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Partnership With Board of Education A Benefit to Every Resident of Clark  Welcome to this first edition of Clark Township Today. This publication is designed to give Clark residents information and news of what’s going on in our community. The municipal government and board of education are partnering to increase communication with the residents and families that call Clark their home. We hope that in these pages you will find many things that you feel that your town is a great place to live, work and raise your family. When we turn on a television or pick up a newspaper today, we are presented with news of troubling times. The global economy is in turmoil. The recession we are experiencing hits all of us, both at the governmental and individual levels. It requires smart decisions that meet both the needs of today and our goals for tomorrow. In Clark, we have worked hard to control costs and get the maximum value for every tax dollars we collect and spend. I’m proud of our township employees, who always give a solid days work for their days pay. Clark’s department directors are mindful of the fact that residents want and deserve high-quality services provided by their government and deliver those services in a cost-effective manner. Our police department is diligent in keeping our streets safe. Our volunteer fire department and rescue squad deliver the best responses and services found anywhere. We are fortunate to have what I believe is the finest public safety force in New Jersey. They make us safe and they protect and serve us 365 days a year. I’m proud that our municipal workers keep our streets clean and the roads paved. It is gratifying to drive through Clark and see well-groomed tree lines and manicured open spaces. The sharing of services is a primary way that local governments can cut costs and increase its productivity. I look across the street from my office in the municipal building and see a wonderful way that entities working together can deliver a great result for the community. In many municipalities, local government and boards of education do not communicate effectively. In fact, many experience adversarial relationships. Here in Clark, there is an open line of communication between government and education. A few years ago, it became obvious that the athletic field behind the high school could not meet the needs of the Clark community. High usage by football, soccer, field hockey and lacrosse from the high school level to our recreation organizations left the field damaged and a safety risk to our young athletes. The installation of a state-of-the-art turf field was the answer, but finding a way to finance such a project was challenging, if not wonderful facility that sits behind the high school today. It is utilized by our high school sports programs and many of our recreation organizations. The new track that surrounds the playing field not only is home to our championship track teams, it serves as a place for our residents to enjoy exercise walks year round. Our schools and the township partner to give Clark residents both quality and opportunity. In our municipal building, we have renovated and improved both gymnasiums, which are used by our recreation department programs and our school teams. Conversely, the board of education opens its facilities to our recreation programs sometimes seven days a week, depending on the sports season. This partnership gives Clark families the chance to enjoy recreational opportunities at a capacity rarely seen in municipalities. Since I became mayor more than eight years ago, I have placed the needs of residents and families first and foremost. Fiscal responsibility is the primary function of government here in Clark. We know how hard our residents work and understand that they deserve maximum return on the tax dollars they pay. Our residents make a strong investment in our community and we must ensure them that decision is rewarded. On April 21, the school board budget goes to you, the residents of Clark, for approval. This budget has been developed by the board of education members that you elected and who are responsible for delivering strength of our schools. I am proud that in 2008, Clark Township was named as the 33rd best place to live in New Jersey by New Jersey Monthly Magazine, and among medium-sized communities, was selected as the tenth-best location in the state. Our children deserve the best we can provide for them. By providing them with a top-notch education, we not only build our leaders of the future, we protect the values of our homes in Clark. People want to live in Clark because our schools are great, our programs are first-rate and local government puts families and residents first. For these reasons, it’s important that our voters get out to the polls on April 21 and support our children and educators. Spring is a wonderful time of year in Clark. Our youth baseball and softball leagues have begun play. Our soccer organization has started up again and the recreation center is abuzz with everything from men’s basketball to aerobics. Our recreation director, Ralph Bernardo, has dozens of programs available for everyone, from seniors to children. Please stop by the recreation office during the week and see if there is something that interests you. We have set up a website for Clark Township Today so that you can send in your photos, stories and ideas for the newspaper. You can visit www.clarktownshiptoday.net and become a participant in this project. Thanks for reading and enjoy a beautiful Spring in Clark Township. |
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