The unfortunate reality here is that the County Democrat Machine is trying to use the entire county to fund the police department for Camden City. That IS what this is all about. There will not be any savings let alone SUBSTANTIAL savings if this plan is allowed to come to fruition. The fact that Camden City is alone in this program shows that the Freeholders (all Democrat) and the state legislators in Camden County (all democrat) will simply force the issue with towns that are for the most part all democrat controlled. The 2 biggest towns, Cherry Hill and Gloucester Township are both under democrat rule and will be hardest hit if this expensive and destuctive plan is allowed to happen. The GT council proved that they are NOT interested in closing any doors to their democrat masters in the Camden County Machine by refusing to "put it on pape" and go on the record for all to see. Shame on you all, our police deserve more than lip service, they deserve your full support that you will not allow 50% of them to be layed off and become a countywide unit.

I'm not real familiar with this scheme but what I have read about it makes it appear to be a disaster to me. While we're consolidating the police forces why don't we just go ahead and make a county wide fire department as well.

GT council was wishing that this would lay dormant until after the election. OUR Police officers feel this coming on.
"Non binding" resolutions??? Mercado said? Is that the case on all resolutions?
IT'S TOO LATE NOW. Council failed to show clear and resounding support for the GT Police.

Listen this is not even a ISSUE we have two County police departments already plus STATE ,Feds and the Guard. There is NO need to add a Third ...........Please this is just smoke and mirrors ONCE AGAIN . PLEASE !!!!! People wake up and understand the Real ISSUES it's time we start taking care of ALL ........Just care I do

Can someone please help me to understand what exactly "putting it on paper" will do to protect our police department?

I would probably agree with Darren in that any statement on paper at this point would be non-binding. That said, however, I would agree with Ray Polidoro's attempt to get Council to commit themselves in writing. Not only would that clarify their position to GT's police department and citizens but it would also put the County Democratic Bosses on notice as to Council's position and intentions. As it stands now we have nothing.

So let's say they put it in writing. Will that really deter the county from coming calling for us to join the county wide force if that is their intent as it's being stated? And if the county still comes at us, despite our council's declaration of it's position against joining with them, what will having it in writing do to protect our police force?

I mean sure, if they put it in writing and the go back on their word later, it looks bad for them. But the paper offers no real protection.
Maybe that is why those opposed to the council want it in writing- not to protect our force, but because they believe our democratic controlled council will do the bidding of whatever the "democratic machine" tells them too. If that's the case and they come pushing for us to join the county wide police force, won't they look like traitors in the eyes of all those opposed,if they do join up with them.
Wow- Now I am starting to sound like a conspiracy theorist. Too much Patch reading for me....

Michelle, I think you and I are saying the same thing. Our differences are over your feeling that signing the paper is a meaningless gesture whereas I, although I understand it is meaningless, would still like to get it on paper to hold up before them when they do differently. I always find it more difficult to compromise when I am accountable in writing.

In the words of the inimitable George Gershwin in his famous 1933 song "I Got Rhythm" (please, everybody hum along together) - "Who could ask for anything more?"

http://youtu.be/vIpNepgmCQA

Just care I do .........

@NA understand this the Governor of the state runs the STATE . You my Drama queen Friend and your Crew run the Townwship. The Camden county Democrats have fail us all they been running EVER TOWN in CAMDEN county into the GROUND . Please, Stop making this an issue and I "SIR" will have no problem going to Governor Christie and telling him to his FACE he is wrong on this one and by the way can you please tell your Director of Community Development and Planning to give one report to the Taxpayers that would be helpful since we pay HIM ..........Just care I do ...... you want change Vote column 5 on November 8 You will be Glad you did

So you Darren "just vote I don't" Gladden, I understand why you continue to say that’s a non issue but it seems there has been many articles here on Patch and numerous responses including yours that show it is an obvious issue. Before you keep asking people to vote for you maybe should start voting yourself voting 2x in 10 years containing over 40 elections is not the change anyone is looking for. If you can’t take ten minutes to go to your polling place 4x a year then what makes anyone believe you can take the 3 hours a week plus all the personal location visits that total about another 5 hours a week on average to actually attend a council meeting and prepare for that meeting. We all had to deal with a council person for the last year who had a state job and took a pay check from the tax payers until reprimanded by the same Governor who appointed them to a state low show job at a very lucrative salary who claims they don’t have time to do their council job and hardly ever shows up. That’s what we don’t need on council and your voting record and affiliations with that person show you may be no better then what we get rid of in November. Now play your little snippy youtube video but none of that will change this issue or the fact that you failed to vote on over 40 public elections over the last 10 years.

I vote regularly in every election. I have always said that if you don't vote, don't complain about the state of things. However, given the political climate in this country, this state, and this town, I can understand why someone might not wish to vote in certain elections.
Sometimes choosing the lesser of two evils, is still choosing evil, and frankly, that scares people.

Michelle,
I understand your point but I would still rather have the lesser of the two evils vs the possibility of having the total evil.

What I can't understand is all the energy being wasted by this Republican Party attempting to paint democrats in a corner START TELLING ME WHAT THE REPUBLICANS WILL DO instead of what the democrats COULD do.

Start telling me what the REPUBLICANS will do instead of what the democrats and republicans failed to do.

As of today I have no clue what any Republican candidate stands for because all they go on record as saying are things that they oppose and not what they will do.

Republicans and Democrats against county control, I GET IT!

now what are the Republicans for? They have not told us so I ask; Do they even know?

As flattering as it is for people to think Tom and I are behind Ray's statements at the last Council meeting neither of us had any clue what Ray was going to say until he spoke. And as flattering as it is that you think we are both a secret wing of the GT GOP and simultaneously the ones running Darrens campaign, we are not. Our only affiliation with both are personal friendships and a similar political philisophy / registration.

Reading some of the various theories on here and PennJersey by people pretending to be one of us is quite entertaining. Really, it is. But at some point the speculation needs to stop and you need to know reality. I make this sincere offer with complete candor: if you want to know about us, our purpose, what drives us, and what exactly we have done and want to accomplish, Tom and/or I will gladly meet you or one of the people you represent any time for coffee and danish or wings and drinks. He and I have nothing to hide. I made this offer to Council members in open session and I make it here to you and anyone else reading this.

There comes a day when men need to sit down and work differences out for the benefit of our town. Tom and I have been ready for some time. When you are let us know.

NA we do see eye to eye on the REPUBLICAN SIR , but remember I'm the Independent . Now since you would like to question my voting record or the lack there of . I will not vote for evil or I will not sell myself out like some on council today. After returning home from Afghanistan and being diagnosed with Cancer, I gained a better perspective which has given me more overall knowledge and understanding of life, so that gave me the initiative and motivation to run. JCID...... Now since you like/LOVE to debate here on PATCH, why not take me up on my numerous offers to debte at a neutral place of your choosing? ONCE AGAIN....Just care I do

I am inclined to agree that at this point in time, I can't tell you what those on the Republican ticket are planning to do if elected, or what they are for, other than ousting the Democrats from council, and keeping the county out of our town. I am totally up for finding out though. And after reading this, I actually asked a few others and they too are not really sure what the Republicans are running on- and that was from both Dems and Repubs alike. I just don't see a whole lot of clarity on either side at this point. I would love more clarity on the issues. It would certainly help people who are undecided on how to vote as the clock winds down.
As for the "democrat machine", I still don't buy into the whole claim that they are secretly working behind the scenes to ensure that Glo Twp goes along with Camden to the county wide force. They've stated that they are against it and have no plans to go along for the ride, if it turns out that they do, well, won't I be a fool. But right now the notion just reeks of conspiracy theory to me.

Ok, I have had enough of the miss-information being put on this site by certain posters. Let’s get the truth out there in regards to NA’s comments which are starting to live up to the screen name. This decision to regionalize the police force in this county was NOT made at the state level. The only thing OUR Governor (he is your Governor too) wanted was regionalization. He did not create the plan, as you state, he did not force Camden County Freeholders to enact the plan, or attempt to enact the plan. He endorsed the plan of regionalization. Please stop spreading lies that this plan came from the Governor’s office, it did not. A plan of this “magnitude” as you state does not have to come from the state, just look to our south at Gloucester County. The regionalized EMS system came from the COUNTY. Same “magnitude” of a plan. To say if you’re opposed to this plan you should elect democrats is the biggest spin out there. The democratic Freeholders are the ones pushing the plan. If you think there is no influence from the county democrats over the locals look no further then Cherry Hill. Mayor Platt was running for re-election, spoke out against this plan, then poof, “change of mind,” he mysteriously is not running just weeks after speaking out against this. You do the math.
Then you drag Shelly Lovett into this, who if elected does not vote on the matter contrary to your statements. Enough said about that. Again the facts do not lie.

Sometimes we Jerseyans are our own worst enemies. We (rightfully) complain about our obscenely high taxes. We acknowledge that because our state has so many inefficient local governments is a contributor to our high taxes. But we resist attempts to consolidate government services.
It time to open our minds and think smarter.

Then you go on about Republican power? This town is represented by Democrats only, just another factual statement. And again you state Christie wants to take the police force away? This, again, is being pushed by the DEMOCRATIC FREEHOLDERS AND PARTY at a local level, again, just the facts.
To degrade Councilwoman Evans service to this town is downright disrespectful. This argument I will never see eye to eye with you on but believe me when I say that the residents are fed up with the lack of respect to them and fellow politicians. Just a word of advice.
If you wish to know what the Republicans will do feel free to go to their site. www.gtgopforcouncil2011.com You can see for yourself, or just ask any one of the candidates after a meeting. They will be happy to answer your questions. Or, you can read the articles posted on this site about all of the candidates, they have answered the questions about what they wish to do.
Keep trying to spread your miss-truths, I will be here to call out every one and set the record straight.

As have I Darren, lived in the "area" since I was born. Are fresh faces and new ideas that wrong that you would hold that against them? They are more then capable of representing the township and making the tough choices that are needed. Feel free to attack all you wish. I came here to speak the truth about the comments, you had your chance but I guess chose not to.

Well Darren, just because you state this is not an issue does not mean it isn't. We feel that public safety is a HUGE issue and we do not want to take a chance that this may happen here. This is not about creating a third service, but a county service taking over OUR town. That IS an issue that the Republican Candidates do not want. If you don't want to make an issue out of it then don't, we will, we will stand up for the residents and OUR police force. You have a good night as well!!

Brainstorm idea.........GT Patch should sponsor a GT Council candidates debate. I'd attend for sure. I'd step up and pose some questions.
Hell. I'd even show up early and help prepare the hall. If some volunteer man-hours are needed to help organize the event, I'd do that, too.

Thanks Pete for 3 months I have and will state again I would love to Debate but the red and blue teams have all the money see so they get there picture taken and send out Flyers must be nice not to face the issue head on and let people ask us questions .Now Mr.Martin don't make this an issue remember when the Freeloaders try to make the Jail Private what happen there SIR or all the other moves they plain and never did nothing all SMOKE and mirrors .Now Ill state this again let's debate about REAL issues like ......Why our taxes are so high and our services are poor.Why I see a ton of For Sale signs on people yards.How come we have a lot of boarded up bussiness .........I promise all the people in this Township our Police are here to stay and if they do force this county wide plan do our throats I be the 1st one bitching on the MIC .......Just care and go to bed Mike I am

Darren, really, it's an issue. If you don't want it to be then don't worry about the public safety or police force, that's fine, we will. You are free to make things an issue as are we. You can call it smoke and mirrors all you want but if you think complaining into a microphone around here will help just ask those involved in pay to play and see how far it got them. How far has it gotten you? If you wish to be reactive rather then proactive that's fine. We don't. It an issue for us. Like I said, if it's not for you then great.

This Wolfson person needs to do a small amount of research on who controls Camden County and a vast majority of towns. It is not a conspiracy theory but a fact that the CC Freeholders are ALL democrats, the mayor and councils of the 2 largest towns (Cherry Hill and GT) are all democrats. It is a fact that all of our state legistarors are all democrats. It is a fact that the Camden County Democrats have control over jobs and appointments making them very powerful. That is all fact and can not be debunked. Single party rule is very dangerous and has destroyed Camden City, who has a democrat mayor and all democrat council. See a pattern here?

Darren, I am having flashbacks of last years election. The Runyan race is coming to mind. A spoiler was placed on the ticket, by the Dems. So Darren, who put you up to running? Why are you on this ticket?

You can continue to say that you are not a spoiler, that no one put you up to this, but we don't believe you. I am calling today and demanding an official investigation!

Who runs for office in a township of this size and doesn't campaign, just expects people to vote for him. Who disrespects the candidates of both parties and then demands they debate him? If you are not campaigning why would anyone debate you?

Please remove your name from the ballot and stop embarrassing us!

They know plenty. One was in college and grew up in the area and the other was serving our country. So, are you saying only those entrenched and connected can serve? Can you explain yourself? I'm trying to figure out why you think it's bad to have fresh ideas in government and a good mix of residents to represent us.

Having an independent candidate on the ballot, ANY ballot, does not have to be a spoiler. Hasn't it been proven enough that the two party system is flawed? Independents, whether you agree with them or not, have as much right to run as any Democrat or Republican does.

First off Mike, I come from nothing, I've been told I am nothing. Now, to state that people know more because they went to college is idiotic. Why don't you tell the canidates that you seem to speak for, to come down into the trenches with me and debate as well as define the true issues of our township.......Just care Michael, I DO!

When did I say they know more? You asked the question what do they know. I answered. The only thing idiotic is trying to put words in my mouth when what I said is clearly typed above. I am not going to participate in a back and forth that has gotten way off topic and now your twisting my words. As I said in my first post. I am here to speak the truth. Have a good day.

Michael lets speak the truth I came to you FIRST SIR and ask for a DEBATE and you stated " you will not debate me unless the MAYORS team was there " Now I'll ask again cause you know I love the truth and the truth my brother will always set us FREE will your candidates that you speak for debate ME ....Yes or No ...SIR .........That a simple question and I think that all the voters in Gloucester Township will like answer SIR ,,,,........I care does your canidates

Ok everyone deep breath.

If the issue in getting a debate together is the lack of the Democrats, then push them again for a debate. Call the Mayors office, call the party chairman, call the candidates themselves. Make it happen. who cares who asked who first to debate. The people of GT deserve for all 9 candidates to be asked the tough questions and be given an opportunity to see how all of them stack up against each other.

If they refuse, then you have another item to hammer them with. But until someone asks you won't know.

I have ask the mayor the same guy that call me a LAIR way back in JANUARY and he feels like on all his issue is he don't have to answer to me .Don't you get the same feeling when you deal with him Mr. Berry . Now I did take the deep breath and played this Video to calm down but if I lose on November 8 I'll still be Darren Gladden on November 9 but I really do want to win this election so I can start trying to make this Township better ,......Just care I do .....Now enjoy the Video N.A.
http://youtu.be/e9mf3Bypyk8

Add Dems in replace of Mohawks ....;-)

One last comment then I have to go out campaigning , IF you vote column 5 on November 8 the MAYOR will have to START answering my QUESTION and all the people's questions cause I don't turn my back on people like Shelly Lovett and the GTGOP did to ME ............Just care I do