREASE ON THE BACKS OF FURLOUGHED EMPLOYEES AND LAID OFF COPS.

----- Original Message -----
From: WINSLOW TOWNSHIP PUBLIC WORKS
To: ALL RESIDENT
Sent: Saturday, January 08, 2011 1:23 PM
Subject: SNOW REMOVAL GUIDELINES

PUBLIC WORKS - SNOW REMOVAL GUIDELINES

Our Public Works Department is working hard to make driving safer and easier in snowy weather. Depending on the duration and amount of snowfall, Township trucks may plow your street several times. As snow rolls off our plows, it will accumulate in driveways. Please understand that this is unavoidable and it is the homeowner's responsibility to clear it. Here are some helpful hints to make "snow" business less frustrating:

· Shovel snow to the right side of your driveway (facing the street) to minimize the amount of snow entering your driveway.

· If possible, wait until the Township trucks have made at least two passes on your street before cleaning your driveway.

· Shovel and/or blow snow onto the curb, not into the street.

· DO NOT PARK cars on the street from one hour after snow has continuously fallen until 12 hours after snow has stopped. This speeds the removal process and prevents cars from being plowed in.

· To insure safety of pedestrians, residents must remove snow from sidewalks following a snow fall. Please remember that children are walking to school and that there are bus stops all over town.

In the event of deep snow, please shovel around your mailbox and fire hydrants near your house - for your safety and your neighbors'.

Not all roads in Winslow Township are maintained by the Township. During bad weather, we often receive calls from our residents about the condition of roads whose maintenance is the responsibility Camden County. We're happy to relay your concerns, but if you would like to reach the Camden County Highway Department directly, please call (856) 783-0043. Here is a list of County maintained roads:

Albertsons Road
Blue Anchor Road
Cedarbrook Road
Chews Landing Road
Cooper Folly Road
Crosskeys Road
East Central Avenue
East Fleming Pike (parts of)
East Taunton Road
Egg Harbor Road
Erial Road
Factory Road
Hall Street
Hay Road
Hayes Mill Road
Mays Landing Road
New Brooklyn Road
New Freedom Road
Norcross Road
Old White Horse Pike
Pennington Avenue
Pump Branch Road
Sicklerville Road
Tansboro Road
Tom Wells Road
Vineyard Road
Waterford Road
Watsontown Road
West Fleming Pike
West Taunton Road
Williamstown Road
Wiltsey's Mill Road

Route 30, Route 73 and Spring Garden Road are maintained by the State of New Jersey: (856) 486-6600.

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM UNOFFICIALLY WINSLOW

2010-12-31T00:01:00.007-05:00

The Township Committee of the Township of Winslow will conduct a Special Meeting on Tuesday, January 4, 2011 at 7:30 pm in the Winslow Township Municipal Building, 125 South Route 73, Braddock, New Jersey, for the purpose of conducting, discussing and acting upon Re-Organization including Resolutions, other Appointments and any other Township Business as deemed necessary.

UNofficially Winslow Receives E-mail

2010-11-20T21:51:00.007-05:00

From: "Gulab Gidwani"
Date: November 20, 2010 10:42:59 AM EST
To: "Gulab Gidwani"
Subject: Appeal to members of Winslow Community

Dear Members of Winslow Community,

Can you please help with an urgent food need in our Township. During our time of Thanksgiving and counting our blessings I plead that we reflect on those less fortunate in these devastating economic time. We've been blessed with much and here is a chance to share some of that back to our community needs. I contacted the Township for where the need was greatest and they referred me to the Health Dept. From there I was referred to Joe & Debbie Haigh of Sicklerville United Methodist Church and the Thanksgiving Outreach. 150 families are in need of a Thanksgiving Day meal this is up from 50 last year. Families are identified by our School Nurses as to families in need. Our Dealership would happily accept any food donations or if easier monetary donations of any amount could be made out to SUMC memo -Thanksgiving Outreach. “As my father taught me manage the pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves”. So believe me when I say any amount will be blessed and multiply to feed.

Ways you can help:
1. Ask each employee, friend, and relative to please bring in a food item accumulate and drop it
at Stones Camping World or if you need call my cell and I will arrange pick it up myself.

2. Make a monetary amount of any amount will bless someone else’s family.

3. Contact others by phone or forward this email or by word of mouth as members
as possible.

Food Choices needed:

Any 2 Litre bottles of Juice (Prefer not to be Soda)
Any canned vegetables
Any boxes of stuffing
Any canned cranberry sauce
Any boxes of instant potatoes
Any boxes of Jell-O
In lieu of turkeys supermarket 10.00 gift cards will be given so if family has infants they may choose formula instead.
We will highly appreciate anything that you can do for the unfortunate in our community.

Thank You in advance and God bless you and your families.

Kevin C-609-405-2576

Kevin Stone

President
Stones Camping World
127 N. Route 73
Berlin NJ 08009

(Cedarbrook)

P.S.: 2nd drop off location: Exotic Woods Co., Inc., 444 Chews Landing Rd., Sicklerville.

Contact: Gulab Gidwani

Cell: 856-278-1737

Phone: 856-728-5555.

PUBLIC HEARING AND COMMENT PENDING FOR WATER AND SEWER RATE INCREASE.

2010-11-17T00:12:00.017-05:00

The Winslow Township Committee has introduced an ordinance to once again raise our water and sewer rates. All ordinances that are introduced require a 2ND reading and vote prior to adoption. The date for the mandatory public hearing and comment period has been put on the Township Committee's agenda for Tuesday November 23, 2010. (7:30 P.M.)

Click here to review (print) the introduced ordinance for raising the water and sewer rates.

As of Friday November 19, 2010 the upcoming meeting agenda, nor a copy of this proposed ordinance, has been posted to the Official Winslow Township website.

WINSLOW TWP. BOIL WATER ADVISORY LIFTED

2010-11-01T18:17:00.006-04:00

PRESS RELEASE
11/01/2010 4:39 PM

WINSLOW TOWNSHIP, CAMDEN COUNTY
BOIL WATER ADVISORY LIFTED

Customers of Winslow Township Water Department were notified on Friday October 29, 2010 of a problem with our drinking water due to the presence of E. coli in a water quality test that resulted in our water system exceeding the maximum contaminant level under the Total Coliform Rule. Our customers were advised to boil the water before using as precautionary measure.

We are pleased to report that the subsequent water quality testing show the water quality to be safe.

THE BOIL WATER ADVISORY IS LIFTED and it is no longer necessary to boil your water before using. The following measures are strongly encouraged at this time:

Run your water faucets for 3-5 minutes to flush your service connection and interior plumbing with water from the service main.
Empty and clean your automatic ice makers and water chillers.
Water reservoirs in tall buildings should be drained and refilled.

We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact the Winslow Township Water Department on Tuesday, November 2, 2010 between the hours of 8:30am to 4:30 pm at 609-567-0700. Thank you.

WINSLOW TOWNSHIP ISSUES E.COLI WARNING

2010-10-29T23:18:00.011-04:00

DRINKING WATER WARNING
WINSLOW TWP. WATER IS CONTAMINATED WITH E. COLI BACTERIA
BOIL YOUR WATER BEFORE USING/USE ALTERNATE WATER SOURCE

Winslow Twp water has violated a drinking water standard, specifically the Total Coliform Rule by exceeding the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for E. Coli bacteria during October 2010. E. Coli bacteria were found in the water supply on October 28, 2010.These bacteria can make you sick, and are a particular concern for people with weakened immune systems.

Do not drink the water without boiling first. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for three minutes, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.

E. Coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Microbes in these wastes can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, some of the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems.

The symptoms above are not caused only by organisms in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice. People at increased risk should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.

Bacterial contamination can occur when increased run-off enters the drinking water source (for example, following heavy rains). It can also happen due to a break in the distribution system (pipes) or a failure in the water treatment process.
What we are doing:
1.Wells_are_being_isolated._
2.Chlorine_disinfection_is_being_increased.
3.Water_mains_additionally_flushed.

Additional samples will be collected and you will be informed when the tests show no bacteria and you no longer need to boil your water. We anticipate resolving this problem within the next several days.

For more information, please contact Winslow Township at (609) 567-0700. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1 (800) 426-4791.

Winslow Township is providing this notice to you.
Public Water System ID #: NJ 0436007
Date distributed: 10/29/10

UNofficially Winslow is preparing a posting regarding a rate increase for both the water and sewer utilities. The ordinance was introduced during the NON-TELEVISED township committee meeting of October 26, 2010. This new ordinance will be presented for a final vote while your preparing for Thanksgiving on Tuesday November 23, 2010. The public must be given a chance to comment on this new ordinance just prior to the final vote.

UNofficially Winslow will present documentation showing Committeeman Barry Wright, Director of Municipal Utilities, voted in favor of introducing the rate increase ordinance as well as Wilson, Flamini, Lawrence, Mackey, and Tomasello. While Karen Gibison and Mayor Metzner voted against the measure in an effort not to raise the water and sewer rates. (Bates was not present at the meeting.)

TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE INTRODUCES ORDINANCE TO RAISE MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGE'S SALARY BY 25%

2010-09-23T12:07:00.055-04:00

In the video clips below, the Township Committee debates issues concerning raising the Municipal Court Judge's salary by 25%.

1) Committeeman Barry Wright recuses himself from voting on the portion of the ordinance that involves the salary adjustment for the Municipal Judge, but still intends to vote on the ordinance. (CLICK HERE for details regarding Wright's conflict.) Committeewoman Gibison challenges and questions how you can isolate one part of the ordinance and still vote on the balance of the measures without voting line item by line item.

2) Dialog continues concerning the financial situation of the Township. References are made to the recent police officers who were laid-off and Township employees who were forced to take furlough days in an effort to save their jobs.

Committeewoman Gibison:

"...In regards to the Municipal Judge, who's salary if this goes through will be $49,054. as amended...One day a week of coming to Winslow Township..."

Part 1 of 2

Part 2 of 2

In the brief video clip below, Committeeman Chuck Flamini, Director of Finance, discusses the anticipated difficulties with the 2011 municipal budget. This is the same Chuck Flamini who just voted to introduce a 25% salary increase for the Municipal Judge.

The final vote on this matter is expected to take place during the next Township Committee meeting, Tuesday September 28, 2010. The September 28 meeting is not scheduled to be televised.

There will be a special public comment period during the September 28, 2010 meeting specifically for this matter. Typically this type of matter is handled early on in the meeting agenda. The meeting is scheduled for 7:30 P.M.

CLICK HERE to review the actual text of the introduced ordinance.

UNofficially Winslow Receives E-mail

2010-09-22T23:54:00.001-04:00

---------- Original message ----------
From: MARK COLLINS markymarky99@msn.com
Date: Wed, Sep 22, 2010 at 3:43 AM
Subject: A raise for the fake Judge ?
To: unofficiallywinslow@comcast.net

Dear Unofficially Winslow,

Hope all is well! I just heard the joke of a judge in Winslow is getting a raise?!!!

That crooked crumb bum gets a raise for his efforts of separating honest people from their hard earned money eh? I'm still owed 300 bucks from that $%$&*&%$ the way I see it. Disgusting stuff, really makes me sick. My wife and I spent a year in Winslow and couldn't wait to move. It was by far the worst experience in my life (40 years). I was constantly followed on local roads as I came off of the expressway at exit 38 from my casino job late at night. Several times the police "escorted" me right to my house, then circled back again as I walked down the sidewalk from parking my vehicle. My wife and I are hard working people (she's now a school teacher and I'm very close to finishing my teaching degree). You are very familiar with the railroad job Officer Urban and "Judge" Diamond did to me over a bogus ticket that Urban decided to issue. He's a liar and the Judge is a joke. The Appellate Court wasted no time in throwing out the ridiculous ticket. The sad thing is, many people don't have the wherewithal or the ability to follow the appeals process. Accordingly, Winslow Twp reaps the benefit of stealing money from innocent people, but they hurt themselves by chasing good people out of the town. Things couldn't be better in our new town. It was like a huge weight was lifted from our shoulders. I didn't feel free in Winslow and I certainly didn't feel as though my Constitutional rights were safe in that town. I feel bad for the people of Winslow. There's a crooked, ignorant Judge on the bench and a known lying officer (Urban) in their midst. Both of those two guys should feel ashamed of themselves and find a way to get 300 dollars (cost of appeals process, gas, time, etc) back in my family's budget. They'll get there "just-due" someday, it's just a shame that in the mean time, more innocent people are going to be robbed of their civil liberties and their money. A raise for Diamond? He's a disgrace to the Justice system, and that's saying a lot.

I wish you the best in that town,

God Bless!

Mark V. Collins (Robbed by officer Urban and Judge Diamond in 2009)

CLICK HERE for the original posting on UNofficially Winslow of the court case the author of this email was making reference to. Including the judge's remarks and other documents.

From the Camden County Superior Court Opinion and Order:

" Judge Diamond's finding that Mr. Collins left the expressway at exit 31 and not at exit 38, as Mr. Collins testified, is speculative and without any foundation in the evidence".

UNofficially Winslow Receives E-mail

2010-09-21T23:40:00.009-04:00

----- Original Message -----
From: UNofficially Winslow Receives E-mail
To: unofficially winslow
Sent: Monday, September 20, 2010 11:43 AM
Subject: Township Meeting

25% Pay Increase for Diamond the Judge! I watched the township meeting on Friday night and I was so mad that the 25% pay increase for Diamond went through. How could they vote yes after so many in our township lost their jobs this year, between the police officers and the schools. I just don't get it. The more I drive around the township. I see more and more abandoned homes and homes for sale. Talk about yes people! I saw how the vote went, who voted yes and who voted no.

UNofficially Winslow Responds:

The vote noted by the author of the above e-mail did take place. However, that vote was one of two that is required to pass a new ordinance.

The final vote is expected to take place during the next Township Committee meeting, Tuesday September 28, 2010. The September 28 meeting is not scheduled to be televised.

There will be a special public comment period during the September 28, 2010 meeting specifically for this matter. Typically this type of matter is handled early on in the meeting agenda. The meeting is scheduled for 7:30 P.M.

UNofficially Winlsow plans to post video, and other documentation on this subject shortly.

MAYOR METZNER ADDRESSES THE WINSLOW TOWNSHIP BOARD OF EDUCATION

2010-08-20T15:04:00.062-04:00

MAYOR METZNER ADDRESSES THE PUBLIC IN ATTENDANCE OF THE AUGUST 17, 2010 MAYOR AND TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING.

RE: CONCERNS OF THE WINSLOW TOWNSHIP PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND BOARD OF EDUCATION. THE MAYOR MENTIONS SHE PLANS TO ADDRESS THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AT THEIR NEXT MEETING (THE FOLLOWING EVENING) .

Please click on the graphic below for a video of Mayor Metzner addressing the public in attendance of the August 17, 2010 Mayor and Committee meeting.

In the video below Mayor Metzner addresses the Winslow Township Board of Education during the August 18, 2010 Board of Education meeting.

(The video is approximately 32 minutes long, divided up into 4 segments.)

Please click the graphic below for a video of the Superintendent of schools replying to Mayor Metzner & other public participation speakers.

HAS THE WINSLOW TOWNSHIP GOVERNING BODY VIOLATED THE OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT ?

2010-08-11T23:34:00.022-04:00

UNofficially Winslow has filed a formal complaint with the State of New Jersey Government Records Council (G.R.C.) The complaint addresses a possible violation of the Open Public Records Act.

UNofficially Winslow believes the Township Committee also violated the Open Public Meetings Act, commonly referred to as the Sunshine Law. The Sunshine Law violation was rectified when the Mayor requested a public vote in an effort to keep the public informed. Please view the video clip of the Mayor below.

The complaint filed with the G.R.C. does not address the Sunshine Law violation. UNofficially Winslow believes the violation of the Open Public Meetings Act occurred in an effort to restrict information from the public concerning water system related problems in the Spring Road area. Furthermore, when UNofficially Winslow requested an e-mail document, via the Open Public Records Act, it was denied. UNofficially Winslow believes the document was denied because of the original intention to circumvent the Open Public Meetings Act with the use of e-mail.

In the first video clip below Mayor Metzner asks for a ratification (Committee voting in public) of an action that might have taken place via email and outside the limits of the Sunshine Law. The Mayor's concern is the residents were left out while matters concerning an RFP (Request for Proposal) for selling off the water and sewer system was being explored. And water pressure and odor concerns of the Spring Road area residents.

In the 2nd video clip Committeewoman Gibison discusses issues and concerns when votes or "polling" the Committee takes place via e-mail.

Both of these videos have been submitted to the Government Records Council, along with the Open Public Records Act complaint noted above.

Click HERE to review a copy of the complaint and other submitted documents.

Click HERE to review additional correspondence concerning this matter.

Please be sure to scroll down to the bottom when viewing all documents on UNofficially Winslow. Often times there is more than one document, as in both of these cases.

Updates and additional documents will be posted in this area on an on-going basis. Check back regularly for a first hand education of our Open Public Records Act.

In a subsequent meeting the Township Committee voted not to sell the water system after all. However UNofficially Winslow plans to follow through with the Open Public Records Act complaint. In the opinion of UNofficially Winlsow the Township Committee lost public trust with this misguided stunt.

You can view this entire meeting (about 10 minutes) in the video clip posted below. (Click on camera picture)
The next Township Committee meeting is scheduled for August 17, 2010 at 7:30 P.M.

WINSLOW TOWNSHIP SOLICITOR, STUART A. PLATT, REFUSES TO ADDRESS BASEBALL CARD ISSUE.

2010-08-09T23:52:00.003-04:00

In an e-mail to UNofficially Winslow, the Winslow Township Solicitor Stuart A. Platt, made a wager that UNofficially Winslow would not publish a particular email of his.

UNofficially Winslow posted the e-mail and you can still view this e-mail today. UNofficially Winslow has made several attempts to collect the Baseball card Mr. Platt spoke about in his email. To date Platt has refused to address the issue with UNofficially Winslow.

UNofficially Winslow has filed in small claims court for the equivalent value of the $6,500.-$92,000. Baseball card. Giving Platt a break because small claims court is limited to $3000.

UNofficially Winslow has received a threatening letter from Platt's attorney. And as of this posting has not responded to UNofficially Winslow's request for mediation. Furthermore it appears that Platt's attorney has no intention of addressing this matter prior to the court date.

The original issue concerns Platt's ridiculous letter regarding videotaping during public meetings. UNofficially Winslow removed a video clip of an eight year old resident who was asking the Mayor and Committee during public participation to assist in keeping his grammar school open. (Which the Committee did.) The removal of this video seemed to satisfy Platt. Even though Platt's laptop screen was not readable and also in a public setting. You can view the original posting and remarks of the New Jersey State Supreme Court on videotaping during public meetings here on UNofficially Winslow.

Our tax dollars, some years hundreds of thousands of our tax dollars, go to the Township Solicitor. The Township Committee selects the Township Solicitor each January on the residents behalf. Perhaps next time a politician asks for your vote, you may want to ask who they support for Township Solicitor and other professional appointments.

HAS COMMITTEEMAN MACKEY BEEN ASLEEP, OR DOES HE HAVE AN AGENDA ?

2010-07-27T00:17:00.002-04:00

Winslow Township just experienced a horrible event. The Township was forced to layoff eight police officers. Originally twelve, but four jobs were saved at the last minute by senior officers retirements.

Winslow Township Mayor and Committee voted to promote from within a new acting police chief for a six month period.

The video clip below shows the Township Committee's discussion with the perspective new police chief, just prior to their positive vote. Committeeman Thaddeus Mackey questions the new perspective police chief regarding new hires during the chief's proposed six month acting position.

Also please note while viewing this video, the Winslow Township Police Department is a New Jersey Civil Service organization. And as such follows the rules for new employees as mandated by the Civil Service rules. Applications for the 2010 Law Enforcement Examination (Police, Other Police Titles, Sheriff’s Officer, & State Park Police) will be accepted through August 31, 2010. Applications for the examination are currently available from the Township Clerk's office. You may also click HERE for additional information on Civil Service.

2010-07-05T23:22:00.012-04:00

UNofficially Winslow has received several emails concerning the Winslow Township School District. Please click on the link below for the UNofficially Winslow school section.

There is also link for the UNofficially Winslow School section in the blue margin (under the hit counter) on the UNofficially Winslow home page.

UNofficially Winslow Schools

UPDATE July 10, 2010:

Additional e-mails written to UNofficially Winslow concerning the Board of Education and Winslow Township School District have now been posted to UNofficially Winslow Schools Please use the link above.

UNofficially Winslow Receives E-mail

2010-06-27T21:50:00.004-04:00

----- Original Message -----
From: E-mail received by UNofficially Winslow
To: UNofficially Winslow
Sent: Saturday, June 26, 2010 8:00 PM
Subject: E-mail Received by UNofficially Winslow

This e-mail is intended for publication on Unofficially Winslow.

Wow what did I think of last nights school board meeting, Friday June 25, 2010. First of all since when does our school board have a meeting on a Friday night? Oh maybe Poteat was hoping nobody would come. I was not happy that I had to sit there for an hour. The Public Notice that the board posted said the meeting was for 6:00. The actual meeting didn't start until 7:00. When I saw the agenda at the meeting there I saw the board was honoring the staff that were retiring. I just wish I would have read that on the agenda that was posted on the schools web site. I have to say that for once all the board members looked like they were paying attention. When parents were talking Poteat looked to me like he was bored. And what is with Garcia, she either had a smirk on her face or she was laughing. We in the community see nothing funny how these people are running and destroying our schools and township. What do they care they don't live in our township.
The school board president started off saying there was a tentative agreement on the table for the ESA's and the before and after school care givers. Their union first has to get a vote from the union members. Everyone was clapping but to find out they are asking them to take a 30% cut in their salary. The board says there is no money but Poteat got a $40,000.00 raise and all the administrators received a large raise. He is asking people who only make $20,000.00 a year to take a 30% cut. Thirty percent of 20,000.00 is 6,000.00. So now the aides who work as hard or harder then the teachers are only getting paid $14,000.00. That is for the ESA's that work in the classroom, most of the bus aides work less hours. The nerve of them to even think this. What a disgrace from our school board. Why not ask for a pay freeze.
Poteat sent out letters to the parents of the students that go to the Regional Day School, telling the parents that starting September 2010 their children's school will be a trailer not equipped with the things they will need daily. Like learning to wash clothing using a washer and dryer, a kitchen to learn how to cook, they will have no lunchroom or gym. Their were many parents to speak to the board. When the first parent stood up to talk I looked at the board members and by the looks on their faces they knew nothing about this. Poteat had no emotion on his face. Another secret from Poteat.
Poteat lied about he didn't know the electric was out at School 5 until the children were on the bus to come to school. He was told many hours before. The custodians start work at 6:00. Disgrace to make the children and staff be in a building with no electric. One teacher talked and said that it was 87 inside school 5 building. I'm sure Poteat was comfortable with his generator keeping his office cool.
Oh I see Mitchell is now a board member. How did that happen since when she ran for the board member position she got the lowest votes. Why do we even vote if the board is going to put who ever they want on the board. I thought this was the United States of America.
Last night someone brought up about buses going to Philly to pick up people to clean the schools. Poteat said it was only one bus. Well he lied again because three buses go to Philly late afternoon to pick up the cleaning people. I don't know about you but I have to drive myself to work. The bus drivers get paid $35.00 and hour overtime to pick these strangers up, not including fuel and bridge tolls. Again he is lying.
I honestly was hoping that things would turn around this year but the things he's doing is destroying our township and schools. I just hope the board gets rid of him before our schools are so destroyed they can't be fixed. Many people are trying to move out of the township because of our schools but can't sell because nobody wants to move here.

TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE ADOPTS 2010 BUDGET; INCLUDES LAYOFFS OF 12 POLICE OFFICERS.

2010-06-01T23:31:00.003-04:00

In first video clip below, the Township Administrator explains to the public in attendance of the May 25, 2010 Mayor and Township Committee meeting the current status of the police and township employee layoffs.

In the next video clip below; a resident asks the Mayor and Township Committee for explanations concerning the tax rate. Please note in this video clip the conversation about property values pertains to assessed value, not sale value of the properties being discussed.

In the final video clip below the Township Committee adopts the 2010 budget. Which effectually lays off 12 police officers. Committeewoman Gibison and Mayor Metzner vote against the adoption of the budget, but the majority past the budget anyway. There are out cries from the public in attendance.
Click on the link below for the Courier-Post May 26, 2010 article "Winslow to lay off 12 officers."

AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES AND A PINE HILL RESIDENT

2010-05-20T22:13:00.008-04:00

General information for UNofficially Winslow vistors.

Video taping of public meetings has previously been addressed in New Jersey several times. In 2007 a Pine Hill, New Jersey resident (Pine Hill borders Winslow Township near Crosskeys road.) , with the assistance of the American Civil Liberties Union, successfully challenged the Borough of Pine Hill in the New Jersey Supreme Court.

Below are two excerpts from a March 7, 2007 press release.

"Videotaping is an invaluable method of documenting government activities or misconduct," said ACLU of New Jersey Legal Director Ed Barocas. "We are pleased that the Supreme Court recognized that American freedom and democracy depend on the people having a right to access government information."

The New Jersey Supreme Court unanimously held that videotaping public meetings is part of the common law right to obtain public information.

Chief Justice James R. Zazzali, writing for the court, explained: "Openness is a hallmark of democracy -- a sacred maxim of our government -- and video is but a modern instrument in that evolving pursuit. ...The use of modern technology to record and review the activities of public bodies should marshal pride in our open system of government, not muster suspicion against citizens who conduct the recording."

UNOFFICIALLY WINSLOW RECEIVED A LETTER FROM THE TOWNSHIP SOLICITOR; UNOFFICIALLY WINSLOW RESPONDS

2010-05-19T23:01:00.008-04:00

UNofficially Winslow received a letter from the Winslow Township Solicitor concerning video taping the during the Township meetings.

You may click on the graphic link below to read the letter and UNofficially Winslow's reply. In addition to a 2nd email from UNofficially Winslow to a resident.

You may e-mail your comments to:

UPDATE: UNofficially Winslow received additional dribble from the Township Solicitor. CLICK HERE to read the attorney's reply.

UNofficiallyWinslow@comcast.net

2010-05-10T02:48:00.001-04:00

SCHOOL BUDGET HEARING TONIGHT

2010-03-31T00:01:00.000-04:00

The Winslow Township Board of Education will be holding a Public Hearing on the proposed budget for the 2010-2011 school year on Wednesday, March 31, 2010 in the Winslow Township Middle School Cafeteria, 30 Coopers Folly Road, Atco, NJ 08004 at 7:00 p.m.

UNofficially Winslow Receives E-mail

2010-03-28T07:34:00.003-04:00

----- Original Message -----
From: UNofficially Winslow Receives E-mail
To: UNofficiallywinslow@comcast.net
Sent: Saturday, March 27, 2010 7:35 AM
Subject: Russell Bates

I was watching the town council meeting on Comcast last night (Friday March 26).

The way Russell Bates talks to the Mayor is a disgrace. He would not let our Mayor have a second to talk about our Parks Director. He is a rude man and you can see he has some sort of axe to grind.

You don't have to agree with our Mayor and I don't all the time, but show her the respect the title holds.

Mr. Bates do all of us in Winslow a favor and move to Berlin or Gloucester Township.

Why do the people of Winslow keep electing these jerks to office?

UNofficially Winslow Receives E-mail

2010-03-15T23:53:00.002-04:00

----- Original Message -----
From: UNofficially Winslow Receives E-mail
To: UNofficiallyWinslow@comcast.net
Sent: Saturday, March 13, 2010 5:13 PM
Subject: Water Dept

I was at the 3/9 public mtg. when the sale of the water dept. was brought up. I must say every time the mayor and Karen mentioned anything about more investigation no matter what the issue, they were outvoted. Karen raised the question as to whether or not anyone checked with surrounding municipalities who pay American Water for service. They would not even let her finish. I pay them for water service and it ranges anywhere from $40 to $90/month. I feel her question made sense. But not them. In essence, I felt that the mayor and Karen were lame ducks sitting up there. No one cared at all about what they were saying. The ring leaders were Bates and Wright. I could see Wright looking at Gallagher all night so he would know what to reply to any questions that came up. Bates attacked the mayor on some issues right in front of everyone. I never saw such a display of disrespect and was appalled by it. The other members were puppets on a string. I could tell that they were just agreeing to keep on the good side of Bates and Wright. How these people were voted in is beyond me. I don't even live in the township any longer and am glad of it. I was there because of the threat of police layoffs. It hits close to home. And I definitely will be at the mtgs. to follow. Perhaps they want to relive 6/12/94. How quickly they forget. Or is Winslow a really safe community now?

Click Here to view e-mails concerning Winslow Township schools and the Winslow Township Board of Education.

UNofficially Winslow Receives E-mail

2010-03-03T23:30:00.009-05:00

----- Original Message -----
From: A TOWNSHIP EMPLOYEE
To: UNOFFICIALLYWINSLOW@COMCAST.NET
Sent: Monday, March 01, 2010 8:03 PM
Subject: SELLING OF WATER DEPT.

JUST TO INFORM ANYONE WHO WOULD LISTEN THAT THE WINSLOW TOWNSHIP WATER DEPARTMENT WAS INFORMED TODAY THAT THE TOWNSHIP ADMINISTRATOR, JOE GALLAGHER, INFORMED THE WATER DEPARTMENT THAT WE WILL BE BROUGHT UP FOR A NOVEMBER 2010 BALLOT VOTE TO SELL THE WATER DEPT. TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER. WE ARE TOLD THAT SOME OF THE COMMITTEE PEOPLE ARE GOING AROUND TELLING TAX PAYERS THAT THEIR RATES WILL GO DOWN IF THE DEPT. IS SOLD. LET ME SET THESE PEOPLE STRAIGHT. IF NEW JERSEY AMERICAN OR AQUA BUYS THIS UTILITY, THE FIRST THING THEY WILL DO IS DOUBLE OR TRIPLE THE RATES WITH NO ONE IN THE TWP. HAVING ANY SAY IN THIS PROCESS. THEY ARE A BUSINESS & ARE ONLY IN THIS TO MAKE MONEY, NOTHING PERSONAL BUT THAT IS HOW THEY WORK. ALSO ABOUT 20-30 EMPLOYEES THAT WORK AT TOWN HALL WHO ARE SUBSIDIZED BY THIS DEPT. WILL LOSE THEIR JOBS SINCE THE DEPT. MONIES WILL NO LONGER BE THERE TO PAY PARTS OF THERE SALARIES. THE WHOLE BOTTOM LINE FOR THE SALE IS THE TWP. HAS A $3,000,000 DEFICIT TO MAKE UP THIS YEAR & DO NOT KNOW WHERE TO GET THIS MONEY SO THEY ARE LOOKING FOR A ONE TIME QUICK FIX. HOPING MAYBE TO STASH A LITTLE MONEY AWAY FOR THE NEXT COUPLE OF YEARS TO TRY TO STAY LIQUID. WHEN THIS MONEY RUNS OUT & THE GOOSE THAT LAID THE GOLDEN, THE WATER DEPT. IS GONE WHAT DO THEY DO THEN? I THINK THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN THIS TWP. NEED TO KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON FROM AN INSIDE POINT OF VIEW, NOT INCLUDING THE FACT THAT 15 PEOPLE FROM THE WATER DEPT. WILL LOSE THEIR JOBS & PROBABLY AT LEAST 20 MORE AT TOWN HALL, THE TRUTH JUST NEEDS TO BE TOLD. THANK YOU,

A TOWNSHIP EMPLOYEE.

You may e-mail your remarks to:

UNofficiallyWinslow@comcast.net

WINSLOW TOWNSHIP BASKET BALL ORGANIZATIONS FORCED TO PAY RANSOM FOR GYM USE; BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING TONIGHT

2010-01-27T12:29:00.006-05:00

Winslow Township Basket Ball organizations are being told, on short notice, they must pay for the use of the gyms.
Basket Ball organizations are scrambling for hundreds of dollars to make payment to the Board of Education prior to this Friday so that Saturday games will be permitted.
350+ Winslow Township youth is effected.
Voice your concerns tonight at the Winslow Township Board of Education meeting.

DATE: TONIGHT JANUARY 27, 2010

LOCATION: WINSLOW TOWNSHIP MIDDLE SCHOOL

TIME: 7:00 P.M.

CAN'T MAKE THE MEETING?

CALL OR E-MAIL THE BOARD OFFICE & BOARD MEMBERS AND VOICE YOUR CONCERNS.

H. Major Poteat, Ed.D., Superintendent (856) 767-2850 (Press 8 during voice prompts)

Click Here for the Superintendent's message to the community.

Ann Garcia, Ed.D., Bus. Admin./Bd. Secretary (856) 767-2850 (Press 5 during voice prompts)

EMAIL: garciaan@winslow-schools.com

EMAIL ADDRESSES FOR B.O.E. MEMBERS

John Tomasello, President
tomasejo@winslow-schools.com

Cheryl Pitts, Vice President
pittsch@winslow-schools.com

Mark Benjamin
benjamma@winslow-schools.com

Dino Capaldi
capalddi@winslow-schools.com

Paul DiMeglio
dimeglpa@winslow-schools.com

Christopher McGinnis
mcginnisch@winslow-schools.com

Eartha Mitchell
mitcheea@winslow-schools.com

Angelia M. Tutt
tuttan@winslow-schools.com

Deborah Yanez
yanezde@winslow-schools.com

WINSLOW TOWNSHIP RE-ORGANZATION MEETING

2009-12-31T01:37:00.011-05:00

WINSLOW TOWNSHIP MAYOR AND TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE RE-ORGANIZATION

DATE: SATURDAY JANUARY 2, 2010

TIME: 12:00 NOON

PLACE: MUNICIPAL BUILDING

NEWLY ELECTED SWORN IN

PROFESSIONAL APPOINTMENTS SUCH AS ENGINEERS, VARIOUS LAWYERS, MUNICIPAL JUDGE, ETC.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC WITH PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS USUALLY EXPLAIN THEIR GOALS, INTENTIONS, AND HOW THEY ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO WORKING WITH ONE ANOTHER IN THE COMING YEAR.

UNofficially Winslow Receives E-mail

2009-11-30T22:57:00.000-05:00

Click on either map to enlarge.

Editor's Note:

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----- Original Message -----
From: MARK COLLINS
To: unofficiallywinslow@comcast.net
Sent: Saturday, November 21, 2009 6:15 AM
Subject: Email for publishing, pic of back of my truck too!

Welcome to Winslow, where you’ll find at least one bad cop and an illogical Judge!

HELLO, I enjoy your website. Here’s some injustice performed by a pair of Winslow’s finest.

On Friday, May 1st, 2009, I took an early out from my casino job at 10:40pm and began to head home. At 10:55pm I paid a 75 cent toll leaving Atlantic City. At 11:07pm, I paid the $3.00 toll in the Egg Harbor area heading towards Sicklerville and exit 38.

Roughly around 11:27pm exited the expressway via Exit 38, crossed directly over Williamstown Road onto Chews landing Road. I usually get followed home 3 nights out of 5 on this road because I travel late at night and the cops are on DWI patrol. This forces me to set my cruise control at 45mph. I arrived at the Sicklerville/Chews Landing Road light at about 11:29pm then made a left hand turn onto Sicklerville road. There is only 2/10’s of a mile to travel before arriving at the Kali Road turn, a LEFT here takes me to my house on Parktown place. I can only accelerate up to 40mph and then have to take my foot off of the gas in order to coast into the light or stop, depending on its color.

The light was RED; I pulled into the left hand turn lane and signaled to make a left. I waited about 15 seconds before the light turned GREEN. Not only did it turn green, but it also gave me the little left hand turn signal arrow. I should be the only one in the intersection.

I made the left and noticed an oncoming vehicle’s headlights quickly approaching. It was all the way to my left and looked like it may be making a RIGHT hand turn onto Kali Road. In a blink of an eye, the vehicle nearly smashed into the side of my truck. I locked up my brakes and it continued to speed down Kali Road. I couldn't believe what just happened.

I checked my rear view mirror to make sure no one was going to hit me from behind, then looked around and saw nothing. I decided to see if the vehicle was going to turn into my development. If he did, I would try to catch up to him and have a friendly conversation. Just let him know that there are families around here, he can’t be speeding around like that, there’s no reason for it.

As I began to drive again, I noticed the vehicle turn into Cobbler’s Cove which is about 1/10th of a mile away from the light. I pulled up to COBBLER’S COVE, looked in my rear view mirror again, saw that NO ONE was on the road but me, and stopped my truck to stare down into the development. I couldn't see any tail lights or sign of the vehicle. Cobbler’s Cove splits into two separate roads immediately, this guy was gone.

I was unable to identify the type of vehicle. Although it nearly smashed into me, and I saw the rear of it as it drove away, I couldn't get a read on it. It was a dark gray or silver color. The driver looked like a young white male, he had a baseball cap pulled down on his head and he seemed to be laughing. It appeared that there was another passenger, I couldn't be sure.

Now I’ve owned 5 different Nissan vehicles in the past 10 years (Sentra, Altima, Maxima, Titan, and Rogue). I know Nissan’s well. I also owned a pre-owned vehicle business for 2 years. I’m very familiar with cars. The vehicle that almost hit me appeared to be some sort of small SUV or maybe even a Subaru Outback. I know for a FACT that it wasn’t a NISSAN of any kind.

I gave up looking for the vehicle and limped home. I was still shaken up and now MAD. I could have been injured or killed; I drove about as slow as ever, probably less than 10mph. I made the left onto Pondview Lane, then the left onto Parktown Place. I pulled up to my house, parked my truck, turned it off and began to step out when suddenly SQUAD CAR LIGHTS appear behind me!!

I was now even madder. I thought WHERE was this cop 20-30 seconds ago? How did he NOT SEE the guy almost hit me, and why am I getting “stopped?”

I grabbed my license, insurance and registration, and awaited the officer’s arrival.

He shined his flashlight directly into my face for several seconds. He asked me “where you coming from?” I answered, “work, Atlantic City.”

He asked “have you been drinking?” I said “no, I just got done work and came straight home.”

I was completely baffled by this stop and with the light in my eyes I squinted and tried to stare at him.

He had an unfriendly attitude and sternly said to me “I GOT YOU GOING 65 IN A 50.”

I was stunned. All I could offer was a question of “Where?”

The officer retorted “ON SICKLERVILLE ROAD!”

I told him, “I just got on Sicklerville Road.” He shrugged his shoulders, took my credentials and went back to his squad car.

At this point I figured once he runs my license and sees that I have NO POINTS and use NJ Manufacturer’s Insurance (they only insure pointless and accident free drivers) he’ll probably want to issue a warning. Also, I figured when he sees that the address on my license matches the exact location that we were currently sitting at, he’ll decide against writing a ticket.

I WAS WRONG! Officer Urban issued me a ticket for 65mph in a 50. I asked him “are you sure it was me, I literally just got on Sicklerville road?” He shrugged his shoulders and said “yes.”

I took the ticket, exited my vehicle and went into my house. Called my wife and told her I was almost hit by another car, but get this, I got a ticket for speeding!!!!

For about a month I really couldn't figure out HOW the officer could be close enough to me to say that I was speeding but NOT see the near accident at Kali and Sicklerville Road. I also could not figure out how I could have possibly gone 65mph in my truck, on a wet road, when I’m only on Sicklerville Road for 2/10’s of a mile. I need at least 600-800 feet of space to BRAKE if I could get my truck up to 65mph before the traffic light. It was clear that this was impossible.

I filled out NOT GUILTY on the TICKET and mailed it in. Then I went over to the municipal building and PURCHASED the “discovery evidence” of the case. Did you know that you had to pay money for this? It cost me 6 or 8 dollars, can’t remember.

Once I looked in the RECORD, I was able to get a copy of the ticket, this time I could actually READ the writing on it. OFFICER URBAN stated the LOCATION of the speeding incident to be at SCENIC VIEW DRIVE and SICKLERVILLE Rd.

I didn’t know where this was (just moved to this town in January 09) so I looked it up on Mapquest. Scenic View Drive is a ½ mile NORTH from the Kali Road turn. I never go up that way to get home, it’s PAST my house.

This finally explained to me what must have happened. The vehicle that nearly hit me came from that direction. Officer Urban must have clocked it as it passed him going in opposite directions. He made a U-TURN and headed after the vehicle. Both vehicles were now heading towards me.

The problem is, a vehicle traveling 65mph covers 95 feet per second. So for every second that Officer Urban took in stopping, making a U-turn, and then accelerating up to 65mph, he lost ground. It’s easy to see that the vehicle was probably 1000 or more feet away from him by the time he (the officer) made it to the Kali light.

If you have ever traveled down Sicklerville road heading towards Kali road, you’ll see that the right hand turn is very pronounced and elongated. There are also trees and shrubbery on that corner. If you are not DIRECTLY behind someone making that turn, you can’t possibly see what goes on in that area. It’s not in the field of vision.

Officer Urban was too far behind the speeding vehicle and missed the near accident.
When he finally did turn onto Kali road, he would have only noticed the distant taillights of my truck turning onto Pondview. I figure he made a guess that if that’s the only tail lights, then that has to be the vehicle that sped past him.

I understood at this point, although I was unhappy. Why? #1. He wrote a ticket for 65, not 64 or less. That’s a big difference in money and he went with the higher FINES and 4 point infraction. In the testimony from the trial, you’ll see that he wasn’t even sure of a speed, he could have written 60 or so, but he decided to STICK it TO ME.

I also didn’t like the fact that he wasn’t willing to talk about what had transpired. And that he felt the need to ticket a guy with a clean driving record who had just pulled up to his house.

I figured I’d see him in court, pull him aside and explain how he missed what happened. We’d have a good laugh along with the Judge at the coincidence of more than one vehicle being in the area. After all, I had the Ace in the hole, my EZ PASS RECORDS.

My hearing was postponed several times by the court which was a major inconvenience.

When I finally did get a hearing in July, I sat in the court room all day and my case was never called. Judge Diamond said because I hadn't spoken to the prosecutor, they had no record of a trial for me. I was there at 12:30pm until 430pm, the officer who wrote the ticket was there.

At 4:25pm, tired of waiting, and no one left in the court room, I said "Judge, I'm waiting for a trial and the officer just testified 10 minutes ago against someone else. He's in the building."

The judge informed me that it was TOO LATE now because the people who do the paperwork for trials are gone, or something to that effect.

I was visibly angry and mad; I just wasted an entire day and no justice?

Judge Diamond asked me “well, what time did you get here?”

I think he was insinuating that I was late or something? I told him “I was here about an hour early waiting in line outside, probably 12:30pm.”

He also asked me "Why didn't you speak to the prosecutor?"

My answer was, "I'm not guilty and not looking to make a deal. People who are guilty make deals. Therefore I have no reason to speak with them."

The judge informed me that "that's how it works here, you speak to the prosecutor and they give us the paperwork for a trial." Hmmmmmmm

(If I already marked on the ticket that I was NOT GUILTY, shouldn't it be ASSUMED that I want a trial? And if I don’t speak to the prosecutor, shouldn't it come up as a TRIAL?)

IF THAT'S HOW IT WORKS, the officer who asks people if they'd like to speak to a prosecutor and hands out numbers when court begins, should have to say "EVERYONE must speak to the prosecutor or your case will NOT be called."

Seems like common sense to me. Why give people the option when there is no option?

Judge Diamond then stated “I’ll make a note that this happened, the next time I see you in here, we’ll call you first, and maybe even throw the ticket out if the officer isn’t ready.”

Okay, that’s fair, I guess.

I got a notice in the mail for an August trial date. As a casino dealer and a full time college student, this date and time was extremely tough for me.

I decided that THEY HAD ALREADY screwed me over several times; I’m going to call and tell them that I can’t make it, postpone it until AFTER the damn summer. Why should my life continue to be inconvenienced because of their mistakes?

The woman at the court didn’t want to allow me to do it. I explained what had happened already and that I had rearranged my schedule several times for them, and also sat in court all day long once. She said, “oh, I do see a note here that you sat in court all day.” She then rescheduled my case for September 9th, 2009.

On September 9th, 2009 I arrived in court for my "trial", I came early, sat in the front row, and made sure to get a NUMBER to see the prosecutor. I ended up being the FIRST one to see the "prosecutor."

Actually, there's a room full of pencil pushers and a chubby guy with an attitude simply stated the charges against me and offered me a $400.00 fine and NO POINTS.

Um, that's supposed to be a deal? I was there for JUSTICE and knew I could prove my case. I wouldn't have accepted ANY type of fine. Nothing less than dismissing the ticket would suffice. In fact, I figured as soon as I show my EZ PASS records which proves the vehicle officer URBAN was chasing couldn't have been mine, this ticket would be tossed.

I told the guy NO THANKS, I'll take a "trial."

DID I MENTION I WAS FIRST TO SEE THESE PEOPLE ON THAT DAY?

I took my seat in the court room and anxiously awaited my chance at a trial.

1:30pm- I watched a parade of LAWYERS with guilty people agree to things that they didn’t do.

2:00pm – continued to watch LAWYERS represent clients.

LAWYERS go first in Judge Diamond’s court, followed by ANYONE who has seen the Prosecutor. Why would guys who are innocent and don’t need a lawyer, have to wait behind people who did something and want a lesser charge? If they’re GUILTY of something, shouldn't they have to wait behind the INNOCENT until proven guilty people?

2:30pm, Judge Diamond calls my name; I get in line behind the people copping pleas. When I get up to him, I said I'm waiting for a trial, he said, have a seat we'll get to it in a bit. Then he says to me “you do realize if found guilty there’s a 400 dollar blah blah blah and a 2400 dollar surcharge?”

My response was, “I’m not guilty, I’ll take a trial sir.” And I had a seat again.

At this point I started rethinking my situation, all of this money for going 15 mph over the speed limit? Then I quickly came to my senses and realized that I had proof that I didn’t do what I was accused of, it’s not like it’s going to simply be the officer’s word against mine.
3:00pm- Judge Diamond throws some guy’s ticket out because the defendant wore a suit to his court room!! He told the man “do you know that you’re the only one here today that was smart enough to wear a suit to court? I’m going to dismiss your ticket. Have a nice day.”

WOW. I had worn a suit the first time that I came to his court and I sat uncomfortably all day long while everyone else was in SHORTS! I decided on this occasion to simply wear dress pants and a short sleeve shirt. Why should I over dress for him, he’s already shown me no respect once.

3:30pm Judge Diamond calls my name again, I get in the line again. When I get up there, I said "I'm waiting for a trial sir" he responded "okay, have a seat. You do know if found guilty there is this charge that charge, etc...

He also states that "if you lose here in court people, don't think that the appeal court will give you a new trial. The only thing they'll do is read the transcript and decide from there. You won't get to add any new evidence. So don't think you'll just take a shot and see if you can beat it."

At this point, it finally hit me that THIS JUDGE JUST WANTS ME to pay money and leave.

Nevertheless, I'm innocent, I can prove it, I'm having my "trial."

4:00pm OFFICER Urban continues to yuk it up in the back of the court room with his fellow officers. He had been working the door all day long. I kept an eye on him to make sure he was around for when my case was called. I was anxious to show him his mistake.

4:15pm After seeing Officer Urban leave the courtroom, I began to panic. He had been there all day, what if he went home and I would have to come back?

I said to Judge Diamond "Judge, the officer has been here all day, can I have my trial?"

There were less than 5 people left in the court at this time!!!
They had even stopped screening people at the door; the other officers were packing up for the day!

The judge agrees, sends for Urban and I take a seat at the DEFENDANTS TABLE.

4:25pm the so called real PROSECUTOR shows up and walks over to me. She comes off as a very pleasant lady and seems to be very empathetic to my cause. I'm frustrated, and a bit angry and anxious. I know this case should be thrown out if I could just show my ez pass records and explain what happened that night.

She brings me into the hallway and I tell her my story. At this point, I'm thinking she'll just decide to drop the charges. She brings officer URBAN into the hallway and he gets a look at my pictures and all of my evidence. I showed them both a map that I had blown up for 40.00 at Staples. It’s easy to see my route and the mistake that he made with this thing. He begins to swear that the vehicle he saw speeding was mine and accused me of coming from a road that I was never on. I begin to argue with the officer as he was basically calling me a liar.

The prosecutor calms me down, because at this point, my blood is boiling with this nonsense.

She then says “have a seat in the courtroom and the judge will be with you shortly for your trial."

At that point, I say "WHAT, AFTER YOU'VE SEEN ALL OF MY EVIDENCE AND KNOW MY ENTIRE DEFENSE???"

She replied "well you have our discovery; you have to disclose yours to us."

I walked away and went back into the court ready for battle.

4:28pm I’M THE LAST ONE LEFT IN THE COURTROOM, JUDGE DIAMOND DECIDES TO HEAR MY CASE!!!!

I notice that the officers have now all gathered near the bench in the left hand corner to observe my case. There’s also the prosecutor and several other people who work for the STATE.

It’s basically me and my AUDACITY to defend myself versus 10 people who are State employed.

The trial begins, the judge asked the Officer to rattle off a bunch of stuff that he’s been “certified” for and to state his experience on the job.

He then begins to SHOCK me with his testimony….

Officer URBAN quickly lies about where the actual stop was made. He claimed KALI ROAD, not PARKTOWN PLACE which even the police report stated. I guess he figured that if the stop didn’t occur on Kali, then he obviously never got close to my vehicle from behind.

(I didn’t think of this at the time, but on the back of my vehicle there were YELLOW, RED, and BLUE bumper stickers along with a HUGE matching MAGNET. These advertised my arcade business and had pictures of MS PACMAN and DONKEY KONG!! You couldn't help but notice these if you ever got behind my vehicle!) Officer Urban never mentioned a description of any kind.

He lied again stating that he "knew" the vehicle that past him on Scenic View Drive and Sicklerville road was a NISSAN truck!!!

He had just seen MY PICTURES in the hallway. I was not prepared for the officer to LIE. I thought he would just state FACTS of what actually happened on that night.

Why did he have to EMBELLISH his story with lies? I was witnessing a MARK FURMAN type moment here.

I pounced on Urban's testimony with the question “Are you sure you stopped me on Kali Road?"

His answer was "I believe so."

I thought for sure that if the officer can’t even match the correct road of the stop with what was in the police report, I was home free. Having this little nugget already in my back pocket without playing the ACE IN THE HOLE (EZ PASS records) I was off to a great start.

In his testimony, The officer stated that THE LIGHTING WAS POOR, SPOTTY, HE HAD TO MAKE A U-TURN and LOST TRACK of the VEHICLE. But was sure it was a NISSAN TRUCK.

HUH??? He stated that it was "11:00 or 11:30, and it was FRIDAY or SATURDAY night", he had no clue about anything other than miraculously KNOWING the vehicle he was after was a NISSAN TRUCK. Outrageous!!!

Is a ticket this important to officer Urban that he has to make things up?

Was this ticket worth exposing his LACK OF INTEGRITY and HONESTY?

I began my testimony. In summary:

I explained that I just left work in AC, My ez pass records show me paying 2 tolls on the way to AC at 6:37pm and 6:48pm. Then I showed my return by paying two tolls at 10:55pm and 11:07pm.

I had left work early on an EARLY OUT.

I explained to Judge Diamond that I was at the 3.00 toll in Egg Harbor at exactly 11:07. My EZ pass record PROVES that.

I take Exit 38 to get to my house. It's only 2.1 miles from the exit. This puts me at a traffic light, facing an opposite direction than the speeding vehicle up on Scenic View Drive where officer Urban said I was.

I was at the Kali Road intersection waiting for the light to turn green. When it turned green, it also gave me the LEFT TURN arrow. I made the turn and from no where, a vehicle made a RIGHT onto KALI road, coming from the officer's direction. It nearly smashed the side of my truck and continued down Kali road. It turned into Cobbler's Cove and was gone. I paused for several seconds before gathering myself. Happy to be alive, I drove carefully home, probably about 10 mph. When I pulled up to my house, the officers lights came on. I had no idea what he wanted.

The officer asked if I had been drinking and blasted my eyes with his flashlight.

I stated no, I just came home from work. He said "I got you going 65 in a 50."

Incredulously, I asked "where?" With a lot of attitude, he yells "ON SICKLERVILLE ROAD."

I stated "I just got on Sicklerville road" then shut up and gave him my credentials.

I told the Judge that “my father was a cop” and that I was taught to say “yes sir, no sir and not to argue. If there’s a problem you can settle it in court.”

(IF YOU READ the transcript of this case, you’ll actually see where Judge Diamond tells me that “if your father was a cop, I would think the first thing you would say is, my father is a cop instead of yes and no.”) WOW I QUICKLY retorted “I’ve never used that.” And I haven’t, I always felt weird about PBA CARDS and dropping names, it’s not my style. Apparently this Judge has no problem playing politics eh?

I explained to Judge Diamond that the officer got the wrong vehicle, I was never up on Scenic View Drive, it's also the opposite direction from where I was traveling and EZ PASS records prove that I would be taking EXIT 38.

Judge Diamond, in his wisdom, begins to argue "why wouldn't you take Exit 41, isn't that closer?"

I stated "NO, it's not. Exit 38 takes me right to my house. Why would I go 3 more miles out of my way? That's not logical."

The judge asked me "is there anything else you'd like to add?" I said “I have my EZ PASS records and the direction of travel that I would take to and from my house, that’s all I can do?”

He said, alright, a bunch of mumbo jumbo and then decided to WITHOLD JUDGEMENT until he can take a ride out by the Exxon station on Williamstown Road. He said he would notify us of his decision by mail.

I had no idea what the EXXON had to do with the case, but it was apparent that he wasn't leaning in my direction. At this point, I was just happy he wasn't handing down a guilty verdict.

I figured, HEY, HE MUST NOT WANT TO EMBERASS THE OFFICER. He'll find me NOT GUILTY and inform me in a few days by mail.

The letter arrived and much to my chagrin, HE FOUND ME GUILTY of going 65 in a 50. Fined me $136.00 total.

He wrote that in his "OPINION", I TOOK EXIT 31 as that "seems like a more direct route to" him.

WHAT?? What person gets off the Expressway 7 miles before his home when he can get off at EXIT 38, only 2 miles from his home?

At this point, I had to question the Judge's sanity and his character.
A quick GOOGLE SEARCH or MAPQUEST would’ve shown that the route for me to take is Exit 38. I didn’t even know what town Exit 31 takes you to!!!

I immediately began looking into the APPEALS process.

That is not a good time. I found a web site with a packet to print out. I went to the Municipal Court and they had conflicting stories of what I was supposed to do.

Needless to say, I figured it all out. I mailed 75.00 to the Superior Court and 100 dollars for the transcripts of the case.

A woman working at the Court was shocked to see that I had lost the case. She said she thought for sure I would beat that ticket. I thanked her for the support.

About 3 months later, I got a letter from the Superior Court Judge Cook. He looked over my case and decided to hear the appeal.

The appeal was much more like a court case than the sham that occurred in traffic court. Judge Cook actually looked for EVIDENCE and inconsistencies. He went through the transcripts of the first trial and saw that Officer URBAN was all over the place in his testimony.

He found Judge Diamond's guess of where I would exit the Expressway to be "SPECULATIVE and WITHOUT EVIDENCE."

He seemed to be a bit embarrassed and annoyed by this case even having to come this far.

I wish officer Urban had been there, but he wasn't. I guess the taxpayers have paid him enough money for this case?

Judge Cook is a real judge with common sense and dismissed the ticket quickly. This ticket was a huge waste of time and costly to me.

I barely had to say anything; he was all over the prosecutor. He shook his head constantly at some of the officer’s testimony. He had a look of utter disgust as he read Judge Diamond’s decision.

So now, after 300 dollars, several days wasted in going to court cases, and lots of anguish over this ticket, I've FINALLY gotten JUSTICE.

I just wish JUDGE DIAMOND and OFFICER URBAN would have to reimburse me the 200 or so dollars that the APPEALS process cost me.

I’m including copies of the ORIGINAL “KANGAROO” COURT TRIAL, along with the delayed verdict. Also, a copy of the EZ Pass record that was used and the APPEAL order and finding is included. Feel free to post this on your webpage. Someone needs to hold these people accountable. They can not abuse their power and get away with it.

Thanks for reading the entire email, I think this should be public knowledge.

I can’t imagine the number of people who have been screwed by Officer Urban and Judge Diamond. It’s clear that they’ll bend over backwards to make money for the State.

The appeal process is not an easy thing to do and there’s a cost attached to it. It’s well worth it however. In Winslow, it seems it’s the only way to have a fair trial.

Sincerely,
Mark V. Collins

Click here to view the Municipal Court Transcript

Click here to view the Municipal Court Decision

Click here to view the E-Z pass records.

Click here to view the summons and police report.

Click here to view the Camden County Superior Court Opinion and Order.

WINSLOW TOWNSHIP BOARD OF EDUCATION DINES ON THE TAXPAYER'S DIME.

2009-11-24T01:09:00.031-05:00

Click on chart to enlarge.

Click Here for the public record showing the cost of catering services for closed to the public executive sessions of the Winslow Township Board of Education meetings.

Click Here for the menus of some of the most recent meetings.

UNofficial Winslow Local Election Results

2009-11-03T22:23:00.021-05:00

Barry Wright Returns to the Township Committee

Ward One: Anthony Tomasello defeated Louis Parzanese.

Ward Two: Barry Wright ran unopposed.

Ward Three: Thaddeus Mackey defeated Mark Benjamin Jr.

Ward Four: John Wilson defeated John Guthrie and Gordon Sunkett.

MEET THE CANDIDATES, ASK QUESTIONS !

2009-10-15T16:28:00.012-04:00

Winslow Township Business Association presents:

Meet The Candidates

The business association is inviting the public to come out and ask questions of the candidates running for the open seats on the Mayor and Township Committee.

LOCATION: United Methodist Church Williamstown- New Freedom Road, Sicklerville

DATE: October 22, 2009

TIME: 7:00 P.M.

For additional information about the event or the Winslow Township Business Association call (856) 728-5555.

Drink Up

2009-06-03T07:13:00.004-04:00

WARD 1

Anthony Tomasello-R 157

Louis Parzanese-D 285

Coronel Vanst-D 102

WARD 2

Karl Auwarter-D 284

Barry Wright-D 375

WARD 3

Thaddeus Mackey-D 330

Lee De Ramus-D 127

WARD 4

Katherine Fisher-D 138

John M. Guthrie-R 129

John A. Wilson-D 272

COMMITTEEMAN CHUCK FLAMINI, DIRECTOR OF FINANCE, CALLS FOR STATE TAKEOVER OF WINSLOW TOWNSHIP

2009-05-27T23:48:00.003-04:00

UNofficially Winslow received an unsolicited email that included a link to the You Tube video that has been posted below. The unidentified videographer used many facts and Open Public Records (OPRA) that can also be found on this website UNofficially Winslow.

Click here to view the original email received by UNofficially Winslow that included a link to this U-Tube video.

The 2nd video clip below is actual footage of the Mayor and Township Committee Budget Workshop of May 26, 2009.

After many failed efforts to introduce a 2009 municipal budget Mayor Metzner asked the CFO (Chief Financial Officer) what would happen if the governing body can not agree to a financial budget for 2009.

The CFO gave a brief explanation that the State would have to come in and take over Winslow's financial matters. Committeeman Chuck Flamini, Director of Finance and also a key member of the "REAL" Democrats slate, gave his opinion that the State should be called to come in Winslow the next day. Does this mean the "REAL" Democrats would rather have a State takeover than be the "REAL" leaders they were elected to be?

ATTENTION WARD 2 RESIDENTS

2009-05-22T06:12:00.002-04:00

If you live in ward 2 of Winslow Township, the election for your Township representation will be on JUNE 2, 2009. Which is the Primary Election. (NOT IN NOVEMBER)

Ward 2 includes:
Albert’s Avenue, Cedar Brook, Cedar Hill Farms, Cooper Terrace
Debra’s Lane, Fletcher Blvd. Fox Tail Ridge, Greenfield Run, Hearthstone, Heathermere, High Pointe, Ivystone Muirfield, WoodsOakleaf/Matro, Penbryn Farms, Pin Oaks, Raven Estates, Chestnut Hill (Ryan’s Run, Strawberry Village, Waterford Green, West Atco, Westbury Hunt, Whispering Oaks, White Cedars, White Pines, Wilton’s Corner, Woodstream, and Woodstream East.

In ward two there is no Republican running for office in the November General election. Therefore the outcome of the June 2, 2009 Primary election will decide who will sit on the Mayor and Township Committee for ward 2 for the next three years.

The candidates in the ward two race are Barry Wright and Karl Auwater. In the November 2006 election, as Winslow Township Democrat County Committee Chairman, Barry Wright supported Karl Auwater for public office. It became apparent to UNofficially Winslow that Karl Auwater was his own man and would not succumb to Barry Wright's demands when it came time for professional appointments in January of 2007.

Today, in 2009, Barry Wright is challenging Karl Auwater for the same seat he helped Auwater secure in 2007.

Just who is Barry Wright? Wright is not new to Winslow Township nor is he new to the political arena. Wright is a retired Winslow Township police officier of 27 years, who also once sat on the Township Committee. Barry Wright was featured on the front page of the Courier-Post after UNofficially Winslow discovered he was campaigning by golf cart on the public roadways of Winslow Township.

You may click here for the complete front page Courier-Post story regarding Wright and his golf cart.

Click here for a follow-up Courier-Post story about Wright and his golf cart that was also a front page story.

You may also want to scroll down in this website to review other postings that involve Barry Wright. Including (Click here) Wright's 2nd to the motion for the sale of public land. (Click here for the public record of successful bidders of the public land sale- developers!). And spear headed the speed bump project in residential neighborhoods. Our tax dollars paid for the speed bumps to be installed against the public will, and paid a 2nd time for the speed bumps to be removed.

In the opinion of UNofficially Winslow, it's time for Mr. Wright to trade in his golf cart for a new model.

UNofficially Winslow Files Open Public Records Complaint Naming Winslow Township Board of Education

2009-04-26T23:43:00.002-04:00

The information and data presented on this website, UNofficially Winslow, is acquired from New Jersey's OPRA (Open Public Records Act) and Open Public Meetings Act, A.K.A. Sunshine laws. The data is paid for with personal funds. Seventy-Five cents a page. (With the exception of documents that are available to the general public during public meetings.)

OPRA documentation posted on UNofficially Winslow and documents that are held on file by UNofficially Winslow come from various agencies.

Winslow Township including the Clerks Office, Construction Office, Police Department, Planning and Zoning Office, Chief Financial Officer etc. Camden County, State of New Jersey, NJ ELEC ( New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission), and Winslow Township Board of Education. All have received and processed Open Public Records at the request of UNofficially Winslow.

Each agency has slightly different procedures to request the public records. It has been the experience of UNofficially Winslow that all agencies, with the exception of Winslow Township Board of Education, operate 100% of the time within the law.

This official complaint filed by UNofficially Winslow represents the 2nd failure to provide records to UNofficially Winslow in 2009.

On occasion UNofficially Winslow has been asked to provide copies of it's records, usually but not always in the form of video, to public agencies. UNofficially Winslow always complies free of charge. As such was the case when Dr. Ann Garcia, Winslow Township Board of Education Administrator and Administrative Assistant Valerie Rabb both contacted UNofficially Winslow several times in the same day for a video of a Winslow Township Planning Board meeting in March of 2009. UNofficially Winslow expected NOTHING for the service of tape to DVD conversion and delivered the requested video with 48 hours. However, UNofficially Winslow demands that the Winslow Township Board of Education observe the rules and laws of the New Jersey Open Public Records Act.

Click here to review a copy of the actual complaint filed with the New Jersey Government Records Council.

RESULTS OF SPECIAL SCHOOL B.O.E. $70,000,000 BOND REFERENDUM

2009-03-10T23:25:00.014-04:00

THESE RESULTS DO NOT INCLUDE ABSENTEE VOTES.

RESULTS ARE BASED ON INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE WINSLOW TOWNSHIP OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL CLERK.

YES 638* NO 2012*

*Details available at this time.

*Details do NOT include absentee votes.

WARD 1 YES 121 NO 723
WARD 2 YES 225 NO 681
WARD 3 YES 104 NO 158
WARD 4 YES 188 NO 450

*TOTALS: YES 638 NO 2012

Please note:
This special B.O.E. election-ballot question cost the taxpayers of Winslow Township roughly $20,000. In lieu of having this ballot question posed during the normal and upcoming April Board of Education election.

The next time the Board of Education can hold another special election is in September. Will the B.O.E. waste another $20,000. of our money in September because the vote was so close?

WINSLOW TOWNSHIP SCHOOL BOND REFERENDUM EQUALS SUBSTANTIAL TAX INCREASE FOR THIRTY YEARS.

2009-03-03T21:14:00.020-05:00

CLICK ON ANY GRAPHIC OR CHART TO ENLARGE

Please note: The dollar figures in this chart represent the estimated tax increase JUST FOR THIS BOND. And will be added to your tax bill for the next THIRTY YEARS! Any other possible "normal" increases will be in addition to these figures. Plus any increases that might be imposed by other taxing agencies. Such as Winslow Municipal Local Purpose Tax, Fire District Tax , Camden County Tax, Camden County Library Tax, and Camden County Open Space Tax. All of which combined make up your property tax bill.

YOUR VOTING LOCATION MAY HAVE BEEN CHANGED FOR THIS BOND REFERENDUM VOTE.

CLICK ON ANY GRAPHIC OR CHART TO ENLARGE

Please note that your voting location may NOT be the same location as where you voted in the November General Election. If you have previously voted in a location other than a school building, including any fire hall, Senior Citizen Center, Municipal Building, Board of Education Building, Fountains at Cedar Parke, Edgewood Acres Community Center, and The Meeting House at Wilton's Corner, your voting location has been changed for this election. Please see the chart above.

Winslow Township Board of Education is holding bond referendum open houses to answer your questions.

March 4, 2009 at School #3 7:00-9:00 P.M. (Snow date march 5)

March 7, 2009 Winslow Township High School 10:00 A.M. -12:00 Noon (Snow date March 9, 2009 7:00-9:00 P.M.)

WINSLOW TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT DISTRIBUTES NEWSLETTER RE: BOND REFERENDUM; BUT PROVIDES NO INFORMATION ABOUT THE $70,000,000. COST.

2009-01-20T18:38:00.028-05:00

ABOVE IS THE FRONT AND BACK SIDE OF A SPECIAL NEWSLETTER RELEASED YESTERDAY, JANUARY 19, 2009, BY THE WINSLOW TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT.

UNOFFICIALLY WINSLOW HAS LEARNED THE ESTIMATED COST OF THIS PROJECT IS $70,000,000+- (SEVENTY MILLION DOLLARS !).

YOU MAY CLICK ANYWHERE ON THE NEWSLETTER TO ENLARGE THE TEXT, AND/OR CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTER FRIENDLY COPY.

A SPECIAL ELECTION, BOND REFERENDUM BALLOT QUESTION, WILL BE POSED TO THE TAX PAYERS OF WINSLOW TOWNSHIP ON MARCH 10, 2009. BE SURE TO CAST YOUR VOTE!

UNOFFICIALLY WINSLOW HAS PREVIOUSLY ASKED WINSLOW TOWNSHIP BOARD OF EDUCATION, UNDER THE OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS ACT, FOR FINANCIAL DETAILS AND AND THE COST TO THE TAX PAYERS OF WINSLOW TOWNSHIP.

THE BOARD OF EDUCATION'S REPLY INDICATED THAT FINANCIAL IMPACT TO THE TAX PAYER COULD NOT BE DETERMINED UNTIL THE BOARD OF EDUCATION RECEIVES FINANCIAL DATA FROM THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY. NOR WAS THE BOARD OF EDUCATION ABLE TO PROVIDE THE ACTUAL BALLOT QUESTION THAT WILL BE POSED IN A FEW WEEKS TO THE TAX PAYERS AND RESIDENTS OF WINSLOW TOWNSHIP.

YOU MAY EMAIL YOUR REMARKS AND COMMENTS FOR POSTING TO THIS WEBSITE TO: UNofficiallyWinslow@comcast.net

Please type "POST ON UNOFFICIALLY WINSLOW" in the subject line.

GORDON SUNKETT, VICE PRESIDENT OF WINSLOW TOWNSHIP BOARD OF EDUCATION, ADDRESSES THE MAYOR AND TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE RE: USE OF LOCAL VENDORS.

2009-01-20T01:22:00.001-05:00

Click here for a list of local to Winslow vendors, businesses and professional service providers contracted by the Township of Winslow for the period of January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2008 totaling $981,647.25.

Click here for the actual open public records, provided by Winslow Township under the Open Public Records Act, for documentation of local vendors, businesses, and professional service providers.

WHERE WILL THE $70,000,000. COME FROM?

2009-01-12T21:10:00.024-05:00

Winslow Township school administration is scheduled to make a presentation explaining the school district's intentions of building a new school and expanding all the existing school buildings to the Winslow Township Planning Board.

WHEN: THURSDAY JANUARY 15, 2008 (This Thursday)

TIME: 7:00 P.M.

LOCATION: Court Room; Winslow Township Municipal Building.

A special school election has been scheduled for March 10, 2009. Which will ask the voting public to approve a $70,000,000. bond (loan) to finance this project.

UNofficially Winslow has requested open public records, using the OPRA act, for details of this project and how it will affect the taxpayer of Winslow Township.

Additional information will be posted when available (Shortly).

UNOFFICIALLY WINSLOW RESPONDS TO FLAMINI'S MAILER CRAPOLA.

2008-10-30T00:10:00.013-04:00

Click on any graphic to enlarge.

* "FIGHTING FOR WINSLOW TAXPAYERS"

Flamini announces he voted against last year's water increase, but failed to mention he was part of the political team that failed to address water and sewer rates in a more gradual manner.

CLICK HERE to review a 2004 letter (and public record) previously uncovered by UNofficially Winslow. Flamini was a member of the majority party in control of Winslow Township, when this document was received by Winslow Township.

* "FIGHTING FOR WINSLOW SCHOOLS"

Flamini's rhetoric speaks about how he advocates smart growth and controlled development in Winslow Township. Flamini failed to mention that he voted in favor of selling off township owned open space to developers.

Click here for the public record of Flamini voting in favor of the public land sale.

Click Here for the public record containing a list of the successful bidders of the public land sale. How many of these names can you identify as developers? Why couldn't Flamini do the same? Did his previous political campaigns sell out Winslow residents to developers?

* "FIGHTING FOR WARD 4"

When a developer wanted to over build a parcel of land with 504 new homes near Donio Park, Flamini failed to show up for a Zoning Board meeting to support the residents. When the Zoning meeting was suspended, at the request of the developer, Flamini failed to support the residents, or even show an interest, in ward four, when he failed to attend an informal community meeting in a rented banquet hall with the developer. Right in ward 4.

UNofficially Reported:

CONDOMINIUMS, STORES, AND YET ANOTHER BILLBOARD WERE BEING DISCUSSED FOR SICKLERVILLE. RESIDENTS DISTRIBUTED 2500 FLIERS IN SEVEN SUBDIVISIONS TO ENCOURAGE OTHER RESIDENTS TO ATTEND A ZONING BOARD MEETING ON WEDNESDAY JUNE 8, 2005....WHY WASN'T CHUCK FLAMINI , THE WARD 4 COMMITTEEMAN, THERE? (Click here for the complete report.)

In an effort to help locate Committeeman Flamini, UNofficially Winslow posted a picture of the missing Committeeman on a milk carton. UNofficially Winslow still maintains all postings and related Courier-Post articles on this website.

DRINK THE KOOL-AID

2008-09-16T23:58:00.000-04:00

UNOFFICIALLY, BATES WON TODAY'S ELECTION.

MARIE LAWRENCCE VOTES NO FOR CLEAN DRINKING WATER IN WINSLOW TOWNSHIP

2008-08-28T23:14:00.010-04:00

WHAT DOES COMMITTEEWOMAN MARIE LAWRENCE HAVE IN COMMON WITH THE LATE COMEDIAN GEORGE CARLIN?

CLICK HERE FOR THE ANSWER.

The Township Committee meeting minutes (notes) for the June 2008 meeting became available to the public on September XX, 2008.

One of the Winslow Township fresh water wells has a common to South Jersey contaminate known as Radium. Radium is a naturally occurring contaminate that is produc by...................
Winslow Township voluntarily shut down the well until repairs and remediation system could be installed.

The State of New Jersey has also changed the required testing procedures. In the past, the water was tested after all the water was churned within the water system. Today the water is tested at each well head. This fact along with increased technology of testing the water to a higher standard, forced one Winslow Township well to fall into the category of needing remediation. While not required by law, Winslow Township shut down the well until repairs could be made. ( pk Call Charlie to confirm.)

Marie Lawrence cast her vote in June not to allow for the remediation process. Nor did Lawrence offer a conceptual plan to replace the well or other alternatives.

Click here to review a copy of the resolution presented for the Committee's vote.

Click here to review a copy of the meeting minutes that shows Lawrence casting the sole NO vote. While the measure did pass with bi-Parisian support of eight yes votes vs. Lawrence's one no vote.

Click here for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Agency's report entitled:

A South Jersey Homeowner's Guide to Radio Activity in Drinking Water: Radium.

ad video of mintues vote 30 secondsish.

RECYCLE YOUR TRASH, NOT YOUR POLITICIAN

2008-08-20T23:02:00.041-04:00

"It has been a pleasure to work for Winslow Township for the last 23 years, but it's time to retire." Russell Bates October 6, 2004.

Click here to view Committeeman Russell Bates' official resignation letter of October 6, 2004.

Now fast-forward to 2008.

Both Democrat and unaffiliated voters from ward two are eligible to vote in the special election.

Since no Republican has filed to run for ward two Committee seat, the person who will represent ward two for the next three years will be determined on September 16, 2008.

Residents of ward two can click on their neighborhood listed below to check their voting location. The polls for this ward two special election of September 16, 2008 are open from 6:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M.

Albert’s Avenue
Cedar Brook
Cedar Hill Farms
Cooper Terrace
Debra’s Lane
Fletcher Blvd.
Fox Tail Ridge
Greenfield Run

Hearthstone
Heathermere
High Pointe
Ivystone

Muirfield Woods
Oakleaf/Matro
Penbryn Farms
Pin Oaks
Raven Estates
Chestnut Hill (Ryan’s Run)
Strawberry Village
Waterford Green
West Atco
Westbury Hunt

Whispering Oaks
White Cedars
White Pines

Wilton’s Corner
Woodstream
Woodstream East

Below are headlines of previous postings on UNofficially Winslow that involved Mr. Bates.

You can now click on the these headlines noted below to review this historical information.

This flyer was received by UNofficially Winslow in the U.S. Mail on Wednesday October 31, 2007

Below is a copy of a distributed memo from Mayor Sue Ann Metzner

UNofficially Winslow replies to political mailer.

Click Here for the public record concerning the public land sale, which shows Bates and Flamini voting in favor of the motion.

Click Here for the public record containing a list of the successful bidders of the public land sale. How many of these names can you identify as developers? Why couldn't Bates and Flamini do the same? Did their previous political campaigns sell out Winslow residents to developers?

JUDGE ORDERS SPECIAL ELECTION FOR WARD 2 OF WINSLOW TOWNSHIP

2008-08-01T13:44:00.006-04:00

Initially as a result of the June 3, 2008 primary election, Russell Bates was declared the victor by one vote.

Committeeman LoSasso contested the results on Friday August 1, 2008. Judge Lee Soloman made a determination that one absentee ballot that had not been counted should have been counted; therefore the election resulting in a tie vote.

A special election will be held on September 16, 2008 only in ward two at the regular ward two polling places for the position of ward two Committee person.

Both Democrat and unaffiliated voters from ward two are eligible to vote in the special election.

Since no Republican has filed to run for ward two Committee seat, the person who will represent ward two for the next three years will be determined on September 16, 2008.

UNOFFICIALLY WINSLOW REPLIES TO POLITICAL MAILER.

2008-05-29T03:31:00.003-04:00

(Click on graphic to enlarge)

This graphic & text was part of a recent political flyer mailed by this crowd. (Bates, Lawrence, Vanst, & Flamini)

UNofficially Winslow replies:

1) Real Solutions to the water crisis ? Earth to Flamini and Lawrence, Come in Flamini...

These two clowns have been on the Township governing body, Township Committee, for several years. If there is a better answer to the water and sewer issues why have they not addressed these matters before now? The water issue came to light roughly a year ago, while Flamini and Lawrence were on the Township Committee. Bates was part of the team that UNofficially Winslow believes is responsible for the water issues due to intentional neglect.

2) "Real plans for tax stability" WHAT ! This is Flamini's 2nd term and looking for your vote for a third term of three years! (Three years per term plus other time also spent when appointed to office.) Now all of a sudden he has a plan? What's the plan, put it in the mailer instead of this dribble!

3) "Real Representation on Township Committee"

Bates has taken up space on the Township Committee for 23 years. In October of 2004 Bates quit the Township Committee stating "....it's time to retire...." Click here to view Committeeman Russell Bates' resignation letter of October 6, 2004. Lawrence was appointed to balance of Bates' unexpired term.

Flamini has also been in office for two plus terms. Why now after all this time served on the Township Committee do these clowns send out a circular claiming real representation on Township Committee? Flamini avoided more then one community meeting when a developer wanted to over build a property near McDonald's. Where was the representation then? Flamini was so evasive of the situation that UNofficially Winslow published Flamini's picture on a milk carton.

(Click on graphic to enlarge)

UNofficially Winslow has previously posted it's opinion of Bates' accomplishments. Click here for the complete list.

4) "Real Plans to improve the quality of life for all Winslow residents".

Are you happy with all the homes being built in Winslow? The congestion and additional cost to our school district and municipal services as a result of the on going construction? While it is difficult to stop developers who own land within our community. However, the Township is NOT required to sell off land that it owns. Bates and Flamini voted to sell Township owned open space, which allowed additional homes to be constructed. In the opinion of UNofficially Winslow, this fact alone is enough not to elect Bates or re-elect Flamini.

Click Here for the public record concerning the public land sale, which shows Bates and Flamini voting in favor of the motion.

Click Here for the public record containing a list of the successful bidders of the public land sale. How many of these names can you identify as developers? Why couldn't Bates and Flamini do the same? Did their previous political campaigns sell out Winslow residents to developers?

Furthermore, Committeeman Losasso, who was not elected at the time, appeared before the Township Committee during public participation opposing the motion of a public land sale. Mr. Losasso's remarks are also posted on this website, UNofficially Winslow.

Nick LoSasso

_______________________________________________________________

Mr. Brady

IS COMMITTEEMAN FLAMINI GETTING ENOUGH OXYGEN WHEN HE IS SPEAKING?

2008-02-04T02:32:00.000-05:00

This audio clip is taken from Committeeman Flamini's 2008 re-organization meeting remarks. Flamini addresses the Mayor about a lack of a pay to play ordinance. "...come up with ideas, take the bull by the horns..." said Flamini. Perhaps the minutes, posted in a link below, will help Mr. Flamini recall that Mayor Metzner presented and brought to light the need for a pay to play ordinance, during the July 20, 2004 meeting. Mr. Flamini was a member of the majority-controlling party at the time. Mayor Metzner's concept ideas of a pay to play ordinance died in the Administration Subcommittee.

CLICK HERE TO REVIEW THE MINUTES FROM THE JULY 20, 2004 MEETING, WHEN MAYOR METZNER PROPOSED A SAMPLE ORDIANCE TO ELIMINATE PAY TO PLAY AT THE LOCAL LEVEL.

In the brief video clip below, Mayor Metzner responds to Flamini's remarks about a pay to play ordinance.

MM RESPONDS TO CHUCK PAY TO PLAY

2008-02-03T11:22:00.000-05:00

2008-01-24T19:57:00.000-05:00

Recently the Courier-Post published a story intitled Winslow May sell it's water utility. Is it fact or crap? UNofficially Winslow can assure you it's crap. However, UNofficially Winslow believes it's a fact that the Courier-Post reporter Bill Duhart should be fired.

UNofficially Winslow has been in operation since September 29, 2004 and currently has nearly 50,000 hits. Prior to the three plus years of UNofficially Winslow's operation, I have attended every single Winslow Township Mayor and Committee Meeting that is open to the public for nearly 14 years. I have a perfect attendance record. I have seen every elected seat, appointed seat, professional seat, and employee seat change at least once. Except the Mayor's. Including the solicitor's seat five times, and the administrator's eight times.

UNofficially Winslow prides itself that information is only presented on this website that can be backed-up and supported with open public records, video, and audio clips.

In the past UNofficially Winslow has re-printed newspaper clippings giving credit to the original author and publisher. The article written by Bill Duhart for the Courier-Post does not have a single accurate fact. And therefore is not acceptable material to be re-printed on this website.

There is not a single fact or statement in Durhart's article that even comes close to being true.

Nothing has been discussed during the Township meetings (I've been to them all!) that refers to the Township selling off the water utility. Detailed facts in Durhart's story are not even recognizable. Durhart did quote Mr. Russell Bates, who stated " I think we should get out of the water business." Bates also states, "For 20 years we fought the (Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority) not to take the water company." One might think that after 23 years of service on the Township Committee, Bates would understand the Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority is a sewage organization and not drinking water. Or is Bates implying we get our water from the County sewer system?

UNofficially Winslow has no documentation to present for there have been nothing presented, discussed or reviewed by the Mayor and Township Committee with the exception of an "RFP", Request For Proposal, to review the assets and liabilities of the water utility. This common RFP procedure was done because our Mayor, Sue Ann Metzner, promised to explore all options concerning the finances of the utility department.

UNofficially Winslow will publish all public information, with it's corresponding documents, and audio-visual clips, when and if the Mayor and Township Committee discusses such a matter of selling the water utility.

STATE OF NEW JERSEY HAS REDUCED THE AREA TO BE SPRAYED FOR GYPSY MOTHS

2007-12-27T21:22:00.000-05:00

Winslow Township will have less area sprayed this year for Gypsy moths, as determined by the State of New Jersey.

Concerned about Gypsy moths this year? The State is holding a scoping meeting on Thursday, January 3rd from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon in the auditorium of the Health and Agriculture building in Trenton. Please make yourself heard before it is too late. You must register to attend.

Please click here for more details of the meeting and to print the registration form.

You can also register to be heard at the meeting.

Click here to review the map provided by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture of intended areas to be sprayed.

Concerned about the Gypsy moth program, but can't attend the meeting?

Perhaps you would want to call Joseph Zoltowski, Chief of Plant and Pest Disease Control at the New Jersey Department of Agriculture. (609) 292-5442. Or Fax at (609) 292-4710.

SANTA VISITS WINSLOW TOWNSHIP

2007-12-25T01:41:00.001-05:00

Mayor Metzner Retains Mayor's Seat

2007-11-07T22:03:00.000-05:00

Mayor Sue Ann Metzner: 2686

Russell Bates: 2631

Al Cooper: 1947

Mayoral Election Results.

2007-11-07T00:27:00.000-05:00

Mayor Metzner is ahead in the tally, but the official results are still not available as of 12:20 A.M. Wednesday 11-7-07. UNofficially Winslow believes that Mayor Metzner has been successful in defeating both Russell Bates and Al Cooper.

UNofficially Winslow believes many issues have been incorrectly reported and miss-stated in various mailers by the two defeated candidates. In the coming days and weeks UNofficially Winslow will unscramble their garbage with the usual format of public records, documents, and the like. Public records requests can be tedious, time consuming, and have waiting periods, which is the single reason for the delay.

More election results will follow on UNofficially Winslow as information becomes available.

11-7 10:56 P.M. still no official results of this election. UNofficially Winslow will post when information is received.

11-8 7:40 P.M. still waiting for provisional ballots to be verified and counted.

Below is a copy of a distributed memo from Mayor Sue Ann Metzner

2007-11-06T12:21:00.000-05:00

PLEASE CLICK ANYWHERE ON THE DOCUMENTS TO ENLARGE

2007-11-06T00:00:00.000-05:00

PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE TODAY. IN THE OPINON OF UNOFFICIALLY WINSLOW IF YOU DON'T VOTE THOUSANDS OF OUR NATIONS SOLIDERS HAVE DIED IN VAIN.

THE POLLS ARE OPEN FROM 6:00 A.M. TO 8:00 P.M.

2007-11-02T23:21:00.000-04:00

This flyer was received by UNofficially Winslow in the U.S. Mail on Wednesday October 31, 2007

PLEASE CLICK ON THE IMAGES TO INSTANTLY ENLARGE AND REVIEW THE TEXT.

PLEASE CLICK ON THE IMAGES TO ENLARGE AND REVIEW THE TEXT.

Below is a Letter to the Editor that appeared in the Courier-Post on November 1, 2007

2007-11-01T23:30:00.001-04:00

Misinformation
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Re: "Memory loss" (letters, Oct. 29).
Really? My, how some folks love to spread misinformation and disinformation for political reasons. Winslow Mayor Sue Ann Metzner is not responsible for the 300 percent water and sewer increases, the erosion of the school district or the reduced usage of the water towers in Winslow.
The groundwork for all of these problems may be laid squarely at the feet of former Deputy Mayor Barbara Holcomb and her mind-numbed fellow township committee members during Holcomb's reign as de facto mayor when Metzner could do nothing to override them.
The self-serving decisions Holcomb and company perpetrated have come home to roost. Having attended most of the township meetings held during the last five years, and watching the brazenly wrong voting record that Holcomb and friends visited upon the township and its residents, we suggest the letter writer would be well advised to attend the meetings from now on.
The letter writer might learn something about how Winslow government works, about where the "bodies are really buried" and why people who prefer to know the facts don't rely on political hogwash, gossip, urban and suburban myths or second- and third-hand information.
If you live in Winslow, what have you done for the community lately? If you're not positively involved, then you're part of the problem. Put the blame where it really belongs.

WILLIAM and JOANNE PRICE
Blue Anchor

UNofficially Winslow notes:

UNofficially Winslow has previously posted public records that support the statements made by the authors of the above Letter to the Editor.

The public records posted on this website, please see link below, include Winslow Township annual re-organization minutes that include the assignments of the governing body to various posts and Directorships. Such as the Director of Municipal Utilities.

Also posted in the previous UNofficially Winslow report is a copy of a 2001 document titled Water and Sewer Utility Fund. Projected Statements of Operations and Changes in Financial Position For Years Ending December 31, 2002 through 2011. Apparently, the previous majority party, which included Holcomb, the Director of Municipal Utilities at the time, chose not to act on this information contained in the report.

You can CLICK HERE to review a 2004 letter previously uncovered by UNofficially Winslow that was never copied to the Mayor or other governing body members. This letter was apparently sent to the Township Administrator and most likely the Director of Municipal Utilities at the time. Who was mentioned in the Letter to the Editor posted above.

Please CLICK HERE to review the entire UNofficially Winslow report, including additional links to additional open public records included in the report.

UNofficially Winslow Supports Green Acres Funding

2007-11-01T05:11:00.000-04:00

UNofficially Winslow supports Green Acres funding and ballot question #3.

Please click here for details.

UNofficially Winslow Receives E-mail

2007-10-25T20:43:00.000-04:00

----- Original Message -----
From:UNOFFICIALLY WINSLOW RECEIVES E-MAIL
To:UNofficiallywinslow@comcast.net
Sent: Monday, October 22, 2007 10:24 AM
Subject:MAYOR METZNER AND CHILDREN'S COATS

Dear UNofficially Winslow,

I remember a few years back when Mayor Sue Ann Metzner gave my son a new winter coat. When I inquired to the school office I learned that she was giving a coat to every child in the school district that did not have one.

As I review the pictures of Mayor Metzner on your most reason posting I do not see any of this warm hearted act. In fact I don't see any reference to it anywhere on your site.

I think Sue Ann Metzner has done a wonderful job serving as our Mayor. Doing what is best for our community in consideration of the particulars at the time. And I'm also very moved by her interest in our children.

My child has out grown the coat, but I always kept it as a reminder of what lengths some people will do when others are in need. Today I have changed my mind. I feel I must past this coat along to another family who is in need.

Sincerely,

Always a Sue Ann Metzner Supporter

UNofficially Winslow Receives E-mail

2007-10-24T19:47:00.000-04:00

----- Original Message -----
From:UNofficially Winslow Receives E-mail
To: UNofficiallywinslow@comcast.net
Sent: Monday, October 15, 2007 12:52 PM
Subject: Russell Bates

I saw a Russell Bates running for mayor advertisement on a billboard that I believe is near Factory Road and Route 73. The words near his picture said, "The REAL Democrat". I used to go to Edgewood where Mr. Bates used to teach (and possible is still teaching). Teachers are supposed to have integrity and not be slimy dirtballs. Unfortunately since he is dabling in politics he feels it must be ok to have those qualities.

Suppose you are a non-Christian who converts to Christianity and you go to his church and he looks at you and says, "Don't pay attention to him, I'm the REAL Christian."

_______________________________________________________________

----- Original Message -----
From:UNofficially Winslow Receives E-mail
To: UNofficiallywinslow
Sent: Friday, October 19, 2007 6:17 PM
Subject: RUSSEL BATES

I CAN REMEMBER WATCHING THE TOWN MEETING YEARS AGO WHEN BATES TOOK UP ROOM ON THE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE. THERE WAS A LENGHTLY DISCUSSION REGARDING THE BUILDING ADDITIONS TO THE HIGH SCHOOL AND MIDDLE SCHOOL. MILLIONS OF DOLLARS , QUESTIONS OF BONDING, CONTRACTORS,TIME FRAMES, TAX IMPACT,ETC ETC. HUNDREDS OF DECISIONS TO BE RESOLVED. MR. BATES' LONE QUESTION WAS "WHAT DEGREE OF GRADING IS THE TRACK GOING TO BE." NOW HE WANTS TO BE MAYOR? HE DID ENOUGH DAMAGE WHEN HE WAS ON COMMITTEE, JUST THINK WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF HE WAS MAYOR.....FROM THE GOIN BROKE TAXPAYER ...

WHO'S WHO IN THE THREE WAY MAYORAL RACE.

2007-10-14T23:26:00.000-04:00

Please click the play arrow above to view a short video clip of Mayoral candidate Russell Bates reporting on his department while he was previously serving as Committeeman of ward 3.

Click Here for a list of Mr. Bates' accomplishments while serving as Committeeman in Ward 3.

Below is an e-mail that was previously posted to UNofficially Winslow.

From: E-MAIL RECEIVED BY UNOFFICIALLY WINSLOW
To: UNofficiallywinslow@comcast.net
Sent: Friday, October 13, 2006 9:57 PM
Subject: New Democratic Party? Seems like the same old story to me!

In an article from the Courier-Post on Sunday Oct 1, 2006, Barry Wright is portrayed as the new savior for the Democratic party. Are we supposed to forget that he is the same dirtball we worked so hard to get off the township committee a year ago? He voted on the committee for what he decided he wanted, instead of what the people he represented asked him to do. He was part of the communist committee. Why give him another position to corrupt? You cannot run someone through the car wash and clean them up. He is still the same dirtball he always was. The fact that Barry Wright is supporting the "new Democratic candidates" should send out a RED FLAG! It's the same old story with a different cover on the book. For example, ask yourself, why would they support Donna Iuliucci? She can not be objective when voting and/or making decisions on so many important issues. When it involves school issues, police issues, or construction issues, she is personally involved and should abstain from voting. What is left for her to vote on? Important issues, such as, the Easter Egg hunt or Santa's visit? Perhaps she will be told which way to vote by the party leader or the new puppet they put in her place or one of her co-conspirators. Sounds all too familiar!

Sincerely,

A concerned citizen

Why is this e-mail significant now?

Mr. Wright, the current Winslow Township Democrat Municipal Chairman, who is mentioned in the e-mail re-printed above, apparently is supporting Russell Bates for Mayor. Mr. Wright signed Mr. Bates' Petition for Nomination that was filed on June 5, 2007. The petition Mr. Wright signed in support of Russell Bates does not declare a political party for Mr. Bates. In the opinion of UNofficially Winslow, the Democrat Municipal Chairman's duties include getting his party's candidate elected. Mr. Wright's party candidate for Mayor is Mayor Sue Ann Metzner, not Russell Bates. In the opinion of UNofficially Winslow, Mr. Wright's political style has long been noticeably different than Mayor Metzner's. It would appear that perhaps Mr. Wright feels he might continue to have political clout if Mr. Bates is elected.

UNofficially Winslow has obtained a copy of Mr. Bates' petition by using the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) procedures.

Please click here to review Mr. Bates' petition where the two items noted have been highlighted.

Mayor Metzner is running for re-election in this 3-way Mayoral race. While Mr. Bates is having a difficult time remembering all of his Committeeman's responsibilities, see video above, Mayor Metzner is fighting the State and her own political party successfully opposing a sex offenders prison from being built in the neighboring boro of Chesihurst.

Winslow Township is the red area on the small map to the left. While the Boro of Chesihurst is the small white cut out. Winslow Township almost totally surrounds Cheishurst, which is why Mayor Metzner took the matter of a sex offenders prison so seriously.

Mayor Metzner (right) joins area residents to successfully oppose a State sex offenders prison in the adjacent town of Chesilhurst.

Below is a small sampling of Mayor Metzner's acomplishments and activities while preforming the duties of Mayor of Winslow Township.

Awarded the Citizen of the Year Award in 1999 by the Pi Kappa Kappa Chapter of The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Established the Winslow Township Emergency Food Bank, a joint venture between the Township and local churches – a program which is the first of its kind.

Established the American Heart Association's “Town With Heart” program in Winslow Township.

Instituted the Annual Winslow Township Health Fair.

Instituted the Winslow Township Toys for Tots Program.

Instrumental in making low cost mental health counseling available to Winslow Township residents.

Researched and initiated the introduction of the DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program into the Winslow Township school system.

Instituted the annual Winslow Township Joseph Bello Memorial Public Service Award.

Initiated the Winslow Township Citizen’s Police Academy (the first program of its kind in the State of New Jersey) .

Honorary member and lifetime membership awarded from the The Association of Business Leaders and Entrepreneaurs.

Instrumental in helping the Camden County YWCA establish a Displaced Homemakers Program in Winslow Township.

Also running for the Mayor's seat is Mr. Al Cooper.

Mr. Al Cooper was previously a Winslow Township Committeeman representing Ward 2. Mr. Cooper lost his bid for re-election in November of 2006.

Mr. Cooper worked with the residents of Oak Leaf road to remove the speed humps that were previously forced upon them by other Committee members including Committeeman Barry Wright.

Mr. Cooper faught vociferously with the Holcomb-Wright majority.

Some of the issues include:

Cooper defends the purchase of a Santa Claus suit.

Committeeman Cooper addresses Committeeman Wright referring to his own experience of holding the office of Director of Public Safety. "...Coop, which is what he calls me, ...It's exactly like a quad...Think of it like a quad..."
Cooper responds to Barry Wright's remarks about use of a golfcart on the public roadway.

Courier-Post editorial board agrees with Cooper.

LACK OF INFORMATION OR JUST MORE LIES? AL COOPER WANTS TO KNOW!

Is not just the issue of the speed bumps, it's the lack of information shared between Committee members.

COOPER

2007-10-13T23:40:00.001-04:00

Mr. Al Cooper was previously a Winslow Township Committeeman representing Ward 2. Mr. Cooper lost his bid for re-election in November of 2006.

Mr. Cooper worked with the residents of Oak Leaf road to remove the speed humps that were previously forced upon them by other Committee members including Committee Barry Wright.

Mr. Cooper faught vociferously with the Holcomb-Wright majority.

Some of the issues include:

Cooper defends the purchase of a Santa Claus suit.

Cooper responds to Barry Wright's remarks about use of a golfcart on the public roadway.

Courier-Post editorial board agrees with Cooper.

LACK OF INFORMATION OR JUST MORE LIES? AL COOPER WANTS TO KNOW!
Is not just the issue of the speed bumps, it's the lack of information shared between Committee members. The Republicans (Cooper, Gibison, Pino, and the Mayor) are constantly asking for information not to be withheld from them. Especially when a vote needs to take place. While the puppets will vote however Holcomb and the County tell them to. The Republicans, minority party, demand to know the facts. Click on the audio link below and listen to Al Cooper refresh everyone's memory on how the speed study results were never made available. Al Cooper even challenges if the speed studies even exist. With no speed studies, our tax dollars were wasted for the speed bump installation and removal. The same theme and lack of information put on the table by the Winslow Democrat Committee members happens over and over again. Examples include, Weed & Seed, and Human Relations Commissions which neither officially exist in Winslow Township.

CHILSHURST

2007-10-13T00:09:00.001-04:00

Mayor Metzner in Action

2007-10-12T23:21:00.001-04:00

Mayor Metzner sponsors Winslow Township Little League.

Mayor Metzner & Program Chairperson Annie Greene during the seventh annual Williamstown Civic Group Scholarship Dinner. Mayor Metzner was honored at the group's annual banquet for her civic leadership, while also helping individuals with specific needs. Also honored Sicklerville resident LaTanya Wood El.

Mayor Metzner reads to elementary school students during Dr. Seuss week.

Mayor Metzner in her office during the collection period for Winslow's Toys for Tots.

Mayor Metzner with Winslow's Brownie troop.

Mayor Metzner is full of pride with this community built playground.

Mayor Metzner marches in a Halloween parade. (Energizer Bunny)

Mayor Metzner attends a Community Day in West Atco.

Mayor Metzner in the dunk tank for Little League's opening day fund raiser.

Mayor Metzner is honored by A.B.L.E. with a honorary member and lifetime membership by A.B.L.E. , Association of Business Leaders and Entrepreneaurs during a Martin Luther King birthday breakfast.

Mayor Metzner cuts the ribbon for the Winslow Food Bank.

Mayor Metzner attends Memorial Day Services at the Township's memorial park that she helped to create without taxpayer funds. Mayor Metzner and her team organized fund raisers (beef -n- beers, trips to Phillies games etc.) to pay for this park.

MAYOR SENDS 2nd E-MAIL TO ALL WINSLOW RESIDENTS

2007-10-08T23:50:00.000-04:00

Below is a re-print of an e-mail that Mayor Metzner sent to all available e-mail addresses of Winslow residents.

-----Original Message-----
From: Sue Ann Metzner
To: ALL WINSLOW RESIDENTS
Sent: Fri, 28 Sep 2007 3:57 pm
Subject: Your Property Taxes

Mayor Sue Ann Metzner
Your Property Taxes

Dear Neighbor,
A few weeks ago, I wrote to you to explain your water and sewer rates for 2007 and was pleased by the response I received from many of you. Now I would like to take the opportunity to address property taxes. I realize how high property taxes are across New Jersey and in our township, and I want you to know I am working hard as your mayor to reduce that burden on you and your families.
Our total tax rate is up just 2.8% this year, even though the costs of many of our services have risen at a much higher rate. I am determined to find ways to stabilize property taxes and to keep increases to the smallest amount necessary. However we must be careful not to cut our public services in any way that would penalize the vast majority of our residents in return for very little savings on their tax bills.
No one likes to pay taxes, including me and my husband. When they continue rising with no end in sight, it causes real hardships for us all. That's why I will continue pushing the governor and our legislators in Trenton to keep property taxes as low as they can so that our hard-working families can keep more of what they earn.
Please don't hesitate to contact me at mayormetzner@winslowtownship.com if you have any thoughts or questions.
Yours,

Sue Ann Metzner

MAYOR SENDS AN E-MAIL TO ALL WINSLOW RESIDENTS

2007-09-07T17:03:00.000-04:00

Below is a re-print of an e-mail that Mayor Metzner sent to all available e-mail addresses of Winslow residents.

-----Original Message-----
From: Sue Ann Metzner
To: ALL WINSLOW RESIDENTS
Sent: Wed, 29 Aug 2007 1:47 pm
Subject: Your Water & Sewer Rates: An Explanation

Mayor Sue Ann Metzner
Your Water & Sewer Rates: An Explanation

Dear Neighbor,
There has been a lot of very legitimate concern in the township over the rising water and sewer rates. I know these rate increases add to an already excessive property tax burden for our residents, and I want to take this opportunity to explain the reasons for the increase.

First of all, property taxes do not pay any utility expenses. They fund other government services, with a portion going each to our schools, the county and the state. Unfortunately, the only sources of revenue for our utility budget are connection fees, any surplus amount, and usage fees.

For nine consecutive years, usage fees did not increase at all. We were able to manage our budget with connection fees and the surplus. But in 2006 and 2007, those revenue sources are just not enough to support the budget. In 2002, we raised nearly $4 million in connection fees -- money that went directly into the system. But in 2006, we received just $365,000 from connection fees. And we are expecting even less in 2007 because the state has imposed a strict moratorium on any additional sewer connections.

We did not want to raise rates while sitting on a large surplus, so we drastically cut our surplus to satisfy our expenses without raising usage fees. But now our surplus is just not enough to cover the expenses of running the utilities. We have done everything we can to minimize the increase and keep expenses as low as possible. In addition, we are working with New Jersey American Water to supply part of our water demand in an attempt to have the moratorium on connections lifted. Once that problem is solved, a number of new commercial projects should give us a significant rise in connection fees and a much larger commercial tax base to ease the property tax burden on homeowners.

With these new developments in sight, I am very confident that we can keep lower utility fees for all our residents and improve the quality of life here in Winslow. Accomplishing this is a top priority for me, and I will redouble my efforts to see that we succeed. I welcome any suggestions, comments or questions you may have. Please don't hesitate to contact me at mayormetzner@winslowtownship.com. I welcome your contributions to this process.

Sincerely,

Sue Ann Metzner

TOWNSHIP UTILITIES SOLICITOR AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER GIVE PRESENTATION TO THE PUBLIC REGARDING WATER & SEWER RATES

2007-07-13T00:56:00.000-04:00

Click here to view and print the Power Point presentation

Click here to view additional charts provided by the CFO

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS FROM RESIDENTS

Question: Who is currently in charge of the Department of Municipal Utilities?

Answer: Meet the Director of Municipal Utilities. Committeeman Anthony Mitchell. Mr. Mitchell took over the department in January 2007. Mr. Mitchell's e-mail address is: AnthonyMitchell@Winslowtownship.com

Question: When did the Township first learn that a rate increase would be required?

Answer: Click here to view a report from the Township's auditing firm, Bowman & Company.

Question: Who was the Director of Municipal Utilities during this period (2001) and held the majority party voting power on the Township committee?

Answer: Click here for the open public records UNofficially Winslow obtained from Winslow Township.

Question: Were there any other rate studies completed after the 2001 Bowman & Company report?

Answer: (Click on the image)

You may click on the document to enlarge and/or

Click here to review the entire 3 page document.

Question: Who was the Director of Municipal Utilities when this letter was written in August of 2004?

Answer: Click here for the open public records UNofficially Winslow obtained from Winslow Township.

Question: Is it true the Mayor & Township Committee members voted themselves pay raises as some residents noted at the July 10, 2007 meeting?

Answer: No it is not true. In fact the salaries of the Mayor and Township Committee have not changed since their adoption on March 9, 1977.

Current Mayor salary is $12,721. and current Committee members salary is $8,847.

Click here to view the complete ordiance for the Mayor & Township Committee salaries: Article I No. 0-7-77 52-26.

Click here for the Utility Rate ordiance. Including new rates, sr. citizens, the totally disabled, and commerical uses.

Click here for the CFO Rate Increase Analysis

2007-07-08T23:11:00.000-04:00

WINSLOW RESIDENTS STAND UP FOR WINSLOW

I have read the series of articles in the Courier-Post about Winslow. The main problem with our township is the reputation of the school district. My mom is a teacher and I just completed my freshmen year at Winslow Township High School.
Wrong reasons
Over the past year and a half, our school has been in the Courier-Post for all the wrong reasons. The Courier-Post has made our schools seem like such horrible places. As I read the articles, it made me more scared about my school than I had ever been. The articles made it seem like all that goes on is fighting and threats.
Since I have attended Winslow Township High School, I can say it's not always like that. There are kids who do the right thing and others who could care less. It's not the teachers' fault, either. They try their hardest to involve the kids and help them, but some of the kids won't budge.
The kids who do well in all areas are the ones who should be recognized. Did the Courier-Post know that my class (2010) brought up the Grade Eight Proficiency Assessment (GEPA) score for our school district last year? Did the Courier-Post know some of the students received an advanced placement on the GEPA? Did the Courier-Post know that some of the after-school programs offered to us are amazing?
Getting along
I was fortunate enough to be part of the spring musical at the high school. Not only did we sell out and put on a great play, but behind the set, the kids involved became friends. In December, I had never seen half the kids who were auditioning. By production week, everyone was talking, laughing and getting along really well.
If I hadn't joined the drama club, I can guarantee I wouldn't have said a word to most of those people. To me, the drama club is like another family. We all love each other, even though we all hang out with different cliques.
Facts not straight
It makes me angry that many of my friends who I have gone to school with since elementary school have left the district because of its bad reputation. That reputation is mainly caused by media outlets that don't have all of their facts straight.
I don't like hearing exaggerations about what goes on in our school district because it makes our township seem like such a terrible place, when it really isn't. One quick question. The day the high school had the lockdown, why were we the big news when there were two other schools in South Jersey under lockdown as well?

The writer is 15 and will be a sophomore at Winslow Township High School.

Re: "Winslow: Community at a Crossroads" (C-P, June 10).

As a 20-year resident of Winslow, I have raised my children here. I have had children in the Winslow Township School District for 13 years.

I am sorry to say that once again I found the Courier-Post's coverage of the issues in Winslow to be slanted very much to the negative side of things. My experience here is that Winslow schools are not a daily battleground and Winslow is not a powder keg of racial tensions.

Winslow is not perfect, but there is so very much more to write about that is positive than the Courier-Post chooses to cover. My experience here in Winslow also has been that, by and large, there is great apathy among the parents of school-age children that crosses socioeconomic and racial lines.

Over 13 years, I continue to see the same group of parents attend school functions and meetings, and who choose to contribute in a positive way to the school district. The only time parents turn out in large numbers is when there is a problem.

Regardless of the makeup of the Winslow Board of Education, the school administration and the teachers, no matter how good or bad those individuals may be, it all begins at home with the parents. Nothing will change here until there is less finger-pointing at the negative and more support for the positive through parent participation.

Winslow Resident

2007-07-08T22:47:00.000-04:00

UNOFFICIALLY WINSLOW RECEIVES E-MAIL

I was on this site looking for ancestors in NJ when I found the poem by Hasan Babb. What a wonderful poet in Winslow township! Magnificent! This poem should be published nationally. DM in Eastern PA .

Click here to view Hasan Babb's poem and audio when he delivered his poem to the Winslow Township Mayor and Committee.

UNofficially Winslow Receives E-mail

2007-06-08T06:48:00.000-04:00

I was at the Phillies game on Sunday June 3, 2007,

and the Winslow Township Concert Choir was there.

They sang the national anthem. They were really good!!!

It is a shame that they don’t make the paper for the good

stuff that happens.

UNofficially Winslow Receives E-mail RE: High School Choir.

2007-06-08T00:25:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to the Winslow Township High School concert choir and chamber choir for their outstanding performance at a competition held at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh recently. Under the direction of music teacher Michael Doheny, they not only received a superior rating, but were told by the judges that, without a doubt, they were the best high school choir they had ever seen.

As a parent chaperone on the trip, I was with the 55 Winslow students for four days. Everywhere they went, either on the bus, the cruise ship or in restaurants, people commented on their excellent behavior. It is a tribute to Doheny's dedication and his instruction that these students had the skills and positive attitude to represent their school and community is such an extraordinary way.

My son, Zack, plans to major in music in college and, as a senior next year, he looks forward to taking not only choir and band, but also Music Theory II, a class most high schools do not offer. I truly believe our music program is superior to other high school programs in the area, and I would like to thank the Winslow Township board of education and administration for their commitment to the very extensive music program available at Winslow Township High School.

I would also like to thank Louise Sands, a volunteer whose own children are now in college, but who continues to organize choir fundraisers to enable our students to attend music competitions. Most of all I want to thank the students for reminding us that quality education takes place in Winslow Township High School, and for making us proud.

DONNA BROWN

Winslow

COURIER-POST: "Complete So. Jersey voting results: 4A, 5A" Well....Perhaps the C-P meant except huge Winslow Township.

2007-06-06T23:51:00.000-04:00

Wednesday June 6, 2007 Courier-Post Page 1 A : "Complete So. Jersey voting results : Pages 4A, 5A "

Above is a map of Camden County, NewJersey. The red shaded area is Winslow Township, which had zero coverage by the Courier-Post for the June 5, 2007 Primary election. The white cut out in the red shaded area is the Chesilhurst borough, which the Courier-Post did cover. And rightfully so.

UNofficially Winslow has acquired results of the Primary election which does not include absentee votes.

Unlike the General election held in November, the Primary election is intended for each party to vote and select their candidate who will be on the ballot in November.

Another words, Democrat voters select a candidate who will be the Democrat candidate in November. And like wise the Republican party selects their candidate with the Primary election process as well.

Highlights of yesterday's (June 5, 2007) Primary election includes:

Mayor Sue Ann Metzner, Democrat received 552 votes. Who was challenged by Russell Bates with 129 write-in votes.

On the Republican side, Al Cooper received 163 votes. However, Mayor Sue Ann Metzner received Republican support of 12 write-in votes. And Russel Bates received 2 write-in votes on the Republican side as well.

Very interesting results considering the politics here in Winslow Township. (Click Here) Isn't it a shame the Courier-Post didn't think so. Maybe because Winslow is such a small community, as compared to the rest of the communities in Camden County.

Winslow Township Board of Education Election Results

2007-04-18T06:21:00.000-04:00

Budget: $38,260,185

Yes: 598

No: 730

Public question : Raise $3,700,000 to replace roofs at the high school, Winslow School No. 2 and School No. 3; hire security personnel and buy and install security equipment.

Yes: 581

No: 748

Candidates: Michael Robb, John Tomasello and Paul Sicker are unopposed for three three-year seats.

No one filed for the open one-year unexpired term. Angelia Tutt won the seat by a write-in vote.

2007-03-14T17:44:00.000-04:00

§ 228-3. Permit required; exceptions. [Amended 3-26-86 by Ord. No. 0-6-86; 8-23-89 by Ord. No. 0-36-89]
Subsection C below, from the Township of Winslow, except for the following types of signs for which no permit shall be required:

(1) Directional signs.

(2) Professional signs.

(3) Real estate signs.

(4) Traffic signs.

(5) Signs with an area of less than one (1) square foot.

(6) Political signs. which shall be removed within thirty (30) days after an election.

§ 228-12. Violations and penalties.
Any person, firm or corporation who shall violate, disobey, omit, neglect or refuse to comply with any provisions of this chapter shall be, upon a conviction thereof, subject to a fine of not more than fifty dollars ($50.), and each and every day that such violation continues shall constitute a separate and distinct offense.

REPRINTED FROM 3-6-07 COURIER-POST

2007-03-06T00:14:00.000-05:00

Winslow Mayor Sue Ann Metzner announced Monday that she would become a Democrat.
Tuesday, March 6, 2007

By BILL DUHART
Courier-Post Staff

WINSLOW
Surrounded by the standard-bearers of the Camden County Democratic Party on Monday, Sue Ann Metzner, the Republican mayor of Winslow, pledged allegiance to a new banner.

Metzner, a bitter foe of local Democrats during her 12 years at the helm of this sprawling township, has buried past grudges and joined forces with sworn adversaries.

Metzner, 59, a retired investment executive, said she hasn't changed, but times have.

"I believe we're experiencing growing pains and I don't have all the answers," Metzner said after delivering her announcement in a tiny community center packed with several dozen people on Erial Road. "I want to tap into all of these people in many levels of government. I want them to come to the table with me. I want them to bring money to the table, to my community."

She also convinced fellow Republican Nick LoSasso to change parties as well. Their switch vaults Democrats from a 5-4 disadvantage to a 6-3 advantage on the township committee.

Democrats have a virtual lock on just about every level of government in the county. All of the freeholders are Democrats, and just about every large and small town is also controlled by the party. The powerful party machine is known to wield wide influence in the region and throughout the state.

George E. Norcross III, head of the influential family with deep roots in the county machine, is a political power broker. His bother, Donald Norcross, is the co-chairman of the county Democratic committee.

Metzner said she has never met either Norcross.

"I believe Mr. George Norcross is involved in much higher level elections than these local elections," Metzner said. "I think, obviously, I will meet his brother who is co-chairman of the party."

Predictably, Republicans, who have had little to cheer about in Camden County, came down hard on Metzner.

"By jumping in bed with the party of Wayne Bryant, Lou Greenwald, Jim McGreevey, John Lynch and Barbara Holcomb -- all of whom she has blasted for inept leadership and poor policy choices -- Metzner today displays an unmatched level of hypocrisy," Camden County Republican Committee Chairman Rick DeMichele said.

Frank Martino, a township resident and registered Republican who dropped into Metzner's announcement to wish her well, didn't see it that way.

"I'm a Republican, but I vote for Sue Ann," said Martino, 62, a retired restaurant owner. "I think she's a good mayor and she's doing what's best for the community."

Metzner said she wanted to make the announcement before filing deadlines next month for primary elections. She said she's been thinking about making the switch for some time and didn't want to wait until after she was elected to do it. Metzner was on the township committee for seven years before being elected mayor.

Jim Beach, the county clerk and party co-chairman was on hand for Metzner's announcement. He made no effort to hide his glee.

"On a scale of 1 to 10, this is a 12," Beach said.

Metzner had a more low-key summary.

"I'm just changing pins from an elephant to a donkey," said Metzner, who also cited the policies of the national Republican party for making the switch. "I didn't change who I am. I have survived for 19 years by making the right decisions. Nothing about that is going to change."

Staff writer Alan Guenther contributed to this report. Reach Bill Duhart at (856) 486-2576 or bduhart@courierpostonline.com

Below are a few pictures of various events in which Mayor Metzner has participated.

UNofficially Winslow Notes:

Courier Post Newspaper incorrectly titled this article as "GOP Loses Control of Winslow".

The GOP lost "control", also known as majority party, as a result of the November 2006 election. Winslow Township's government is setup as a weak Mayor and strong council (Committee). Mayor Metzner joining forces with the current Democrat majority party did not change the "control" or majority party of Winslow Township.

WINSLOW TOWNSHIP RECOGNIZES BLACK HISTORY MONTH. AREA HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT PRESENTS HIS POETRY DURING A RECENT MAYOR AND TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING.

2007-02-25T01:54:00.000-05:00

By Hasan Babb
Email: Snoopy22289@msn.com

Sometimes it’s hard for me to believe/
Hard for me to conceive/
That my people sometimes, crawled on their knees/
Swam through swamps, and climbed through trees/
Kept on runnin even when it was hard to breath/
They kept on runnin/
Kept on runnin through the unsure darkness of the night/
Kept on runnin even when their legs were shaking and trembling from fright/
They kept on runnin at a time when a star in the sky was the only sign of hope in sight/
They kept on runnin/
They were runnin towards freedom/
Runnin from people who since they never seen it, thought it was a myth that they just couldn't believe in/
They were runnin even when their own people were stabbing them in the backs and deceiving them/
And they would sell them back to the master/
Sell them back to the trade/
Sell them back to the hardship/
They would sell them back as a slave/
Many lost hope, and many lost their lives/
But many kept the fire burning, and many found the will to survive/
It’s crazy to think that they ran all the way from the south to the north/
When many of us today are too lazy to walk from the couch to the corner store/
Not even runnin at top speeds/
Could get me freed/
From the mental shackles they have placed on my people, forcing us to believe/
That we aren't able, or even capable to achieve/
And that’s crazy to me/
Because ever since we’ve been freed/
We’ve taken steps and fought for equality, because that’s what we believed/
It was a movement, we took it from the buses to the courts/
Something so strong that the newspapers and channels had no choice but to report/
We fought for education, we fought for jobs/
We fought for women who didn’t just wana stay home and be housewives/
But somewhere between the Last Poets of then and the 50 Cents of today/
The movement got misplaced, misused, mangled, and thrown away/
And instead of progress, we’ve regressed/
Putting our society under massive stress/
Kids with the twisted mind sets, that bad means good/
And that since they were born, and live in, that they must die in the hood/
And now they don’t even want to be doctors or lawyers, our young girls wana be “gold diggers”/
And the guys think that selling drugs is the only possible way to make six figures/
And instead of reading up on history, and allowing their vocabulary’s to grow bigger/
They encourage ignorance, and not knowing, and that’s the true definition of a _____/

But then they always runnin to you for a solution/
Well that’s a good question, what is “the solution”/
The solution is simple, and that’s to stop the pollution/
Stop glorifying the negative images that our society is producing/
Open a book and start reducing, the number of illiterate men/
This isn’t difficult, you just need to know where to begin/
Start in the family, start with a stable and secure household/
Start up a legitimate business, decrease the number of drugs being sold/
Our young girls need to learn how to respect themselves/
But at the same time fathers need to teach their sons not to disrespect females
Get rid of the guns, cuz they’re just not cool/
Somehow find the funds, to support our public schools/
The murders the thefts, they lead nowhere but death/
Or else incarcerated with twenty-five to nothing left/
And stop cursing in front of little children, it destroys their innocence/
This list goes on and on, but I think I’m leave you in suspense/
Cuz we’ve been runnin ever since we’ve gotten off of the boats, you can check our timelines/
But it seems like now we’re not even in the game, we sitting on the sidelines/
I was born to be a “good leader” “Hasan Malik”, I think Bilal knew that when he brought his son in/
So if you tryna follow me you better keep up, cuz I’m not walking, I’m runnin/

Copyright Hasan Babb 2006; All rights are reserved.

All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the prior written consent of the author.

RE-ORGANIZATION TO BE TELEVISED TONIGHT !

2007-01-05T12:05:00.000-05:00

TUNE IN TONIGHT AT 7:30 TO VIEW THE BEST BI-PARTISAN RE-ORGANIZATION MEETING IN THE HISTORY OF WINSLOW TOWNSHIP.

TONIGHT, FRIDAY JANUARY 12TH, 2007 ; COMCAST CHANNEL 13 AT 7:30 P.M.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

COMMON SENSE AMONG COMMITTEE MEMBERS.

ARH ENGINEERING WAS RE-APPOINTED TO CONTINUE THEIR GREAT EFFORTS WORKING ON WINSLOW'S WATER AND WELL CONTAMINATION CONCERNS. A LARGE POLITICAL CONTRIBUTION FROM ANOTHER AREA ENGINEERING FIRM WAS NOT ENOUGH TO SWAY THE NEW DEMOCRAT MAJORITY PARTY.

IN THE OPINION OF UNOFFICIALLY WINSLOW THIS RE-ORGANIZATION MEETING, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF ONE COMMITTEE PERSON'S REMARKS, IS THE FIRST STEP IN PUTTING DIFFERENCES ASIDE AND WORKING FOR THE GOOD OF THE COMMUNITY.

UNOFFICIALLY WINSLOW WILL PROVIDE DETAIL AND CLIPS FROM THE RE-ORGANIZATION MEETING SHORTLY.

RE-ORGANIZATION ANNOUNCED

2006-12-27T19:32:00.000-05:00

The Township Committee of the Township of Winslow will conduct a special meeting on Tuesday, January 2, 2007 at 7:30 pm for the purpose of conducting, discussing and acting upon re-organization including resolutions, and other appointments.

IN REVIEW OF RE-ORGANIZATION 2006

HOLCOMB WALKS OUT OF TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING.

2006-11-05T23:00:00.000-05:00

The audio link below was recorded during an open public meeting when Holcomb walked out.

(11 seconds)

UNofficially Winslow's opinion:

UNofficially Winslow Receives E-mail

2006-11-04T22:40:00.000-05:00

BELOW IS THE UNEDITED TEXT OF AN E-MAIL RECEIVED BY UNOFFICIALLY WINSLOW. THE REMARKS IN THIS EMAIL ARE OF THE OPINON OF THE AUTHOR AND NOT THAT OF UNOFFICIALLY WINSLOW. YOU MAY SEND YOUR REMARKS TO:

UNOFFICIALLYWINSLOW@COMCAST.NET

----- Original Message -----
From: UNofficially Winslow Receives Email
To: UNofficiallywinslow@comcast.net
Sent: Saturday, November 04, 2006 5:59 PM
Subject: Signs

In my neighborhood ward one, I see thousands of Donna Illiucci signs for Township committee, going back a few years I remember Holcomb, DiFabio, Marie Lawrence (appointed??) and last but not least Barry Wright signs ad finitum in every space available as you go from one end of the township to the other. If the number of signs are any sign of performance if they are succesful in winning an election better think again. The last time these people got power the last thing on their mind was the well being of the people of Winslow township!!!! Number one on the adgenda was paying back the people who paid for the signs and at the same time put some money in their own pockets. Barry Wright was voted out of office for poor performance, wound up on the school board (appointed not elected) and now he is head of the Democrat generate thousands of signs and we will win adgenda. Lets hope that doesn't happen!! Doesn't Barry Wright own a sign company??? Aren't their a few signs on Cross Keys and Sicklerville roads that have no advertisers exept at election time, the latest are Holcomb/Wright backed candidates. There should be a sign that says DON'T DRINK THE WATER!! Another Holcomb, Wright, Di Fabio, Lawrence, Flamini that cost us millions of dollars!!

2006-10-26T01:09:00.000-04:00

ACROSS

1. Barry Wright, previous Public Safety Director.

4. Daughter of Construction Official (HINT)
(Note: Construction Office issues building permits and conducts inspections for new construction, renovations, and other structural projects such as Amateur Radio towers.)

7. Holcomb - Wright Campaign Treasurer.

8. The finger.

10. Democrats 2006 Campaign Treasurer.
(Iuliucci, Auwarter, Wilson, and Mitchell )

DOWN

2. Contributed $29,600. to Democrats 2006 Campaign (Iuliucci, Auwarter, Wilson and Mitchell.)

3. Mr. Bottled Water. (HINT)

5. In May 2006 RECEIVED an $11,000.Contribution FROM Holcomb 2003 campaign. And in June 2006 CONTRIBUTED $7856. TO Holcomb 2003 campaign.

(Note: Holcomb 2003 campaign then refunded $7856. to Churchill P.C. Click Here for New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission documentation.)

6. Wanted police protection for both middle and high schools in September of 2004. Eighteen months before the failed murder plot at Winslow High School. Holcomb and her cronies said no. (HINT)

9. "...this is not Germany that we're living in." (HINT)

CLICK HERE for a printer friendly version of the UNofficially Winslow crossword puzzle.