Every Saturday, the South Jersey Times cheers those who make our area a better place in which to live and jeers those whose actions merit derision.
Every Saturday, the South Jersey Times cheers those who make our area a better place in which to live and jeers those whose actions merit derision.
CHEERS: To an extraordinary life. The tragic death of Cara McCollum as touched those who knew her and many more who did not. The former Miss New Jersey and South Jersey news anchorwoman died Monday, one week after being critically injured in an accident in Salem County. An Arkansas native who captured a pageant title and the hearts of thousands after she moved to the Garden State, McCollum worked hard to promote literacy, especially among inner-city children. Her funeral is set for this weekend in her hometown of Forrest City, Arkansas. As one friend put it, she impacted more people and did more good in her short 24 years than have many people who have lived to be 100.
JEERS: To marring a community asset. Volunteers who spend their Saturdays helping clean up Millville's Waltman Park found vandals struck last weekend. The graffiti was found on the western side of the park on a ramp leading to a footbridge over the Maurice River, authorities said. Let's hope this incident doesn't deter the volunteers who have helped make Waltman Park an attractive place to visit and let's hope police make quick arrests in this senseless act of vandalism.
JEERS: To the murky fire district election process in New Jersey. We've complained about this for years, but a situation in Harrison Township serves as another reminder that if fire elections are to continue, we need standardized processes of record keeping and clear understandings of policy. Harrison Township resident Larry Crane was found in violation for serving on the township fire commission while also serving as a paid EMT several years ago. The state Department of Community Affairs decided this was a conflict of interest, since the fire commission oversaw the township's paid EMTs at the time. The DCA indicated it was hard to determine if Crane actually voted on matters involving EMTs -- he said he didn't -- because record-keeping at the local level didn't include that information. Everything about how fire districts are organized and overseen -- from record-keeping to operation of annual fire district elections -- is flimsy. Even trying to find out who is running for office and how many votes candidates and budgets received can be a tricky process. As a result, turnout for these elections is pitifully low. Most voters don't know about them or simply don't care enough to hunt down information and actually vote. Standardize fire district operations across the state and require posting of all information online -- including clear policies for board service and information on election results. While we're at it, let's move these elections to the General Election in November. That could help with transparency, too.
CHEERS: To word that a woman whose drug overdose was captured on video and shared with the world is getting help. Kelmae Hemphill was recorded overdosing on heroin on the side of a West Deptfford road earlier this month, and as her brother and a stranger struggled to revive her, someone recorded the moment and shared it online. The posting drew a variety of comments, but the conversation thankfully shifted to the importance of addicts getting help. Hemphill's mother contacted the Times to report that her daughter is getting treatment at a Florida rehab facility. We wish her well in her battle against this powerful foe and hope others will follow her example.
CHEERS to forging a footprint. When the Philadelphia 76ers and INTECH Construction announced a job fair to help with construction of the basketball team's training complex, we had one though above all others: It's about time. The Sixers are spearheading redevelopment at the waterfront and the team's "state-of-the-art" practice facility-corporate offices are likely to leave a visually appealing footprint. Who's going to make that footprint though? Carpenters, roofers, glaziers, masons, plumbers, painters and tile setters -- that's who. Hiring and placement opportunities going to local residents, too? It's about time.
JEERS to the missing peace pipe. Wednesday's statement from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society said it all. The "Coming out Green" cannabis booth at the Philadelphia Flower Show got the boot because of an "honest misunderstanding" during a "rapidly changing conversation." We agree that the flower show isn't a place for legalization talks and other stick subjects. However, if you'll forgive the pun, the flower show really should extend its peace pipe to Philly NORML and Green Rush Advisors or get started on an agreement for an appearance next year.
If you know of someone or something you would like to nominate for a cheer or a jeer, please send the information to sjletters@njadvancemedia.com