Councilman Sadowski Newsletter

Hello Neighbors,
My Election Day victory was not the finish line, but merely a checkpoint and I want to thank all of Wayne’s Second Ward residents for their overwhelming vote of confidence in my representation. I knocked on a lot of doors and spoke to many residents. High taxes are by far the biggest complaint and we all need to work together for a solution.
Think about it, a Wayne resident pays more taxes to the county than to our municipality. What are we getting for that money? Short of eliminating the county government layer or Wayne seceding from the highest taxed county in the nation, there are thing we can all rally around.
If privatized, the Preakness Healthcare facility on Oldham Road could still maintain staffing and care levels. This would reduce the county budget AND the facility would also become a $700,000 annual Wayne Township ratable. A win-win. Contact the Freeholders and ask them to pursue these savings. They can barely maintain the roads; the county does not belong in the healthcare business.
New Jersey’s current public school funding formula is an area that would greatly impact Wayne Township’s taxes. Over half of every tax dollar goes to fund our great schools. If the State gave each town an equal amount per student, our taxes would go down. Contact your Assemblymen and State Senator and ask them to fight for a fair school funding formula.
We can still find savings in the municipal budget, but real property tax relief will come from county and school budgets.
As winter approaches and snow arrives, please drive carefully and keep your sidewalks clear.
Township ordinance requires homeowners to remove ice and snow from sidewalks within 48 hours after a snow fall. Also, if snow is in the forecast, please park vehicles in your driveway to allow the snowplows to get through.
While doing door to door, I also noticed many houses without visible house numbers. It makes it difficult for Police, First Aid and Fire Departments to find you, especially in the dark. Numbers should be placed above or within 10 feet of either side of the main entrance to the building or over the garage door. For our first responders, every second counts.
TAKE TWOFall 2011
Did you know that Wayne Township hosts a professional hockey team at the Ice Vault? The NJ Outlaws are at the top of the standings in the Federal Hockey League. It is fun time; go out and root for the home team!
Volunteerism
Wayne is blessed to have passionate residents willing to help our neighbors. One of those volunteer groups is the Wayne Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD). They were the heart and soul of the Hurricane Irene charitable response in town.
They are looking for individuals interested in helping out in the following areas: Communication, Publicity, Special Events, and Fundraising.
To make a donation to VOAD, please mail a check payable to "The Wayne Interfaith Network" and mail it to: Wayne VOAD, 189 Berdan Avenue, PO Box 275, Wayne, NJ 07470. If you would like to be on their email list, please send your full name and e-mail address to WayneVOAD@gmail.com. They also have a Facebook page which shares up to date information about where help is needed.
Save the Date!
 Operation Lifesaver Railroad Safety Presentation, WVHS, Dec 6, 7:30pm
 Municipal Tree Lighting Ceremony, Dec 8, 6:00pm
 No Vegetative Waste Collection, January - March
Please contact me any time at sadowskia@waynetownship.com with any questions or concerns.
Regards,
Al Sadowski
Councilman – Ward 2