Letters
Resident supports Broderick for election to Jackson town council

I hate politics. The mudslinging that usually occurs around election time is enough to make me sick. Reading about the typical candidates and what they are going to do to make my life better can be a turnoff to the entire process. Voting for a candidate is a difficult decision - no question about it.

Once the curtain closes behind you, there is no one else standing nearby to watch which button you push. It seems as though all the rhetoric disappears in the blink of an eye. One just hopes the candidate that comes out on top keeps the promises made during the campaign.

My oldest daughter joined the Jackson Memorial High School marching band a couple of years ago.

She was so excited about it that her involvement became contagious.

So, being the involved parent that I try to be, I joined along with some other band parents to work on the props for the halftime show.

The "equipment crew" became a weekly social gathering, with the joking and ribbing as if we were classmates ourselves.

One of the crew I met was Mike Broderick. I had seen the various articles and read about him being the mayor of Jackson. (Wow, the mayor was showing up to help with the band).

But what struck me most about Mike Broderick was his down-to-earth sense of humor and genuine concern for all of the kids in the band.

All the parents involved worked hard to see the students perform well, and Mike was no exception.

Over the season of football games and far-off competitions, Mike Broderick made sure he was there to support his daughter, along with the rest of the band.

I suppose I am writing this for anyone who does not have a political agenda - I certainly do not - but I do have a great deal of respect for Mike Broderick as a father, involved parent and community leader. I have seen Mike at his best, as well as during some trying times.

Mike Broderick was consistent in his caring attitude and forthright manner.

I believe Mike Broderick is a person that can I trust making decisions that will affect me and my family. Like I said, I hate politics, but I will be pushing that button for Mike Broderick when I'm in the voting booth next month.

Joe Gouker

Jackson

Jackson's children deserve support on Election Day

Mark your calendars for April 18. You have the opportunity to make a difference in your children's education.

Last year when the Jackson school budget was defeated, assistant coaches and late buses, among other things, were cut from the budget. I believe if our high school and middle school students were polled, the majority of them would vote to keep assistant coaches and late buses in their schools. Unfortunately, our students are not at liberty to vote in school board elections. Therefore, parents must be their children's voices; their children's advocates.

Remember that the late buses do not apply to athletes solely. The late buses accommodate all students who participate in the many extracurricular activities offered throughout our school district, including several volunteer, theater, music, writing and language clubs.

In addition, when you are voting for your school budget, please take the time to educate yourselves before you vote for the three school board seats available. The three incumbents running for seats in this election understand that academics come first, no matter what. How-ever, they also know the value of educating both the minds and bodies of students. They realize the significance of extracurricular activities without ever losing sight of the importance of academics first.

Ask yourselves why you moved to Jackson. For many of you, the excellent school system is perhaps one of the top reasons (it certainly was for me). Why would you risk the chance of losing even one educational aspect for your children? You have the power to uphold the educational excellence in your community simply by exercising your privilege to vote. Do not miss that opportunity. On April 18, take yourselves to the polls and let your children know you are behind them by voting yes on the school budget.

Donna Tuminaro

Jackson

Political alliances still exist in nonpartisan elections

At the March 27 Jackson Township Committee meeting the audience was treated to what can only described as a magic show. Mayor Sean Giblin, without the use of smoke or mirrors, simultaneously distanced himself from and embraced his coalition-endorsed "running mates."

I use the term "running mates" loosely because Mr. Giblin vehemently denies this terminology in an effort to distance himself from the group. In his mind's eye they are merely concerned citizens who all requested that the election board bracket them together on the ballot, and therefore embrace each other as a "ticket."

Before our township had nonpartisan May elections thrust upon us by Mike Kafton, this sort of "bracketing" would be consistent with a "ticket" put forth by a "political party." Are we to believe, simply because there are no official labels denoting "Democrat" or "Republican" that this sort of political factioning does not exist?

If Mr. Giblin is to be true to his adamant denial of any political alliance, it must be safe to agree with the notion that Mr. Giblin and his political cronies will not participate in any grouped effort for advertising or politicking (aside from the requested grouping on the ballot), and run completely separate campaigns; not just separate newspaper ads paid for by the same core group of politically motivated donors.

The word-play that Mr. Giblin and his "team" (as it was described by running mate Dan Gross) are enjoined in is just the beginning of what promises to be a lengthy illusion meant to deceive Jackson's voters. Only time will tell if they are able to keep up this charade, or if their secrets will be revealed when the familiar election lawn signs are introduced urging us to vote for the coalition "ticket" touting all six names that are merely "bracketed" together for our first May election.

Todd Porter

Jackson

Support for budget will allow schools to serve children

Every parent wants only the best for their child. We as parents want a secure and loving family, good friends and happiness for our children. We as adults will do anything within our realm to attain this for them.

We also want all the great opportunities that an exemplary education affords our children. That means, like everything else that affects our children, we need to be proactive. We as parents need to vote, not only for our excellent school system but also for our children's academic future.

Our district provides an outstanding education. The Howell school district affords our children 100 percent courtesy busing, a nurse at each building, extracurricular activities such as clubs and sports programs, and the opportunity to excel both academically and socially in small class sizes. Our district has been recognized for its innovative programs for special needs students and for its standardized testing scores, which are significantly higher than the state and national averages. Howell has also been identified by the Center for Digital Education as one of the nation's top 10 digitally advanced school districts.

When the doors to your child's school open, their future and dreams are limitless. Do not let the doors to your child's education close. Please exercise your right to vote. Together, we can make a difference in our children's lives. Only you as a concerned voter and parent can determine your child's future and all its possibilities.

Maria Smit

Howell