Ad Populos, Non Aditus, Pervenimus

Published Every Thursday Since September 3, 1890 (908) 232-4407 USPS 680020 Thursday, June 4, 2009 OUR 119th YEAR – ISSUE NO. 01-2009 Periodical – Postage Paid at Westfield, N.J. www.goleader.com [email protected] SIXTY CENTS Christie Wins GOP Primary Over Lonegan; Bramnick, Munoz Win By LAUREN S. BARR, PAUL PEYTON, JOHN MAGUIRE and RAYNOR DENITZIO Mr. Lonegan addressed more than Specially Written for The Westfield Leader 100 supporters, including former AREA — Tuesday night’s guber- well intentioned,” he is “simply wrong Scotch Plains Mayor Martin Marks natorial primary brought celebrations for this job.” He said that he under- at the East Brunswick Hilton, thank- for former U.S. Attorney Chris stands that the people of New Jersey ing them for their support and en- Christie and Incumbent Governor Jon are hurting with unemployment at a couraged them to join Mr. Christie in Corzine, who will now face off in the 15-year high. his campaign for governor. November General Election. “I know you don’t want govern- “We must have one common cause. A gracious Mr. Christie, 180,630, ment to hold your hand; you just want We need to beat Jon Corzine,” Mr. thanked his primary challenger, them to get out of your wallet,” Mr. Lonegan said. “I will do everything I former Bogota Mayor Steve Lonegan, Christie said. He expressed the need can to move the Republican Party to 138,515, “for being a worthy oppo- for smaller government in Trenton, victory in November,” he said. By nent.” He invited Mr. Lonegan and and called for an end to “petty poli- capturing 42 percent of the light voter his supporters to join the Christie tics” in favor of good ideas. Mr. turnout, Mr. Lonegan argued that con- campaign to “take New Jersey back.” Christie said he would work to make servative values still matter to many Mr. Christie told hundreds of sup- New Jersey more affordable for both New Jersey voters. porters at the Hanover Marriott in residents and businesses, and end the Incumbent Governor Corzine, who Whippany that while he believes that influences of special-interest groups garnered 77 percent of the vote to Governor Corzine is a “good man and in Trenton. squash his three little- known pri- mary opponents, was joined by Vice- President Joe Biden for a campaign rally at the Richard J. Codey Arena in West Orange. Mr. Biden’s speech emphasized the economic bona fides of Mr. Corzine, PROM SATURDAY...Students pose for photos before the Saturday evening Westfield High School prom. Pictured, from the former chief executive officer of left to right, are: Ezra Margolin, Alyson Moskowitz, Kyle Barry, Mairead O’Boyle, James Hughes, Emily Budnick, Mike Goldman Sachs. He said that during Abbattista, George Wharam, Briana Goncalves, Dan Russo, Grace Hanley, Adam Kavalin, Allie Lowenstein, TJ Mruz, the transition period following the Casey Reimlinger, Chris Yeager, Liz McCarthy, Mike Foley, Michelle Ball, Josh Perlman, Amanda Simmons, Kiran election, he reached out to Mr. Corzine Patankar, Julie Yee, Max Sugarman, Annie Re, James Chu, Daryl Garfinkel. More photos will be published next week. for advice on how to tackle the nation’s economic crisis. “Literally, the first call I made for advice was Jon WFBOE Discusses Enrollment; Corzine,” Mr. Biden said. “I called him because he’s the smartest guy I know in terms of the economy and finance.” Residents Address Layoffs The Vice-President said the nation By CHRISTINA M. HINKE over the current year. Edison Inter- other schools in the district to help cannot recover from the recession Specially Written for The Westfield Leader mediate School will have a total of keep down class sizes there, but was without New Jersey serving as “an WESTFIELD — Superintendent 751 students in 2009-2010, and “unsuccessful.” So far, 2009-2010 engine.” He credited Governor of Schools Margaret Dolan said at Roosevelt Intermediate will have 779 shows class sizes there at 21 and 22. Horace Corbin for The Westfield Leader LD21 GOP PRIMARY VICTORS...Asm. Jon Bramnick of Westfield, right, and Corzine for helping to craft the Tuesday’s board of education meet- students enrolled. However, she said that first grade Asw. Nancy Munoz of Summit pose with Sen. Tom Kean, Jr. of Westfield Tuesday nation’s economic stimulus plan and ing that Governor Jon Corzine has First through fifth grades will see a enrollment tends to increase over the night in Westfield at 16 Prospect St. Wine Bar & Bistro during their Primary for “creating the first economic re- announced that schools will receive total of 2,547 students with 121 sec- summer. Election victory party attended by more than 100 supporters from the region. covery program in the country.” further cuts in state aid. The district tions and shows a change of negative Overall, general education in grades With the outcome of the Republi- was not notified yet of the dollar two. K-12 will have a total enrollment of can Primary still unknown as he took amount, but Ms. Dolan said it would Kindergarten at Lincoln School has 6,122, 35 more students over 2008- the stage, Governor Corzine focused be based on a sliding scale, deter- an enrollment for 2009-2010 of 245 2009. With special education in- Freeholders Reverse Course his attacks on the party as a whole. He mined by a district’s wealth, and that students in 12 sections over the a.m. cluded, that number tallies 6,267. criticized Republicans for their the minimum cut would be 20 per- and p.m. classes. Ms. Dolan said enrollment contin- stances on social issues, including cent. She wrote a letter to the editor Ms. Dolan noted the first grade ues to grow but “not dramatically.” On $600,000 Dog Park gay marriage, and for their lack of on the topic, see page 4. Franklin school enrollment in 2008- She also said children switching to By PAUL J. PEYTON county’s parks staff increase mainte- support for President Barack Obama. 2009 is high at 23 and 24 and how in the Union County Vocational-Tech- Specially Written for The Westfield Leader The board of education had already nance of the dog park. He also blamed the Republican Party approved many cuts in positions, in- the last year the district attempted to nical Schools, where the district pays ELIZABETH — The Union Freeholder Chairman Al Mirabella for the nation’s current economic situ- cluding teachers and support staff, to attract parents to enroll children at CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 County Board of Chosen Freeholders said the board has recognized that ation. meet school budget caps. Commu- last week decided to scale back plans there is a “significant need to do some- “While Republicans talk, Demo- nity members came out to speak about on some $600,000 in improvements thing there,” but should be less costly crats and I delivered,” Mr. Corzine saving an elementary school teacher State Backlog Causes Delay that had been planned for the county’s and extravagant than first proposed. said. “Come to think of it, the only and a high school library secretary. dog park at Echo Lake Park in A group of residents attended the things Republicans have delivered is Emily Snitow, library coordinator Westfield/Mountainside. meeting to oppose the $600,000 in the longest, deepest economic reces- at Westfield High School (WHS), In Town Budget Adoption Freeholder Deborah Scanlon, chair- proposed changes and agreed to work sion in 80 years.” spoke in favor saving the library’s By MICHAEL J. POLLACK an easy budget to approve, they’ve woman of the board’s Open Space, with the county on a less-expensive A recent Quinnipiac University Poll secretarial position and stressed the Specially Written for The Westfield Leader decided to take the more problematic Recreation and Historic Trust Fund improvement plan. shows 53 percent of registered voters importance of the position and how it WESTFIELD – Because the state ones first...so, we don’t have state Committee, said she sent a letter to Donna Madison of Rahway said disapprove of the governor’s leader- correlates with higher test scores, has not given its approval, the comments or approval, and we’re not County Manager George Devanney the dog park is “a great facility as it ship. The same poll shows Mr. Christie achievements and reading levels. She Westfield Town Council’s vote on the in a position tonight to vote on the last Thursday requesting that the is,” although she hoped it could be leading Governor Corzine by a seven- said the library used to be manned by 2009 municipal budget will be de- budget.” county “delay action on the current made “a little safer for dogs.” point margin for the November elec- five staff members, but after an ear- layed at least two weeks. The council Town Administrator Jim Gildea has plan while we complete our research.” Hillside resident Janice Feldman tion. lier layoff and the recent cut, it is now still conducted an advertising hear- been in contact with the state on a “We have and I have been reading said she had concern of the “elabo- In addition to the gubernatorial race, down to three librarians, without any ing on the budget, and no public com- near-daily basis, according to Mr. the media reports and reviewing pub- rate plan” for the park. there were Primary races Tuesday for support staff. This void in support, ment was offered. Caruana, in order to receive com- lic input with regard to this proposed “No one ever consulted anyone who the State Assembly in both Districts she said, would cut services such as Finance Policy Committee Chair- ments before the next public town renovation of the dog park with inter- actually uses the park when those 21 and 22. inter-library loans and the library be- man Sal Caruana explained that state council meeting on Tuesday, June 16. est and with concern,” Mrs. Scanlon plans were drawn up,” Ms. Feldman Assemblyman Jon Bramnick, ing closed before and after school. government reviews all budgets and Mr. Gildea recognized all depart- said. She said the plans were devel- said. 9,055, told supporters outside 16 Ms. Dolan said, “There is no doubt then has the opportunity to offer com- ment heads, supervisors and oped two years ago “under a signifi- Ms. Feldman, and other speakers, Prospect Wine Bar & Bistro in they need a secretary to support what ments to municipalities. firefighters who were in attendance cantly different economy.” also questioned a $1.5-million con- Westfield that he predicted “a very they do.” “We submitted our budget in a very anticipating the budget’s adoption. “Clearly, the renovation is impor- tract the freeholder board approved large and landslidy victory” for he A sophomore at the high school, timely fashion, and the state is weeks “It’s important to note that they’re tant and has great merit and would be with J.A. Alexander, Inc. of and his running-mate, Assembly- Cory Lipschutz, said, “I feel it is a – if not months – behind getting back here,” Mr. Gildea said. “They’re here a tremendous public attraction,” she Bloomfield to construct a new driv- woman Nancy Munoz, 8,554, over duty for the school to provide a quiet to municipalities with comments,” he to listen. I want to thank employees said. “Now, given the current eco- ing range at Galloping Hill Golf GOP challenger Bruce Meringolo of environment to complete work,” say- said. for coming and listening. The em- nomic climate, we get that the timing Course in Union. Long Hill, who received 2,546 votes. ing the cut would push the library to “Our budget is a very simple bud- ployees and department heads are is not ideal.” “Everybody is focusing on the Long Hill Mayor George Vitureira, close for certain periods throughout get relative to what the state is deal- doing a great job in helping the town In her letter, Mrs. Scanlon said she money for the dog park, but nobody is who dropped out of the race, re- the school day. He proposed to the ing with this year. You’re seeing re- have a very sound budget in 2009.” asked Mr. Devanney to have the focusing on $1.5 million for a driving ceived 1,750 tallies. board that teachers be assigned on quests for waivers [to exceed the 4 The budget on which council mem- county “take a few steps back and range in this economy. Is that really Mr. Bramnick, seeking a fourth their duty period to supervise the percent cap]. You’re seeing deferrals bers will eventually cast votes is a examine other options such as phas- necessary?” Ms. Feldman questioned. term in the General Assembly, said he library to “allow for a greater benefit on pension payments. You’re seeing $39.65 million expenditure, a $1.77 ing in elements or using existing staff Mr. Devanney said it is estimated hoped that “we will continue to pro- to students.” municipalities exceeding budget million (4.69 percent) increase in to complete some of the required that the new driving range will attract vide to you that same attention, repre- Resident Jan Elby, teacher Judy caps,” Mr. Caruana continued. expenses from last year. work.” more golfers to the county and gener- sentation that we’ve had in the past.” McLaughlin, and parents Peggy Oster, “Ours conforms to the state’s re- The final recommended tax in- She said the board encourages “con- ate an additional $600,000 per year Assemblywoman Munoz, who is Christine Mason and Pamela Orbach quirements without exception,” the crease in Westfield is 6.12 percent structive public input” on improve- into the county’s coffers in its first seeking to retain her late husband also spoke to the need for a support chairman continued. “Where ours is CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 ments. “We are going to continue to year of operation. “And that’s why Eric Munoz’s Assembly seat, said position in the library. work on it,” Mrs. Scanlon said, not- the county has decided to move for- she believed voters “saw that I am Ms. Oster, a Parent Teacher Stu- ing that she has requested that the CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 very experienced…and capable and dent Organization (PTSO), said the confident to fill some very large PTSO had a meeting earlier in the shoes.” year, and parents then said they “felt “I take it very seriously, this job,” we needed more services at the li- she said. “I will continue the work brary.” She said that by losing the that Eric did and work with Jon.” services that the secretarial position Mr. Bramnick and Mrs. Munoz will offered, “I don’t think the high school face Democrats Bruce Bergen of would be the excellent system it could Springfield and Norman Albert of be.” Cranford, who were unopposed Tues- The board said it would give the day, in the General Election in No- superintendent and administration vember. some time to evaluate the position In the 22nd Legislative District, and its services. Assemblywoman Linda Stender of Parent Mari Melao asked the board Fanwood, 4,450, and Assemblyman to consider third grade teacher at Jerry Green of Plainfield, 4,127, eas- Jefferson School Sean Atchison, who ily defeated Rick Smily, 1,962, of was earmarked as one of the seven Plainfield in the Democratic Primary. teachers’ cut from the district, for any They will now face former Scotch future openings. She said he is “dedi- Charles Laskowski for The Westfield Leader Plains Mayor Marks and Bo Vastine, cated to making students succeed.” CAMPAIGN BEGINS…Governor Jon Corzine speaks to supporters on Tuesday also of Scotch Plains, in November. One of his qualities, she said, was he night at a campaign kickoff at the Richard J. Codey Arena in West Orange with Mr. Marks and Mr. Vastine were also would set up morning study sessions Vice President Joseph Biden at his side. Mr. Corzine will face Republican Chris unopposed in the Republican Primary. before school on a test day to help Christie in November in quest for a second term. In a local race, Mountainside in- those students in need of help. Lauren Barr S. Barr for The Westfield Leader cumbent Republican Councilmen PAGE INDEX VICTORIOUS…Republican Gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie thanks Ms. Dolan also gave a report on Regional ...... 2-3, 10 Obituary ...... 11 Real Estate .... 14-19 supporters at a Primary Night victory celebration at the Hanover Marriott in William Lane, 415 votes, and Robert school enrollment as it stands now. Messler, 421 votes, easily defeated a Editorial ...... 4-5, 10 Education ...... 8-9 Classifieds .... 21 Whippany. Mr. Christie defeated former Bogota Mayor Steve Lonegan to win his The high school will have an in- Community ... 6-7, 11 Sports ...... 13-18 A&E ...... 22-24 party’s nomination to face Governor Jon Corzine in November. CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 crease of 33 students next school year