Dear Editor:
I read with interest my Second Ward Council opponent Joseph Kane’s letter to the editor in the September 9, 2001 issue of the Secaucus Reporter.
Obviously, Mr. Kane allowed someone else to write this for him or he has a complete lack of knowledge about the school property in question. I know Mr. Kane has not lived in town very long but he should check his facts before making wild accusations.
I am not opposed to the sale of this property for which we no longer have any use. However, the property was originally deeded to the Board of Education (BOE), and they had the right to reclaim title to it. Therefore, I think they should be involved in negotiations regarding the sale and the use of any funds gained through the sale. I made a motion to that effect at the August 28 Council meeting but could not get a second so was precluded by the Democratic majority from having open discussions on the issue.
For Mr. Kane’s information, 20 years ago I did participate, along with a number of other board members, in the negotiation which resulted in acquiring the property from Hartz Mountain at absolutely no cost to the town or Board of Education. When it became evident that the proposed Hartz Towers would not be completed and there would not be a need for a school in that area, the Board of Education gave the town the land with the understanding that if it was required for additional purposes in the future, it would be returned to the board. Mr. Kane suggests that I should have done a better job negotiating when I was on the BOE. That no cost property can now generate almost $2 million. That is a pretty good negotiation Mr. Kane.
I would also point out that contrary to Mr. Kane’s claim that an easement allows New Jersey Transit to take the land for nothing, the deed which transferred the property from the BOE to the town contains no such easement.
Mr. Kane’s runningmate Dennis Elwell consistently refused to acknowledge the Board of Education right to the land until the August 28 Council meeting. He finally admitted that the BOE had right to be involved in determining the sale and ultimate use of the funds generated. His position has changed, mine has not.
I again restate my position. Let us work with the BOE to use the proceeds from the sale in the best interests of our children. Mr. Kane does not seem to think $1.8 or $1.9 million is much. It sure seems substantial to me and would be very beneficial to BOE and town budgets if used wisely.
Perhaps due to his relatively recent residency in Secaucus, Mr. Kane is not aware of my concern for children. I have spent the last 40 years coaching girls and boys sports in Secaucus. I was elected four times to the Board of Education and served 12 years. I have been Chairman of the St. Matthew’s nursery school for 28 years. I think that experience has given me some insight into directions that might benefit children.
I intend to continue fighting for what is best for our children and our town. The Democratic majority and those in county government who want to gain entry into our government may not agree with me but I would hope Mr. Kane has the same goals as I have.
John Bueckner
Councilman, 2nd Ward