In addition to the paper version that was circulated in the Borough last summer, the petition to “support the goal of requiring Merchantville Borough Council to take the steps necessary to begin a merger with Cherry Hill NJ to save our community” was available for signatures online as an ipetition. There is no petition sponsor information disclosed. The petition, it’s signators and a link to the site have been published here.
The Petition to Consider Consolidation with Cherry Hill
We the citizens of Merchantville, NJ petition our government to evaluate and work toward a real consolidation plan with Cherry Hill, NJ.
The numbers do not lie. Our town is cutting municipal services and yet it must continue to raise taxes to pay for what services remain. Our school is making cuts where it is impossible to cut without affecting program, thereby hurting our kids education and our property values. Our Public Works is running out of usable equipment without a budget to purchase and or repair. It is time for our town to take a sincere look at consolidating with Cherry Hill. There are clear signals from the newspapers that Cherry Hill is considering every option and is a willing partner for a town consolidation with Merchantville. If such a consolidation were to occur, our schools could finally be on solid footing for all teaching years, including High School. Our property values would be protected or even increase. And finally, our taxes could be stabilized or at least our municipal services would be protected or improve. By signing this petition you support our goal of requiring Merchantville Borough Council to take the steps necessary to begin a merger with Cherry Hill NJ to save our community.
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Name: Gregory La Vardera on May 28, 2010Comments: I support this consolidation with Cherry Hill. So much of our volunteer effort here in town goes towards the administrative load of running our town. Consolidation would allow our volunteers to concentrate on promoting our town and identity. This would also finally bring an end to the unresolved issue of our school systems involuntary sending status with Pennsauken. A tremendous boon to our property values and the stability of our town.
Name: Bob Stocker on May 28, 2010Comments:
Name: Kathy Birmingham on May 28, 2010Comments: Thank you for leading this first step towards strengthening life in Merchantville. In the past 32 years, I have seen our property value rise , stagnate, and now fall below other towns in our area. What could be the reason? I believe our high school affiliation is having a more obvious negative effect on property which is now exacerbated by the economic condition of the country. We sold our house in Collingswood 32 years ago. that house was 30 smaller than our current home in Merchantville. That house now, is appraised 25% higher than our house in merchantville. Our investment in Merchantville over these past 32 years, will evaporate if no action is taken. We cannot afford to wait!
Name: Karen Milano on May 29, 2010Comments:
Name: Christine Leonard on May 30, 2010Comments: I agree whole-heartidly with this course of action!
Name: Rob And Kim Culcasi on May 30, 2010Comments:
Name: Cheryl Disch on May 31, 2010Comments:
Name: Paul Leonard on May 31, 2010Comments: We whole heartedly agee that we should merge with Cherry Hill
Name: Paula Ryan on May 31, 2010Comments:
Name: Robert Disch on May 31, 2010Comments:
Name: Margaret Disch on May 31, 2010Comments:
Name: Stacey Kerr on Jun 1, 2010Comments:
Name: Chris Trebisky on Jun 1, 2010Comments: I think everyone would like to consolidate our public works and at least send our kids to cherry hill for high school, though, I would think residents enjoy having their own identity and that dissolving the Borough completely is not what the popular opinion would be.
Name: Jennifer Perno on Jun 1, 2010Comments: This is an option that should be explored!
Name: Guido Babore on Jun 2, 2010Comments: While I am not, per se, for consolidation, if we need to consolidate, Cherry Hill is a logical and wise choice.
Name: Elaine M. Paulson on Jun 2, 2010Comments: I support the goal of merging Merchantville with Cherry Hill to support services, budget and education for our residents.
Name: Robert H. Paulson on Jun 2, 2010Comments:
Name: Karen Foster on Jun 2, 2010Comments:
Name: Kathryn Garson on Jun 2, 2010Comments:
Name: Christopher Joslin on Jun 2, 2010Comments:
Name: Amanda Shears on Jun 2, 2010Comments:
Name: Joe Atchison on Jun 2, 2010Comments:
Name: Lynn Brady on Jun 3, 2010Comments:
Name: Stacey Loue on Jun 3, 2010Comments:
Name: Christina Gaudio on Jun 3, 2010Comments:
Name: Nicholas Gaudio, Jr. on Jun 3, 2010Comments:
Name: Danielle Allely on Jun 3, 2010Comments:
Name: Russell Loue on Jun 3, 2010Comments: this must be seriously considered.-
Name: Pamela Lapp on Jun 4, 2010Comments:
Name: Danique Martin on Jun 4, 2010Comments:
Name: Nicole Westervelt on Jun 4, 2010Comments:
Name: David A. MacDonald on Jun 4, 2010Comments: We need to at least study this plan to see if Merchantville can benefit from shared services or merger.
Name: Cara Kelii on Jun 4, 2010Comments: I support this vote 110%. I moved my family here 4 1/2 years ago with high expectations from this community. I find myself year after year becoming more disappointed. And now living with the regret of moving my family to Merchantville! . There are a few things that I am not happy with. Number one, I understand the increase in taxes. That is if my children are going to get the best education that this township has to offer. I find myself speaking to a lot of parents about our school system, middle school and high school . Merchantville Elementary is suffering this year as we all know. I am assuming there are no funds to even have a 8th grade graduation for the students.They have been put into the position to have fund raisers, and ask for donations! This is very upsetting to me. The children have worked so hard and deserve something! No one is happy or comfortable sending our children to Pennsauken High School. From what I understand part of our taxes are paid to Pennsauken Township. Then why are we as parents of Merchantville Township searching for private and out of town high schools for our children to attend?? This is a huge expense out of our pockets while our tax money is going to a high school our children are not even attending! Number 2, I have 4 children, many know us well. We are a very dedicated and athletic family.. I find myself sitting on a baseball field with grass almost chin high. Fields look a mess! Who is responsible to clean this up! We have one ball field that is maintained at the Community Center! Our T ballers, softball girls, and boys minor baseball are playing ball in horrible embarrassing conditions! As parents and players, we have been down at that field cleaning up trash, cutting back the weeds,ect! And still…. Our taxes keep going up and our property values are crashing at such low values that we cant even bail ourselves out! I support this merge with Cherry Hill! I believe it will bring nothing but good for us as home owners, parents and community members! Merchantville is in need of a big change for the better!
Name: John Kelii on Jun 4, 2010Comments:
Name: Michael E McLoone on Jun 5, 2010Comments: While I do not agree with the description of conditions contained in the petition statement, I completely agree that a total merger of Merchantville into Cherry Hill would be the best possible arrangement for the area in the short and long run. Best wishes to those who endeavor to accomplish this.
Name: Susan Roy on Jun 5, 2010Comments:
Name: Madison Wehnau on Jun 5, 2010Comments: This is long overdue
Name: Gregory Boyle on Jun 5, 2010Comments: Merchantville Resident
Name: Roberta Stagliano on Jun 6, 2010Comments: As a teacher in Cherry Hill for 33 years, I personally approve of pursuing this consolidation plan. It would have a positive influence on housing/real estate prices in Merchantville. It would stop purchase of property for prices exceding the appraisal value in order to pursue development in the limited land available in the borough, all without prior approval of the citizens of this town. It would prevent “back room” agreements and negotiations between politicians and some favored citizens. As to those who say, we would lose our identity, I say consider this: We all recognize specific areas of Cherry Hill such as Erlton, Barclay Farms, Wexford Leas, etc. and that could be the same as Merchantville area of Cherry Hill. I say, “Go for it!”
Name: Stephanie Ragan on Jun 6, 2010Comments:
Name: George T SIller on Jun 6, 2010Comments:-
Name: Rhonda Holland on Jun 7, 2010Comments:
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Name: Lisa Stingel on Jun 7, 2010Comments:
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Name: Jennifer Murphy on Jun 8, 2010Comments: This is a solution long overdue. I hope something productive comes from this sooner rather than later.
- Name: Mollie Dugas on Jun 8, 2010
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Name: Ian Peakes on Jun 8, 2010Comments:
Name: Karen Peakes on Jun 8, 2010Comments:
Name: Constance Villiers on Jun 8, 2010Comments:
Name: Natalie Guertler on Jun 8, 2010Comments: This will solve Merchantville’s school problems which will attract and keep families in the town thereby helping everyone’s property values whether they use the schools or not. I do not see the harm in exploring this and any other option that arises.
Name: Katherine Brown on Jun 9, 2010Comments: I wish this was being pursued years ago. Merchantville Elementary was a good school when we moved here 20 years ago. I am sad to see its lagging behind over the years. We can no longer afford a school that does not meet the community’s needs. Consolidation with Cherry Hill would be a dream come true.
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Name: Kara Brown on Jun 9, 2010Comments:
Name: Anonymous on Jun 9, 2010Comments:
Name: Anna Marie Fiore on Jun 10, 2010Comments:- 54
Name: Russell T. Mutschler on Jun 10, 2010Comments: A good choice.
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Name: Anthony D. Stagliano on Jun 10, 2010Comments: Excellent idea.
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Name: Doris Hutchison on Jun 10, 2010Comments:
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Name: Mildred DiBattista on Jun 10, 2010Comments: I do not have email. I asked my friend to help me sign this petition through her email.
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Name: Thomas Rounds on Jun 10, 2010Comments: A sound proposal. Beats going to Pennsauken High School where I had to attend since I lived in Merchantville. Even in the late 70’s, PHS was not a good high school.
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Name: Jeremy Shears on Jun 10, 2010Comments:
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Name: Thomas J. Rounds on Jun 10, 2010Comments:
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Name: Richard Fiore on Jun 10, 2010Comments:
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Name: Anonymous on Jun 11, 2010Comments:
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Name: David Antoninich Sr. on Jun 11, 2010Comments:
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Name: Tonya Boyce on Jun 11, 2010Comments:
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Name: Andre Zazzera on Jun 11, 2010Comments: Absolutely!
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Name: Anne Zazzera on Jun 11, 2010Comments:
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Name: Kathleen Zazzera on Jun 11, 2010Comments:
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Name: Susan Lynch on Jun 11, 2010Comments:
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Name: Peter J. Lynch on Jun 11, 2010Comments:
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Name: Kate Morris on Jun 11, 2010Comments:
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Name: Brian Morris on Jun 11, 2010Comments:
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Name: Michael Neumerski on Jun 13, 2010Comments:
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Name: Sally Neumerski on Jun 13, 2010Comments:
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Name: Kristin Kane on Jun 13, 2010Comments:
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Name: John Peakes on Jun 14, 2010Comments:
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Name: Judith Peakes on Jun 14, 2010Comments:
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Name: Richard Fiore on Jun 14, 2010Comments:
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Name: Jeffrey Belz on Jun 14, 2010Comments: It would be a great move. I love this town. However, whether it’s next year or ten years from now, we are going to be forced by the state or circumstances in general to consolidate. I rather have a choice now and consolidate with Chery Hill.
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Name: Tina Belz on Jun 14, 2010Comments:
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Name: Dorothy Foley on Jun 14, 2010Comments:
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Name: Margaret McIntyre on Jun 14, 2010Comments:
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Name: Katherine Lynch on Jun 15, 2010Comments:
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Name: Denise Yarnall on Jun 15, 2010Comments:
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Name: Geraldine Entwistle on Jun 15, 2010Comments:
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Name: Gerdacohn. on Jun 15, 2010Comments:
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Name: NeilSamuels on Jun 15, 2010Comments:
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Name: Donna Weiss-Sontag on Jun 16, 2010Comments: For all the reasons listed- this is long overdue.
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Name: Ian Sontag on Jun 16, 2010Comments:
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Name: Maryann Yonan on Jun 16, 2010Comments:
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Name: Mary D. Kowal on Jun 17, 2010Comments:
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Name: Olga Torres on Jun 18, 2010Comments:
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Name: OTorres on Jun 18, 2010Comments:
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Name: Nadia Maransky on Jun 21, 2010Comments:
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Name: Robert Wetherspoon on Jun 30, 2010Comments: Options like this one need to be explored. Would you rather pick the town you are going to merge with, or would you rather have the State of NJ. pick your partner? Once State aid is removed from towns with small population centers we will be left with no choice but a merger.
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Name: Brian P. Foster on Jul 18, 2010Comments:
- http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/merchantvillecherryhill/
