April 9, 2009
Reaction to Rec. and Parks Community Forum in Cherry Hill

We had a good turn out at Wednesday's meeting and it was clear that everyone had strong feelings that the proposed budget cuts to programs serving our children are UNACCEPTABLE!

   Now the real work begins - here is a suggested approach:

   1)      Identify all existing Rec & Parks Programs that the community wants to continue;

   2)      Deliver the list of programs to the President of the City Council that we want fully funded;

   3)      Include a cover letter with the list of programs that says: 

   a.       We recognize that the City is challenged to find money to continue providing all existing services in next year's budget; however the Cherry Hill residents feel strongly that budget cuts in services to our children should be avoided at all costs!

   b.      We are very disappointed that the community was not engaged in discussions before the 2010 Preliminary Budget was published and submitted by the Mayor.

   c.       We are strongly opposed to any cuts in the 2010 Preliminary budget that reduce services currently being provided to our children;

   d.      We do not support the proposed budget cuts for Rec. and Parks in the 2010 preliminary budget;

   e.       We strongly believe that all services currently being provided for our children need to be fully funded in the 2010 Final Budget;

   f.       We strongly urge the City Council to restore the proposed $2.7M (or what ever figure is germane to Cherry Hill) budget cut to Rec. and Parks and fully restore all existing Rec. and Parks programs in this community;

   g.      We have no confidence that the BCPSS will continue providing afterschool programs for our children at the Carter G. Woodson center after the facility transitions to their control in July;

   h.      Our children must be spared any hardship resulting from this current economic downturn and budget cuts should be made in other business areas first!

     At least one Westport community group has a copy of the petition and is in support of the above, since they have a youth program which uses the pool and rec centers in Cherry Hill.

     I think a community-wide meeting needs to be scheduled to discuss the above and get everyone on board.