Opinions differ over polling in schools
BY CHRIS MURINO Staff Writer

SAYREVILLE — Citing safety concerns, Board of Education member Phyllis Batko told her colleagues earlier this month that she does not want voting booths to be in the schools for future elections.

Batko said she had received two letters from Sayreville's Democratic and Republican Party chairmen, John Wisniewski and Ron Green, respectively, both stating their opposition to moving the polls from the schools.

"John Wisniewski's reason was because they [would be] moving them too far," Batko said. "After relaying my concern over safety, his response was that they have cops in the schools and it's always been that way."

Wisniewski agreed that he did speak to Batko at a political event, but that he never received nor wrote a letter to her.

"She asked about why I would want to put children at risk," Wisniewski said, noting that he felt that she was exaggerating and aggrandizing the situation.

Batko commended Borough Clerk Theresa Farbaniec for her time and effort, saying that because Farbaniec one polling location would definitely be moved out of the Woodrow Wilson Elementary School next year.

"They will move it on her recommendation," Batko said. "They will not be moved for this presidential election."

Wisniewski said he agreed that this particular school should not be used for polling. There are four polling stations at the school, but they are in a classroom also used by students.

"There is difficult access for handicapped individuals," Wisniewski said. "Classrooms take place in the same room [as the polling stations]. There's no separation. I had no problem agreeing the polling place be moved."

Wisniewski said he believes it is OK for the other schools to continue as polling locations, especially when the polls are segregated from the students.

"There are police officers in each poll," Wisniewski said. "We requested police officers to be in the polling place while children are inside. I don't see the security issue being a real issue."

Wisniewski mentioned that schools are used as polling places in towns throughout the state. Also, location is a big issue. Moving the Wilson school's polls was not a big deal, because there are other locations a block or two away. But, according to Wisniewski, there is nothing near any of the other schools, and voterswould have to drive much farther than what he thinks is acceptable. He also made it clear that he is just a part of this process. He was consulted by Farbaniec on these issues because he is the Democratic chairman for the borough.

At the board meeting, Batko wanted to gauge the opinions of fellow board members, because the party chairmen were under the impression that it was her opinion, and not the opinion of the full board. The entire board agreed with her that the polls should be removed from schools.

"In today's world, anything can happen, and it's a safety issue," said board member Thomas Biesiada.

"You've gotten farther than any board member has ever gotten," Curtis Clark III told Batko regarding the polls issue.