Your Turn
Privatization could be the way to control municipal, school costs
Edward A. Jasionowski
Guest Column

I have been a resident of Sayreville for more than 60 years, and I am concerned about the rise in taxes. This is my town and I am loath to leave it. Being a workaholic, I worked 90 hours each week for 55 years. I enjoyed building a nice home for my wife and six children. About 10 years ago, after 50 years of practicing medicine, I retired. Unfortunately, taxes consume more than half of my Social security benefits.

After retirement, to keep occupied, I joined a taxpayer group of dedicated nonpoliticians studying the tax problem. We were successful in getting the state to review the municipal and school budgets. After six weeks of study, they published their money-saving recommendations. The Borough Council promptly complied; the school board was reluctant.

More than half the taxes are contributed to the school system. I had been informed that the previous retired school superintendent was receiving the second-highest salary in the country. Also, the previous year, the teachers had received the second-largest pay raise in the state.

I decided to run for the school board. My expertise was that I was a qualified educator. I became an active member and was given credit for getting the Emma Arleth referendum passed (after two previous rejections). Contrary to my original thought, it was cheaper than reopening the Selover School. After years of nonoccupation, the state mandated many changes. This, plus the recurring expense of a full staff (principal, etc.) made it nonfeasible. The taxpayers and especially the students benefited.

The state report suggested a yearly savings of $1 million could be achieved by privatizing custodial care. Some of the custodians were receiving larger salaries than the teachers (overtime, etc.). At first, I was against the idea. They were my friends, and my father was even a janitor for 47 years.

Following the dictum of "no sacred cows," I suggested that the present employees should be "grandfathered" and the proposition should be put to the voters at the next election. I envisioned the savings achieved could be used for tax reduction plus starting a new program for slow learners at the lower school. Only one board member was receptive to my suggestion.

Other tax-saving suggestions were dismissed by "It's impossible" because of union contracts. A businesslike approach to various school activities was lacking. Existing activities were not discontinued if new ones were contemplated.

To save money, the school elections should be combined with the general elections. Not only would money be saved, but more voters would have an opportunity to have a say in how their tax dollars are spent. Only a minimal number of people vote in these elections, mainly those with a vested interest.

With our population living longer, money could be saved by increasing the retirement age. Perks should be decreased or eliminated entirely. I realize I am a product of the American dream - work hard and you will succeed. My immigrant parents raised nine children. I paid for my college education by working 40 hours per week at the same time.

To be a board member requires considerable time. The evening meetings usually lasted for at least four hours. As one ages, time becomes more precious and should not be wasted. In frustration, I resigned and wished the other members well.

Edward A. Jasionowski, M.D., is a resident of Sayreville