The Hammonton Gazette 10/29/14 edition | Page 6

Page 6 • Wednesday, October 29, 2014 • The Hammonton Gazette The Hammonton Gazette “The Paper of Record” Gabriel J. donio, Publisher Gina Rullo, Editor-in-Chief dan Russoman, Sports Editor Benny Mendez, Staff Artist MarySusan Hoffman, Paul J. Macrie iV, Michael Hozik, donna Brown, Joseph Bruno, Lauren Bucci, Lauren Crescenzo, Zack Brown, Staff The Hammonton Gazette is located at 233 Bellevue ave. To reach a staff member, call 704-1940 or fax at 704-1938. The mailing address is P.o. Box 1228, Hammonton, NJ 08037. EdiToRiaLS The Hammonton Gazette is published Wednesdays, by The Hammonton Gazette, Inc. Copyright © 2014. All rights reserved. ISSN 1093-6181 The number one issue This past week, we asked the seven council candidates what they considered the number one issue facing Hammonton in the next few years. Their answers are on pages 16 and 17. The Gazette believes financial matters will be the number one issue facing Hammonton in the years to come. Our local elected officials will be facing a “perfect storm” of negative economic conditions. The changing income in Atlantic County, with its staggering tax ratable base and employment losses in Atlantic City, the upcoming revaluation the town will be realizing in 2015, the changing blueberry industry and the everpresent possibility of a national and global economic downturn are all real threats to Hammonton’s fiscal stability. Town council must adapt and balance the needs of the town — road projects, municipal employment, the budget — against the harsh new economic reality facing all of Atlantic County, including Hammonton. What that means is the town must adopt a new motto: It’s not what you make, it’s what you spend. Let’s call it the New Frugality. Taxpayer money must only be spent on projects the community and its leaders agree are necessary. All other projects should be frozen. If spending is reduced to only what is absolutely needed, and what the town makes through tax revenue is fostered and grown through economic development, we can weather even a “perfect” financial storm. It will take hard work and discipline, but given the horrible alternative, we know that by working together, the community will continue to push the town toward economic success. Rodio: Hall of Famer Anthony “Tiger” Rodio never forgot his roots in Hammonton, one of the top Italian enclaves in the country. Even as he ascended to the heights of the casino industry, he remained deeply connected to a town known for its high concentration of Italian Americans. Today, Rodio is the president of Tropicana Entertainment Inc., a company that includes the Tropicana Casino and Resort in Atlantic City. On October 25, the Tropicana in Atlantic City was the site of the induction ceremony for the Italian-American National Hall of Fame. Rodio joined notable previous inductees, including Rocky Marciano, Joe DiMaggio, Tom Lasorda, Mario Andretti and United States Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito. As the first Hammontonian to join the Italian-American National Hall of Fame, which is based in Trenton, N.J., Rodio brought honor to Hammonton as he was being honored. He represented the thousands of people of Italian descent who have called Hammonton home during the town’s 150 years of existence. Rodio’s story is one that is worthy of being praised. It began with his background as a member of an Italian-American family, followed by an education at St. Joseph School in Hammonton from kindergarten to 12th grade, where he played basketball and baseball. He graduated from Rider University with a degree in accounting, and started in the casino industry making $4.50 an hour as an income control clerk at Harrah’s, where he opened the property. As the years passed, Rodio rose through the ranks, eventually running properties like the Atlantic City Hilton and Resorts Casino. Today, he not only serves as the president of Tropicana Entertainment Inc., but also as a director of the company. In addition, Rodio finds time to give back to the community, and always spends time with his family and longtime friends in the predominantly Italian-American town he calls home. He continues to live by the words of his favorite quote: “Having someone to love is family, having somewhere to go is home, having both is a blessing.” Congratulations to Anthony “Tiger” Rodio on his induction into the Italian-American Hall of Fame on October 25. It is an honor for him and his family, all Hammontonians of Italian-American descent, and all Hammontonians. To the Editor: LETTERS To THE EdiToR Hammonton’s finances and economy has been the topic of much conversation recently. It is important to note that our town maintains one of the highest bond ratings in the county. And just recently, a national financial website featured on The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and CNN Money, conducted an analysis of the fastest growing cities and communities in America and concluded that Hammonton has the fourth best economy in the entire state of New Jersey and is number one in Atlantic County. In their ranking, the report specifically highlighted the fact that “only Hammonton showed strong employment growth, with an increase of 7.2 percent.” In fact, a review of other recent surveys throughout To the Editor: I have been a lifelong resident of this town and will turn 40 November 1 this year. It seems like yesterday when Steven Furgione and I were in high school here in town and our biggest concerns were the golf team or going fishing. Things change, time moves on, responsibilities are added and leaders are needed. I have been involved in politics for forever and a day as most Hammonton families are. My grandfather Turk Curcio always made sure I was involved in Curcio family politics from an early age, my mother only asked that I was home at a decent hour. I thank the people in my life for providing me To the Editor: I am sure you are aware that our present town council of seven members includes six individuals with the same political views. Why do we allow groups to define our local government? I believe our taxpayers appreciate a variety of ideas that encourage discussion and debate. In 2012-2013 while I was on town council, our local government was more balanced allowing for serious discussions on a variety of issues important to the town’s residents. These discussions were prompted by individuals who were passionate about the town and took their oath of office seriously by putting politics aside and speaking for the taxpayers. Consider this: what would happen if I ran under Hammonton First? Would non-believers suddenly the nation shows that Hammonton’s employment growth is one of the highest in the country. The report stated that New Jersey’s economic strength “comes from the diversity of its industries and businesses.” Given the fact that Hammonton has industries and business which encompass numerous sectors, such as financial, healthcare, agricultural, and commercial, our town is the best model of economic diversity in New Jersey and especially in Atlantic County. Councilman Tom Gribbin Hammonton First EDITOR’S NOTE: According to NerdWallet, the data used to make this report is from 2012 and earlier. with the background to not only become a good contributing person in our community but also to be an effective leader. I want to represent Hammonton to protect the future of my family and our town. I chose to stay in Hammonton to raise my family and now I need you to choose us. This November I need your vote and I also need support on council by electing the entire team of Torrissi, Furgione and Mazza to fight for fiscally responsible government, strong local law enforcement and continued improvement in our schools. Michael E. Torrissi Jr. Republican Candidate for Town Council become supporters? Would I love our town more? Would I stop believing in the importance of a balanced local government? Truth be told, Hammonton has always been ahead of the curve. It is a wonderful town defined by traditions but it is crucial that the lack of a balanced local government be addressed. This Election Day, I urge residents to vote for those individuals who are both passionate and dedicated and who are willing to fight for what is best for the town. Vote for Steven Furgione, Sal Mazza, and Michael Torrissi and bring balance to our town council. Thank you. Steven Furgione Republican Candidate for Town Council The Hammonton Gazette welcomes letters to the editor that are no more than 800 words long. All letters must include the name of the author and an address and telephone number for verification. Letters should be mailed to The Hammonton Gazette, Editorial Page, P.O. Box 1228, Hammonton, NJ 08037. Letters also will be accepted via fax. The fax number is 704-1938.  Or by email to [email protected]. Deadline for all submissions is 2 p.m. Monday. The Hammonton Gazette reserves the right to edit any submissions. The opinions expressed in letters, perspectives or in guest columns do not necessarily reflect those of The Hammonton Gazette.  The Gazette is not responsible for factual errors in letters, perspectives or in guest columns. The Gazette retains the right to refuse any submission or advertisement.