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    Pike County Courier > News
    Updated: October 29, 2009

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    On the local ballot

    Jack Fisher

    MILFORD — The issue drawing the greatest interest in the upcoming election is a referendum question to help fund “maintenance, improvement and regional extension of library services and facilities throughout the County... ” A dedicated Library Tax of one mill would be created if the question is approved. The ballot defines one mill as one/one thousandth of the assessed value of your property; “if the assessed value shown on your tax bill is $35,000, the tax you will pay will be $35.”

    Four, four-year seats on the Delaware Valley School Board are up for election. The five candidates are: Pam Lutfy, Sue Schor and Jack Fisher, who are cross-nominated by both Democrats and Republicans; Republican Bob Goldsack and Democrat Bill Greenlaw.

    Some other contested local races

    Pike County Jury Commissioner: Gertrude Smith, Democrat; Marjorie A. Wassmer, Republican

    Delaware supervisor, six-year term: Max Brinson, Democrat; Bob Luciano, Republican

    Lackawaxen supervisor, six-year term (one seat): Elizabeth Anderson, Democratic; Robert “Bob” Cocchi, Republican; John Badoud, Independent

    Lehman supervisor, six-year term: Fred S. Taylor, Democrat; Paul Menditto, Republican

    Bob Goldsack

    Matamoras Borough Council, four-year term (four seats): Joseph E. Sain, Democrat; Linda O’Donnell, Democrat; Robert E. Stevens Jr., Democrat; Claudine DiNapoli, Democrat; Joann Featherman, Republican

    Milford Borough Council (three seats): Denise B. Wagner, Democrat; Matthew M. Osterberg, Democratic/Republican; Vincent Accordino, Republican; James T. Price, Republican

    Other uncontested races

    Two-year Delaware Valley School Board seat: Charles Pike

    Sheriff: Phil Bueki


    Bill Greenlaw

    Pam Lutfy

    Jack Fisher

    Jack Fisher is a 25-year resident of the Delaware Valley School District, where his two children graduated with honors. Jack is past-president of The Milford-Matamoras Rotary Club and of the local little league. He and his wife were PTA members. He was recently appointed to the Finance Committee of the YMCA Camp Speers-Eijabar.

    Jack is a graduate of Hofstra University, Zarb School of Business with a Bachelors of Business Administration and a major in Accounting. He also has a Masters Degree in Finance, He is a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Financial Planner. For nearly two decades Jack was an independent auditor for school districts, municipalities, and colleges. He is an expert in the highly technical aspects of non-profit fund accounting.

    Jack has previously served on the school board for 8 years. As past chairman of the budget, finance and audit committee he considers one his greatest achievements the long- term stability of DV finances during a period of time of tremendous growth.


    Sue Schor

    Jack is running for DV School Director to ensure the next generation of America’s youth are given every opportunity to meet the challenges they will face. He believes that a world-class public educational system, similar to a world-class military, is our nation’s best defense to remaining and advancing our role in our global economic free enterprise system.

    Bob Goldsack

    As president of the School Board, from 2007 to 2009, I gave taxpayers two 0% tax increases.

    As chair of the Safety Committee, along with Sheriff Bueki, I established the Delaware Valley School Police to protect our children, teachers and staff.



    I have been endorsed by state Senator Lisa Baker, Pike County Commissioner Richard Caridi and Sheriff Phil Bueki.

    I would appreciate your vote on Nov 3.

    Bill Greenlaw

    Bill Greenlaw is a proponent of continuous improvement and quality systems and has a demonstrated commitment to mentoring youth.



    While working in New Jersey he facilitated a continuous cooperative education program which earned NJIT’s “co-op employer of the year” award. As a process safety manager he developed a two-month-long training course for the start-up of a new world-class methanol plant. While he worked as an operations manager, his plant ran below budget, set production records, and maintained excellence in product quality, safety, and environmental compliance.

    He has twice volunteered as counselor for Troop Leader Development course, a week-long course that imparts the principles of leadership to youth in the Boy Scouts. For the past seven years Bill has been a deck parent for the DV Water Moccasins. He is a graduate of Clarkson University with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. Presently employed at Summit Research Labs, he manages capital projects and performs process development work. Bill is the father of three; all are students at DVSD.

    Bill passionately encourages transparency and facilitating access to information. He believes that demonstrating respect, having a commitment to excellence, and maintaining high expectations are necessary to be an effective school director.

    Pam Lutfy

    Pam Lutfy moved to Pike County in 1973 and worked in the Delaware Valley School District for 14 years as a speech and language specialist. Former owner of the Tom Quick Inn, Pam utilized her knowledge and talents to initiate a new enterprise, The Sunshine Station Early Learning Center, where she is an active director and teacher of the Pre-kindergarten and Kindergarten class.

    Pam has been a member of the Delaware Valley School Board for 12 years, serving as a Pennsylvania School Board Association Regional Coordinator, Policy Council Member, and a voting delegate to the PSBA Legislative Platform. She is also a member of the Colonial Intermediate Unit # 20 board of directors. Presently, Pam is as the co-chairperson of the Special Education committee, and formerly as past chairperson of the Policy Committee, was responsible for revising and re-organizing the outdated Policy Handbook.

    Pam was recently awarded with the 2009 “Excellent Award” for her outstanding accomplishments in the field of early childhood education by R.E.E.C.H.E. (Recognizing Excellence in Early Childhood Education). Among her many educational achievements, Pam holds a Master’s degree in Education from East Stroudsburg University.

    Sue Schor

    Sue Schor has been a resident of the Delaware Valley School District for 19 years. She began regularly attending school board meetings nine years ago. Sue was appointed as a school board director in October, 2008. She chairs the co-curricular committee and co-chairs the special education committee.

    Sue is married to David Schor and they have three children, two of whom are current DV students. The third is a graduate of Delaware Valley currently attending West Chester University.

    Schor graduated from Warwick Valley High School in 1983 and from Orange Ulster B.O.C.E.S/ Care and Guidance of Children. Sue facilitates fund-raising campaigns in the DVSD and our great community, volunteered in the PTA as well as many youth programs, worked for Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) program, Survivor’s Resources (now known as Safe Haven) and facilitated self-esteem classes in DVMS. She is presently a licensed Pennsylvania Realtor at ERA Meloi in Milford and proud owner of Biasi Inc.

    Sue’s dedication, integrity and honesty, and her ability to work well with others help make her a great candidate. She believes it is prudent to provide and improve the quality of education for all students. Please vote Nov. 3.

    Polling Locations

    Blooming Grove — Pike County Senior Center, 150 Pike County Blvd, Hawley, PA 18428

    Delaware 1 — Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 16 Delaware Chest Drive, Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328

    Delaware 2 — Delaware Township Municipal Building, Wilson Hill Road, Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328

    Dingman 1 — Dingmans Township Municipal Garage, 961 Fisher Lane, Milford, PA 18337

    Dingmans 2 — Dingmans Township Fire Department, Log Tavern Road, Milford, PA 18337

    Greene — Hemlock Grove Methodist Church, Roemerville Road, Greentown, PA 18426

    Lackawaxen 1 — Central Firehouse, 574 Westcolang Road, Hawley, PA 18428

    Lackawaxen 2 — Lackawaxen Fire House, Route 590, Lackawaxen, PA 18435

    Lehman 1 — Lehman Township Supervisors Building, Municipal Road, Bushkill, PA 18324

    Lehman 2 — Bushkill Fire House, Evergreen Drive, Bushkill, PA 18324

    Matamoras Boro 1 — Hope Evangelical Church, 308 First Street, Matamoras, PA 18336

    Matamoras Boro 2 — Matamoras Boro Hall, 10 Avenue I, Matamoras, PA 18336

    Milford Boro — Milford Boro Hall, 109 West Catherine Street, Milford, PA 18337

    Milford Township — Milford Township Municipal Building, Route 6 & 209, Milford, PA 18337

    Palmyra — Palmyra Township Supervisor Building, Gumbletown Road, Paupack, PA 18451

    Porter — Porter Township Supervisor Building, Route 402, Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328

    Shohola — Township Shohola Supervisors Building, 159 Twin Lakes Road, Shohola, PA 18458

    Westfall — Westfall Township Municipal Building, Delaware Drive & La Barr Lane, Matamoras, PA 18336

     

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    Bill Greenlaw wrote on Nov 4, 2009 7:51 AM:

    " Congratulations to Bob, Jack, Pam, Sue, and Chuck! See you at the School Board meeting on Thursday! "

    Bill Greenlaw wrote on Nov 4, 2009 6:20 AM:

    " Congratulations to Bob, Jack, Pam, Sue, and Chuck! See you at the School Bord meting on Thursday! "

    no friend of goldsuck wrote on Nov 3, 2009 8:12 AM:

    " bye bye Goldsuck,I know you are reading this, I also know you are writing this.Guess you never heard people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.
    Go to Europe,take a long vacation and don't come back.
    Good riddance! "

    NO FRIEND OF JACK FISCHER wrote on Nov 2, 2009 7:49 PM:

    " Everyone deserves a vacation AFTER they have paid their taxes. If you don't pay your taxes everyone suffers. How did Jack suffer spending three weeks in Europe? Imagine if all of Pike County had the same attitude as he does. What nerve! "

    voter wrote on Nov 2, 2009 6:15 PM:

    " Everybody deserves a vacation.Fisher is paying his taxes.Fisher is not the one who filed for bankruptcy.
    Please,whoever you are,let it go.We will be voting for Fisher.We will not vote for Goldsack.
    The Goldsacks are not exactly pillars of the community. "

    taxPAYER wrote on Nov 2, 2009 3:07 PM:

    " Jack Fisher,

    We know you are reading. Have you paid your taxes? Heard you went to Europe for 3 weeks. Hope you had a zippy time. "

    NO FRIEND OF JACK FISCHER wrote on Nov 1, 2009 8:57 AM:

    " Your silence says it all "

    friend of hack fischer wrote on Oct 31, 2009 9:09 PM:

    " to no friend of jack fischer,What you are saying about Jack Fisher is a lie.It is public knowledge that he is paying his taxes.Unlike Goldsack who filed for banckrupcy and didn't pay his taxes. "

    NO FRIEND OF JACK FISCHER wrote on Oct 31, 2009 8:48 PM:

    " Friend: Clearly you are no friend of Jack Fischer either for if you were you would know that he does NOT pay his taxes. That is public knowledge to everyone but you. Jack Fischer has not answered the question. Jack has given his many excuses for not paying his taxes and we all know the story about excuses right? "

    a friend of jack fischer wrote on Oct 31, 2009 6:56 PM:

    " to no friend of jack fischer,I find it double humorous the question you pose to Jack Fischer.Jack Fischer has address this question many times and the answer is yes.Jack Fischer is paying his taxes.
    The same can not be said of Goldsack,who didn't even filed taxes. "

    ethical voter wrote on Oct 31, 2009 5:18 PM:

    " wrote: I did not say that asking for a candidates opinion on a town issue is unethical. "

    milford woman wrote on Oct 31, 2009 4:50 PM:

    " ethical voter,I will be voting for the candidates you mention.I believe they are quite honest.I can not in good faith say the same about Bob Goldsack,he will NOT get my vote.
    As far as Greenlaw,whether or not he supports the tax on the library,it will not change my vote.I hope he votes YES. "

    wrote on Oct 31, 2009 4:04 PM:

    " Ethical Voter: I agree with you and I intend to vote for Bill Greenlaw but I would still like to hear his opinion on the library tax. I think that is a fair question. How is asking for a candidates opinion on a town issue unethical? I see no reason why the question should not be asked. Bill is one to compile facts and analyze data. I'm curious to hear what he has to say. "

    ethical voter wrote on Oct 31, 2009 12:59 PM:

    " I have done a lot of questioning of the school board candidates since the May primary.It seems like the only candidates who are solid as a rock on their viewpoints are Bill Greenlaw, Sue Schor and Pam Lutfy.Pam Lutfy and Sue Schor voted NO for the first budget that was passed.Pam Lutfy wanted to meet to plan a backup budget.It didn't happenWouldn't you prepare a back up budget for your home finances.Bill Greenlaw has remained solid on his budget issues and has attended almost every meeting having to do with the school board.He has been vocal at the meetings and has never changed his mind from one extreme to the other. Be sure to vote for Bill Greenlaw, Sue Schor and Pam Lutfy. "

    ethical voter wrote on Oct 31, 2009 12:29 PM:

    " wrote - it does not matter what stance ANY of the school board candidates have regarding the library tax.Since when has the library tax become a school board issue?It is a town issue!!!!!! "

    wrote on Oct 31, 2009 8:40 AM:

    " Bill: I would like to know your opinion on the proposed library tax. As a voter I would like to know where you stand on this issue. "

    Milford Man wrote on Oct 30, 2009 3:12 PM:

    " I am looking forward to a substantial reduction in the School Library funding if the madness that calls itself "Library Tax" becomes a reality.

    It is a complete waste of tax payer money to fund two competing library systems. Hopefully, the Pike County residents will show sufficient common sense to vote AGAINST the new tax. "

    milford woman wrote on Oct 30, 2009 1:58 PM:

    " Mr. Greenlaw,Thank you sooooo very much for clarifying what zero taxes really means.Sadly Mr. Goldsack is used to explain these matters to his United Taxpayers,who still naver question him and believe his misrepresentations.
    You have my vote. "

    Voters Beware wrote on Oct 30, 2009 10:33 AM:

    " Bob Goldsock voted to accept a BOGUS BUDGET that included 3 million dollars in stimulus funds. Two board members Pam Lufty and Sue Shor informed the public of his devious attempt to fool the public and made the DV board redo the budget. They were no push overs for the administration like Bob was. Pam and Sue should stay and BOB NEEDS TO GO and with him his secret meetings with Krise bus company. The voters should NOT FORGET how devious he is. Jack Fisher is a BIG spender although he claims to be a conservative - not so.
    Bill Greenlaw seems like a good choice also. He knows the facts and is very involved and seems to TELL THE TRUTH.

    Vote for Pam Lufty Sue Shor Bill Greenlaw for School Board "

    Bill Greenlaw wrote on Oct 30, 2009 10:29 AM:

    " Mr. Goldsack,

    I certainly do not believe that you were responsible for raising State or Federal taxes directly.

    You have been on the Board when local property taxes were held to 0%. That is a great result.

    The Board was accomplished this due to Pennsylvania's "costing out study" that resulted in increased contributions from the State. The cost per student at DVSD has steadily increased. In this year of 0% inflation the cost per student rose 6%.

    The "costing out study" was an effort tireless fought for many years by many districts, including DVSD and its administrators.

    You compare your tenure to the days before the "costing out study". It is easy to hold local taxes down when you make up the difference with state and federal spending. OUR taxes funded that increased spending. They were not property taxes, but state and federal taxes.

    The DVSD budget is approximately $70 million for 2009-10, up from $63 million in 2006-07. During this time the student population dropped 5%. We can do better, perhaps together.

    Bill "

    Bob Goldsack wrote on Oct 30, 2009 9:27 AM:

    " Mr. Greenlaw,
    Surely you cannot hold me responsible for state and federal taxes.
    My responsibility is at the local level.I delivered on my promise to the
    tax payers. Two back to back zero tax increases.

    Mr. Fisher,
    I am glad that you are in favor of reducing taxes. That is quite a turn-around from the campaign when you were saying that taxes would have to be increased.You will have my vote on the reduction, but you cannot take any credit for the reduction. The current board leaves you with a surplus and that is a heck of a lot better than what you left us with
    as Chair of the Finance Committee before you were voted out of office.
    Let's see if you can match what we have accomplished in the 2011 budget. "

    NO FRIEND OF JACK FISCHER wrote on Oct 30, 2009 5:24 AM:

    " I find it humorous that Jack Fischer should talk about taxes but always seems to dodge the questions posed to him - JACK FISCHER DO YOU PAY YOUR TAXES? YES OR NO? "

    JACK FISHER wrote on Oct 30, 2009 12:42 AM:

    " The current millage rate for the DV School District is 100.87 mils.
    The DV School Board unanimously voted "yes". this past Thursday, at the last Board meeting on what to do with the $2 million SURPLUS as of the recent fiscal year end . Of that surplus $790,000 is to be used for tax reduction purposes. The rest $1.2 million was put into "RESERVES". Annual funding of reserves is vital to long term fiscal health. Each mil is about $400,000 so hence the incoming School Board, faced with surpluses and DECLINING enrollmetns, should set a goal of reducing the local tax burden millage next year at least 1 mil, if not 2 full mils.
    Funny how Bob Goldsack "forgot to mention" that school taxes will go down next year. Perhaps it might interfere with his campaign against the Pike County Library.
    If elected I will call for a vote at my first meeting in December to instruct the Administration to prepare a budget reducing millage to 99.87 mils for fiscal year 2010-11.
    Bill Greenlaw Do I have a second to that motion if you are elected.? "

    Bill Greenlaw wrote on Oct 29, 2009 6:02 PM:

    " Hopefully this makes the table readable:

    Bob Goldsack has touted the "0% tax increase" that was possible by INCREASING the amount that we got from the State and Federal TAXPAYERS.

    School____][Increase in the__][Change in Contribution from_____________]
    Year______][cost per student_][State and Federal Gov't (our taxes too!)]
    2007-2008_][______7%_________][_________7%_____________________________]
    2008-2009_][______3%_________][________16%_____________________________]
    2009-2010_][______6%_________][________10%_____________________________]

    Clearly Bob has no problem with raising taxes. He just doesn't realize that he has done it. It's easy to have 0% local tax increases when "someone else" foots the bill for the increased spending. Unfortunately, that "someone else" is us. "

    Bill Greenlaw wrote on Oct 29, 2009 5:53 PM:

    " Bob Goldsack has touted the "0% tax increase" that was possible by INCREASING the amount that we got from the State and Federal TAXPAYERS.

    School Increase in the Change in Contribution from
    Year cost per student State and Federal Gov't (our taxes too!)
    2007-2008 7% 7%
    2008-2009 3% 16%
    2009-2010 6% 10%

    Clearly Bob has no problem with raising taxes. He just doesn't realize that he has done it. It's easy to have 0% local tax increases when "someone else" foots the bill for the increased spending. Unfortunately, that "someone else" is us. "

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