Outgoing Moorestown BOE Member Makes Endorsement

To the editor:

On Tuesday, we will be electing three members to the board of education. I am writing this letter to endorse Kathy Goldenberg, Matt Simeone and Al Panzarella for three-year terms on the board.

Nearly four years ago, Matt, Kathy and I ran together on a promise of maintaining excellence in the Moorestown School District and financial responsibility for the board of education. Along with the rest of the BOE, we have delivered on these promises. Our schools continue to be among the best in the state while the total annual tax increases (general fund and debt service) over the past three years were:

• 2011 — 0 percent tax increase
• 2012 — 0 percent tax increase
• 2013 — 0.4 percent tax increase

Two examples of financial governance by the board include the refinancing of debt and managing health care costs. The BOE refinanced more than $20 million in debt at significantly reduced interest rates, saving the taxpayers of Moorestown more than $1.6 million in interest payments over the next 20 years. We also switched from a state-supported health care plan to a plan administered by Aetna, generating a savings (by cost avoidance) in excess of $1.1 million in the first 18 months alone.

What do Matt, Kathy and Al have in common? They are hard-working, dedicated, long-term residents of Moorestown who want to make sure our children get the best education possible at a reasonable price. They have no special interest or political groups backing them. They are not using the BOE as a stepping stone to another office or for political gain. They are genuinely concerned for our children and want to do the best job possible.

I have enjoyed working with Kathy and Matt over the past (almost) four years and truly believe they have earned another term. I have known Al for eight years through sports and other activities. I believe he will represent the BOE well, and, as a certified public accountant, continue the financial discipline the BOE has shown the past three years.

Our budget is very sensitive to increases in health care, which will force the BOE to make difficult decisions around curriculum and programs. I believe Kathy, Matt and Al will be the best team to guide the district over the next three years. The team you elect will be spending more than $175 million of your money over the next three years. Make sure you trust the people you are electing.

Please support Kathy Goldenberg, Matt Simeone, and Al Panzarella for the BOE on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Kevin O’Sullivan
Outgoing Moorestown BOE member (2010-2013)

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Read up on the other two Moorestown school board candidates, Joseph Ruccolo and Kimberly Kersey.

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