The health, safety, education, and welfare of our children are paramount and are the most important of all our concerns. The Toms River Regional School referendum was defeated. As a NO voter I have many regrets. The majority, and I myself, know of the need for monies for the regional school district for the benefit of our children, but for only this need.

It is my hope Mr. Rittacco and our school district does not lose the needed funding which could be “granted” by the state to subsidize the need.

We asked that Mr. Rittacco reprioritize the needs and that he supplies valuable pertinent information in a discernable and complete format available to “all” the taxpayers of our region. We ask that a possible new referendum cut waste and unnecessary expenditures at a time when we must all live within our financial means. Times are difficult for all. Possibly Mr. Rittacco would present this to the voters in an open public forum? Will you Mr. Rittacco? Out of this, and with public input and compromise, should produce positive results. Speaking for many concerned citizens and citizens groups, we would be honored with the opportunity

At a time of property tax concerns and of reform, and of all taxation when quality of life is on a downward spiral for most of New Jersey citizens, this would be appropriate.

The citizens need to understand this information which should be presented in a non bias impartial and truthful manner.

Most objections to the referendum, the defeat of this referendum, came from the inadequacy and possible misrepresentation of information not presented to all the taxpayers which some believe may have been a violation of their rights.

Again, as far as I know not a one of “the group of NO voters” is against the need for school funding. Our most important concern should be that for the benefit of our children’s future. We ask Mr. Rittacco and the Toms River Regional School Board to sharpen your pencils.
Is this the time for Pay To Play reform in our school system? Do the taxpayers deserve an independent financial audit of accountability of school spending? Would these requests by the taxpayers of our region be appropriate at a time of the SCI and DOE investigations of accountability of the same?
I know the Toms River council, the mayor and recently Mr. Rittacco, know of the importance of the safety and education of my children and that of all our children as they are only what matters! Please accept my opinion with its truthful and positive intentions. My criticisms are only intended to be constructive for all who should benefit.

As always, my opinion. Dennis Galante, Toms River N.J.