Newly-elected Gloucester City Councilman Bruce Parry would like to thank the citizens of Gloucester City who came out to vote on November 5, \”especially those in the 2^nd Ward, who gave me their vote for City Council.\”

\”It is an important time for Gloucester City, and some tough decisions need to be made,\” said Parry.

\”Replacing and working hard as Jean Kaye, Elsie Loebell and Rocky Kormann, who have been on City Council for many years, will be a challenge for John Hutchinson, Kellie Ferry and I. It is our goal to continue their hard work and efforts and make the changes needed to improve our city.

\”I along with my running mates want to thank each and every resident for their support,\” said Parry.

 I have heard rumors in reference to the Gloucester City paid Fire Department. If what I am hearing is true, new Mayor and Council should be ashamed of themselves.

Wasn\’t the tragedy of July 4, 2002, enough of a wake up call to all of you that improvement is needed?

It is called moving forward, not backward.

A City of boarded-up buildings, falling down row homes, Section 8 housing, balloon construction, and two senior complexes needs a more than timely response – to mention a few things.

You say you need to cut the budget. There are many departments where the budget can be cut, and it is not with our paid fire department.

You have certainly worn out the definition of nepotism in Gloucester City. So, start cutting the budget with jobs that have been created for someone\’s relative – but not with those who serve and protect.

Firefighters need medals, not unemployment checks.

Carol S. Ruggierio, Gloucester City

The Mt. Ephraim Celebration Committee is sponsoring a Best Holiday Decorated House Contest. The deadline to register your home for the contest is December 14, 2007.

Registration forms are available at the Mt. Ephraim Borough Hall or you can email your registration information to [email protected]. Prizes will be awarded.

Winners will be announced on the town announcement board, channel 19, Cleary\’s Notebook at www.gloucestercitynews.typepad.com and the Gloucester City News.

 

By Sara Martino

NEWS Correspondent

 

\”I would like to have a committee formed to get our great vision going,\” Mayor John Soubasis said during the Brooklawn Borough Council meeting.

His vision includes various future improvements such as a \”streetscape\” to include a town clock, monuments at the circles, widening of the circles, tree removal and planting of natural grasses.

\”The big issue is the amount of traffic going through the town. We would like to plant trees along Highway 130 to create a buffer for the homes and make improvements along Broadway,\” he said.

Borough Engineer Chuck Riebel said top priority will also be given to the painting of the water tank.

\”Another big issue is the need for all employees to understand their role in the borough,\” Soubasis said.

He will call a mandatory meeting to discuss employee participation and also to review insurance coverage. Soubasis also plans to discuss the operation procedures for next year with the council members.

Councilwoman Theresa Branilla said employee questions arise because of uncertainty.

\”Education in the job is always a good thing,\” she said, and reminded members that the \”Spirit\” group is still continuing this year and gift certificates will distributed to local families during the Holiday season. (Call 456-0750 ext. 162).

Donna Domico, public works manager, said leaves will still be pick up and suggested that residents placed the vegetation along the grass strip on the sidewalks.

Also, Domico said the state does not want the washing of commercial vehicles on local streets and the issue will be clarified in the newsletter.

Soubasis commented on the increased number or parking spaces on certain streets due to the enforcement of new ordinances.

\”Boats, trailers and campers were almost all moved in accordance to the ordinances that are now in place\” he said.

Fire and Police Department vehicles were facing difficulty in maneuvering turns on some streets and having the large boats and trailers, etc, removed has created safer traveling down the streets.

Borough Clerk Barbara Lewis said the Borough Reorganization meeting will be Monday, January 7, at 6 p.m. and the regular council meeting will be held on the fourth Monday, January 28, instead of the third Monday, due to the Martin Luther King holiday.