National U n i o n C o u n t y Breast Cancer OURCE Awareness THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2015 UNIONNEWSDAILY.COM VOL. 98 NO. 39 50 C E N T S Month Kean plans ‘dam aging’ layoffs Assemblywoman urges university to rescind planned support staff layoffs By Patrick Bober lege in record numbers, but they’re also Regional Editor ‘It would harm our students, specifically hurting their dropping out in droves.” As the start of the school year begins to ability to progress to graduation. Laying off support staff “There is a remedy at hand, though,” the feel routine for many of the students at opinion piece by David L. Kirp in the New Kean University, most are likely unaware will reduce student retention and graduation rates.* York Times reads, “and it’s pretty straight­ of a brewing controversy that could have a — James Castiglione forward. Nationwide, universities need to profound effect on their academic endeav­ give undergraduates the care and attention ors. The Board of Trustees and President The layoffs are expected in the Center progress to graduation. Laying off support akin to what’s lavished on students at elite Dawood Farahi have given notice of their for Academic Success, the Educational staff will reduce student retention and institutions.” intent to lay off up to 30 academic support Opportunity Center and the school library, graduation rates.” Kirp is a professor of public policy at the staff members while raising tuition by 3 but rest assured that the Kean Federation Castiglione is confident in this claim, University of California, Berkeley, and is percent. of Teachers took notice, as well as the CWA specifically citing research that has been most recently the author of “Improbable While no layoffs have taken place yet, and the IFPTE195, the three biggest unions conducted showing that these types of aca­ Scholars: The Rebirth of a Great American more than two dozen are expected as the on campus representing faculty and staff at demic support members are very valuable School System.” Board of Trustees voted to increase tuition the school. to a school community. The data Kirp cites in the New York and fees by 3 percent last June and gave the “We think it’s an extremely bad idea for According to a New York Times article Times comes from a CUNY Accelerated university president authority to reorgan­ a number of reasons,” said KFT president published Jan. 8, 2014, called “How to Study in Associate Programs that has gar­ ize due to a “shortfall” caused by reduced James Castiglione. “It would harm our stu­ Help College Students Graduate,” Ameri­ nered media attention for its “comprehen- state funding. dents, specifically hurting their ability to can college students are “enrolling in col­ See LAYOFFS, Page 6 ‘It was worth the struggle' Once doctors in Cuba, Roselle Park couple arrived in U.S. with nothing but four children and a big dream By Patrick Bober Regional Editor After practicing medicine in Cuba for 20 years, two current Roselle Park residents decided to move to the United States, with nothing hut the clothes on their backs, their four children and lofty and ambitious dreams. It took a long time and a lot of hard work, but it eventually paid off. The journey of Dr. Raul Perez and Dr. Maria Del Carmen Cis- nero began in 1999, when they went from being doctors in Cuba to delivering pizza in Miami, but as the married couple will tell you, repeatedly, “it was worth the struggle.” “We applied for the lottery, and we won,” said Perez through his daughter-in-law who acted as translator. “When we came to the United States, we were in Miami, in a one-bedroom apartment, with four children. He started taking any job he could get,” said Cisnero, also through a translator. From left: Jake Shoemaker, Jose Medrano, Suvan Bhat, Bhuvan Dave and Anthony Gingerelli Both Perez and Cisnero had been working as doctors and pro­ joined other Boy Scouts and students from Seton Hall University in a four-hour conservation serv­ fessors at the Facility of Medical Sciences in Granma, a province in ice project at Liberty State Park. The project involved weeding invasive grasses and spreading the south east of Cuba. They did not live in desolate poverty, they mulch to beautify the picnic and parking areas. The Liberty Scout Jamboree will be held at the said, like many of the stories people hear about the small island location Oct. 2 through 4. See WE HAD TO, Page 22 2 — October i, 2015 — Union County LocalSource Drought watch in effect for 12 NJ counties Union, Essex among counties in drought watch Department of Environmental Protection Commis­ United Water New Jersey serves approximately sioner Bob Martin has issued a drought watch for New 800,000 customers in Bergen and northern Hudson Jersey’s Northeast, Central and Coastal North water- counties. Although combined reservoir storage across supply regions, urging residents in the affected areas to Northeastern New Jersey is only marginally below nor­ voluntarily conserve water, and for the rest of the state to mal for this time of year, the region is potentially vulner­ practice wise water use due to continued dry weather and able because of United Water New Jersey’s reliance on above-average temperatures. The drought watch is other major suppliers to complement its supply when prompted by continued rainfall deficits that have demands are unusually high. If current conditions per­ decreased reservoir, groundwater and streamflow levels sist, other interconnected water systems could be in the three regions. adversely affected if inflated demands are left unchecked. The purpose of the watch is to raise public awareness, Other drinking water supply indicators are also show­ formally alert all water suppliers in the region of the sit­ ing signs of stress from the dry weather and high water uation, and to seek voluntary cooperation to preserve demands, including stream flows and groundwater lev­ existing supplies in the affected regions, with water els, as well as declining reservoir storage in the New Jer­ demand still high. sey Water Supply Authority’s Spruce Run and Man- The three affected drought regions include all or parts asquan Reservoirs in Hunterdon and Monmouth coun­ of 12 counties, including Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hun­ ties, respectively. terdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, While plentiful rains in Jime replenished reservoirs, Passaic, Somerset and Union. streamflow and groundwater sources, veiy diy, warm Some suggested water conservation tips include: weather in July and August resulted in high water usage • Do not overwater lavms and landscaping. Two times that has continued into September. per week for 30 minutes in morning or late evening typ­ If conditions remain warm and dry and water ically is sufficient. Use a hose with a handheld nozzle to demands do not decrease, DEP will consider further reg­ water flowers and shrubs. ulatory actions, such as the designation of a drought • Avoid watering lawns and plants during the heat of warning. Under a drought warning, the DEP may order the day, which promotes evaporation and water waste. water purveyors to develop alternative sources of water • Use a broom to sweep the sidewalk, rather than or transfer of water between areas of New Jersey with using a hose. relatively more water to those with less. • To save water at home, fix leaky faucets and pipes. For additional state water supply status information, • Turn off the faucet while brushing teeth and shaving. visit: www.njdrought.org/status.html. For more infor­ ■ Run washing machines and dishwashers only when mation on water conservation, visit: www.njdrought. The areas in yellow are currently under a drought ftiU. org/ideas.html. watch, according to the NJDEP. Husitania SAVIMGS BANK Investment Property Special RISTORANTE Bundle two or more loans and Save! 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"" NMLS # 640692 www.amiciristorante.com HSM EQUAL OPPORTUNITY LENDER Union County LocalSource — October i, 2015 — 3 Stuyvesant Two Republicans challenge one H HAIRCUTTING incumbent Dem., one newcomer Republicans aim to unseat Dems, Democrats look to keep seats improve quality o f life in town blue as Nov.