Voters defeat budget, busing question again
Two incumbents win re-election; newcomer joins board
BY MICHAEL ACKER
Staff Writer

Maria Stratton

SAYREVILLE - Residents rejected the proposed school budget Tuesday and for the second straight year turned down a separate question that would have funded courtesy busing.

The school budget, which called for a $122 tax hike on the average borough home, went down with 1,941 votes against and 1,737 in support. The busing question failed by a vote of 1,948-1,746.

Also in Tuesday's election, voters re-elected incumbents Curtis L. Clark III and Thomas W. Biesiada, with 1,844 and 1,769 votes respectively. Newcomer Maria Stratton also won a seat, garnering 1,762 votes.

Candidate Ronald Batko, who campaigned with Stratton, was unsuccessful, with 1,678 votes, while returning candidate Donna Anonsen garnered 1,681 votes.

Biesiada said that while voter turnout, at about 17 percent of registered voters, was about average this year, he was grateful for the support the board received from residents.

"I am very thankful to the people who voted for me," Biesiada said.

The budget will go to the Borough Council again this year for possible cuts.

Curtis L. Clark III

"The people in town, through their voting, have spoken," Biesiada said. "The only thing that I can say [is that] the courtesy busing issue will never be brought up again. The voters decided twice they don't want it."

Clark agreed that this will be the last time the district asks residents to fund courtesy busing for children in grades six through 12 as a separate question. He added that a subscription busing program will be made available to parents by the next board meeting.

"It's done," Clark said of courtesy busing. "That issue is put to bed. I feel sorry for the kids that have to walk, [but] the parents will have options."

Clark offered thanks to those who helped him with his campaign, especially his wife and children.

"I want to thank everybody who just came out to vote," Clark said. "I want to thank the candidates, who are all friends of mine. Whatever happened [with the candidates], I knew that the children would be in good shape."

Thomas W. Biesiada

Clark expressed disappointment with the budget vote.

"It was a very tight budget," Clark said. "There was only one major capital outlay project."

Regarding cuts that the council may seek, Clark said that a new reading series for students in kindergarten through third grade must stay in the budget, since it is a curriculum-related item.

"The reading program, that has to stay," Clark said, "so I am looking forward to working with the council."

Stratton said the board will move past the budget defeat. She added that she appreciates the support of the voters, friends and family.

"I am very excited to get on the board," Stratton said, "and [to have the opportunity] to serve in that capacity. It feels like it was a really close race. I would have liked for the budget to pass. It is unfortunate that it didn't.

According to the borough clerk's office, 3,745 votes were cast in the election on Tuesday. There are 21,674 registered voters in the borough.