Posted by the Ocean County Observer on 02/28/07

TOMS RIVER — They are concerned, to say the least.

The Toms River Citizens Alert Committee, formerly known as the Toms River Regional Schools Citizen's Task Force, was incorporated in the early 1990s and, according to director Angelo Di Giovanni, will not give up on making sure elected officials remain on the up-and-up.

"We had a tremendous force following us," said Di Giovanni, noting membership was up to 150 in the past. "Some moved, passed away or just gave up hope."

Di Giovanni said the committee is comprised of about 70 members now.

The group is a nonprofit and nonpolitical advocacy organization involved in all aspects of Toms River's government, including municipal, fire, school and police policies, according to its mission statement.

About 20 people showed up at the group's trustees and officers monthly meeting Thursday.

They said a recent bill introduced by Sen. Andrew Ciesla, R-Ocean, to have all Board of Education meetings in New Jersey recorded, as well as the rejection of the Toms River Regional Schools' $13.4 million referendum in December, can rightfully be attributed to their questions about the school district's policies and procedures.

"They (school board officials) think there are only eight of us, but 4,535 people voted the referendum down," said Dennis Galante, a trustee of the committee.

"I am sure our efforts will bring more accountability," he added.

Member Bob Silva said the "main crux" of the committee is to have elected officials remain accountable.

"My pet peeve is the lack of accountability in the township," Silva said. "We have to constantly ask what and why something is transpiring on a constant basis."

Member Carol Aller said many of the committee's concerns over community issues have gone unanswered.

"The township and the BOE will usually not answer our questions," she said. "It seems like they are afraid to answer questions unless they go to someone else."

While Aller questions the "political process" involved with the committee's unanswered questions, Galante claims, "if you are not one of the boys, it seems like you are the enemy."

Member Joseph Lypowy showed up at a Toms River Regional Board of Education meeting Feb. 20 with a video camera to tape the conduct of board members because of a prior meeting when officials called members of the committee "malcontents and idiots."

"People need to know it is going on," Silva said. "Do not spend my tax dollars unless I know what you are doing."