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To the Editor, Asbury Park Sun,

I have only once  written a “Letter to the Editor” before. I’m not a political person. But I am a resident and taxpayer in Asbury Park. I believe in fiscal responsibility and expect the same from those that we elect. That’s why I am angered and offended by an email that I read recently in support of a slate of school board candidates who claim to be “For the Community, From the Community.”

The author of the email writes the following: “None of these candidates are concerned about tax breaks, which many in Asbury Park are concerned with, so that they don’t have to invest in our school system…Please do two things: One, vote for this team on April 19th. Second, forward this announcement to your friends in Asbury Park and encourange [sic] them to get out and vote.”

Well, bust my bumpers! Obviously, this ticket does not speak for me and the many hardworking taxpayers of our city. How can this campaign and its supporters brag about not being concerned with the exorbitant taxes we pay as residents of Asbury Park! Do these candidates expect a blank check by us?

I am semi-retired, living on a fixed income and have been fortunate enough to live in the town of Asbury Park that I call home. I have worked my whole life and consider myself firmly in the middle class. As such, I expect my taxes to be spent sparingly and wisely.

This is the same group that both moved the school board election to this new April date and is also pushing for a special recall election against a councilman because “he’s the weakest one on the city council.”

Each one of these elections will cost taxpayers anywhere from $30,000 to $60,000 per election to pay for voting machines, poll workers, printing of ballots, etc.

This is the same board that has spent over $75,000 of our tax dollars for legal fees defending their own ethics violations.

As for the “From the Community, For the Community”, they must be held accountable for wasting our tax dollars and then bragging about it in an email blast. If this group gets elected, who knows on what they’ll spend our money next?

We need responsible watchdogs on the school board that will protect our tax dollars from the current crop of wasteful spenders. I am confident that Barbara Lesinski [a long-time whistleblower on the board], Connie Breech [an Asbury Park police officer] and Dominic Latorraca [an Asbury Park small business owner] will protect our hard-earned tax dollars.

On Tuesday, April 19th, I’m asking all of my fellow taxpayers to vote #1- Barbara Lesinski; #2 – Connie Breech; and #3 – Dominic Latorraca for Asbury Park Board of Education. Because we can’t afford the alternative.

John Kaplow

Asbury Park, NJ

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On Tuesday, April 19th, I’m urging voters in Asbury Park to vote #1- Barbara Lesinski; #2 – Connie Breech; and #3 – Dominic Latorraca for Asbury Park Board of Education – because we cannot turn back to the corruption and mismanagement of the past.

In the late 1990’s, when current Board candidate James Famularo ran the school board, critical public projects were left uncompleted for years, while taxpayer money was wasted on shopping trips and extravagant Cadillac rentals.  Even worse, our tax dollars were funneled to friends and political bosses, while student grades plummeted and the dropout rate soared.

Mr. Famularo was indicted on charges of “conspiring to evade state bidding laws in connection to an $80,000 contract and $8,000 cash advance” to friend, Robert Sullivan. Investigators found gross fiscal mismanagement on the part of Mr. Famularo and the board attorney at the time.

In a witness’ sworn testimony, Mr. Famularo himself said, “Well, I operate in a gray area of the law.”

In another case, the Board’s credit card was spent on a shopping spree at Foot Locker while the Board was supposed to be attending an out-of-town conference, according to court documents.  Additionally, Mr. Famularo was given a cash advance of $250 for which he didn’t account for.  Mr. Famularo had to repay the advance after getting caught.

In an additional sad footnote during Mr. Famularo’s term (like you, I’ve lost count), our football team twice had to forfeit their entire season because academically ineligible players were allowed to play. Meanwhile, our district was in a freefall of student dropouts and the worst test scores-to-taxpayer-cost in New Jersey.

James Famularo and his political cronies ran a board so corrupt that a state monitor had to be installed. A report cited the district for its “lack of administrative leadership, outdated policies, and problems in a number of areas.

Ultimately, Mr. Famularo was removed the board. He was recently suspended in his position of assistant city manager after being arrested and charged with assaulting officers who responded to a domestic incident at his residence.

We cannot turn back to a school board that had more headlines for being in court for corruption, than for nurturing our children.

We cannot turn back to when people were elected because of political favors.

We cannot turn back to a board whose recent majority, even now, blocked the hiring of our Superintendent Dr. Lamont Repollet, whose focus on literacy is showing initial signs of real and permanent progress.

Voters shouldn’t buying what Mr. Famularo and his team are hustling. It’s time that we restore trust to the Asbury Park Board of Education and leave the scandals, political bosses and corruption where they belong – in the trash bin of history.

On Tuesday, April 19th, vote #1, #2 and #3 on the ballot: Barbara Lesinski, Connie Breech and Dominic Latorraca for Asbury Park Board of Education.  Polls are open from 3p.m. to 9p.m.

Martin J. Marino, Jr.

Asbury Park

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It seems to me that, after considering the myriad functions of a school board, the paramount focus of the citizens in the group must be on the students. Yes, the dictionary’s definition says a board oversees a school system, sets policy and manages delegated authority. True on paper, but the essential human element is the ultimate welfare and success of the children under the board’s guidance.

Asbury Park is the midst of a remarkable renaissance. A diverse group of people has done an incredible job of bringing the city back to the brink of its “glory days” (to borrow from Bruce Springsteen’s wonderful song). Everyone wants to go to Asbury to shop, dine, stroll and enjoy the music that permeates every corner of the city. The atmosphere is electric and serene, an unusual yet wonderful combination.

With all of that, Asbury Park has a significant weak spot – its school system. In order for a community to enjoy lasting growth and prosperity it must have vibrant schools. A significant step in that direction has been taken with the appointment of Dr. Lamont Repollet as superintendent. But more needs to be done.

On April 19, a very important election will take place to fill three openings on the school board. With its keen emphasis on student growth and development, the members of the Moving Ahead Together team are the best choice to join the board in achieving its goals.

Connie Breech, presently on the school board, has done wonderful work as an Asbury Park police officer and community volunteer for many years. As the founder and spearhead of the Asbury Park Toy Drive she has fully demonstrated her concern for the community’s youth. She should be re-elected to the board for another term.

Barbara Lesinski has also had a long and dedicated presence as an Asbury volunteer. Like Connie Breech, she is very involved with the Asbury Park Toy Drive and is past president of the school board. She has wonderful ideas about how Asbury’s kids can be served.

Dominic Latorraca’s entire career has been devoted to education. He is Director of Workforce Development at Brookdale Community College and has been very involved in Asbury Park as a business owner and advocate. I have worked with Dom on many committees and find him to be caring, intelligent and very hard working – a real “get it done” person.

These are the folks who will bring Asbury Park schools to the next level and beyond. Their only agenda is to provide the students with a fruitful and meaningful educational experience, leading to a bright future for them and the city.

This is a critical election for Asbury Park. Please be sure to vote on April 19, for the “Moving Ahead Together” team: Barbara Lesinski (#1), Connie Breech (#2) and Dominic Latorraca (3#), all of whom care deeply about your kids and your city.

David Van Buskirk

Ocean Township

[This letter represents the opinion of its writer and is not representative of any opinion of the Asbury Park Sun staff. All readers are welcome to submit Letters to the Editor to news@asburyparksun.com for our consideration. For guidelines on letter-writing and submission, click here.]

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