Dear Editor:
Recently, the twelve mayors of Hudson County signed and forwarded a letter to the Hudson County Board of Education supporting the elimination of athletics at the Hudson County School of Technology. Considering the economics times the State is facing, this would seem like a reasonable request. However, prior to eliminating athletics from public schools, other steps should first be taken.
I suggest we first start with Mayor Sacco of North Bergen. Currently, Mayor Sacco holds three state positions, Mayor of North Bergen, State Senator, and a position with the board of education. Mayor Sacco earns three salaries from New Jersey taxpayers. This does not include medical benefits, pension payments, and other perks associated with his positions. Then there is Mayor Stack of Union City. Who along with his entire board of commissioners are double dippers. Mayor Stack serves as Mayor and State Senator, Tilo Rivas serves as a city commissioner and County Freeholder, the other three city commissioners all have second jobs in local government, two at the board of education and one at the government funded North Hudson Community Action Center.
Mayor Stack and Sacco are quick to eliminate funding for sports programs, but have no problem holding multiple government jobs and allowing others under them to hold multiple government jobs. Why is it that politicians are always asking taxpayers and children to sacrifice, but they are never willing to share the burden? If Mayor Stack and Mayor Sacco each held one job and required those under them to only hold one government position we could immediately save half the money being eliminated from county sports programs. Mayor Stack and Mayor Sacco, rather than take from our children, I suggest each of you first set the example and give back one of the multiple paid positions you each hold.
Frustrated New Jersey Taxpayer