Editorial: Avenel-Colonia First Aid Squad must stand down from its turf war
WOODBRIDGE, NJ -- The Avenel-Colonia First Aid Squad "needs to stand down from its turf war and instead work with the township to assure the best possible public service," according to the editorial today in the Home News Tribune.
"The township has a responsibility to provide efficient and prompt first-aid response to the public. But that doesn't mean it must automatically retain the Avenel-Colonia squad as part of its system to accomplish that," the editorial says.
The editorial also describes the latest accusations against Mayor John E. McCormac as an example of the squad "simply trying anything it can to raise issues about McCormac's integrity to win more public sympathy -- and legal support."
What do you think? We want to know.
Read previous news articles and letters from readers about the Avenel-Colonia First Aid Squad controversy and comment below.
tomm are discussing.
Tom Maras 7:06 am on September 21, 2010 Permalink
After reading the Editorial section of the Sept. 20, 2010, Home News Tribune (HNT), I must, once again, call into question the papers neutrality on the McCormac vs. ACFAS issue.
Before getting to the subject of this writing, let me state I was recently elected to the position of Middlesex County, Republican Committeeman, Ward 2-9. If that makes me an “elected official” or a “political operative”, as per the McCormac Administration, so be it. That fact notwithstanding, I hold firmly to my ‘rights’ to question the McCormac Administration, or any other administration for that matter, when it comes to matters of public policy and safety. Certainly, my prior efforts in getting the McCormac Administration to address and correct situations at the Woodbridge Dog Park, Animal Shelter, amongst other issues, pre-date my current political position.
As to the latest HNT Editorial on the ACFAS, any reasonable person has to question the Editor’s position on the issue. I, for one, find nothing impartial in the editorial. In fact, it totally leans to excusing McCormac for his “disclosure snafu” about his employment with a private “firm”, while in office.
If the HNT reported the details of McCormac’s employment with that firm, the facts would show he was ( the site has since been modified to remove McCormac’s name/position)listed as a Managing Director of a firm that promotes financial services (like bonds) to state and local governments and agencies, like the Raritan Valley Sewerage Authority. As a former NJ State Treasurer, a CPA and the Mayor of Woodbridge, that “disclosure snafu” goes well beyond an Oops! Then too, how sterling is McCormac’s reputation in the town he is suppose to serve?
Perhaps, in the Editor’s efforts to clarify the “imbroglio” of the issue, it was decided to hold Mayor McCormac ‘s virtues like those of Caesar’s wife, beyond reproach! To bad the ACFAS members are not afforded the same distinction.
Aside from sighting its judgmental opinions, the HNT has not shown any facts to support its position as to why the ACFAS should be the one to capitulate . The Courts have yet to try the case, no member of the squad has been arrested, let alone convicted of a crime, as relate to the allegation in this matter, and the Woodbridge Town Council has not concluded its deliberation. And where is the HNT’s documentation to support the “stacking calls” ascertain?
Is this good, fair and unbiased journalism? I think not.
Perhaps, the most significant aspect of this matter is just this simple: There is not one iota of evidence to show a life was endangered or lost by any of the alleged allegations against the ACFAS members! Sadly, since John McCormac’s “executive order” to shutdown the squad, that may well no longer be said.
The HNT should maintain its journalistic integrity, the ACFAS should stand- fast, and John McCormac, for the good of this community, should, as I previously stated, stand-down!
Ken Gardner 10:23 am on September 21, 2010 Permalink
Leadership is needed to solve the debate surrounding the Avenel-Colonia First Aid Squad. Not expensive consultants nor the Mayor’s political character assignation, retribution or hiding behind his spokesman.
For nearly two years Mayor McCormac & his administration have held up the final report of a $50,000 consultant reviewing the consolidation of Fire Districts 1 & 2. The draft report was issued in 2008. The Mayor should learn from this mistake instead of repeating it with the First Aid Squads.
In recent years, First Aid Squads from Woodbridge, Iselin & Hopelawn have successfully consolidated forces under their own will. If the joint Squad’s leadership already consolidated in other parts of town why would we need to pay a consultant to tell us how they did it?
Mayor McCormac should take into consideration the suggestions of notable volunteers from both sides who have offered their free yet valuable advice. He should also seek the free advice of the Squads who have already joined together. Then, do the job he was elected to do. Make the decision. Not waste our money on another expensive consultant.