A Letter To The Editor

As I was reading the article, School Board Elections In Berkeley Anything But Non-Partisan, I found this part of your article extremely interesting: "The treasurer for the CTE John, Stephen & Edward is Noriko Kowalewski, who is a member of the Berkeley Township school board. Kowalewski was also given a job in the township recreation department after she was elected."

As treasurer, Mrs. Kowalewski also paid to have at least two full-page color advertisements in the Berkeley Times for my opponents.  During the campaign, I went into Berkeley Township’s Recreation Center where Mrs. Kowalewski works to look for my interview that was in Chris Lundy’s featured election issue in the Berkeley Times. 

When I arrived at the Recreation Center, I found the Berkeley Times folded, hanging on the wall, displaying my opponents’ full page color advertisement as shown.

The picture displayed was in Berkeley Township’s Recreation Center, next to the town employee who paid for the advertisement as treasurer for this "Non-Partisan" election.  This picture was taken right outside of Mrs. Kowalewski's office door.

I corrected the problem myself, returned the next day, and found the paper folded again and on display for a second time similar to the picture.  The second time, I confronted Mrs. Kowalewski who just happened to walk by at that very moment.

She said "I have no idea how that could have happened."

Curious?!   I asked to speak to a supervisor onsite.  Tim Yurcisin came out in response to my request.  I explained that it is a conflict of interest with Mrs. Kowalewski having that advertisement on display, just outside of her office.

Mr. Yurcisin stated, "Perhaps the Berkeley Times folded it that way?"  I sincerely doubt that the Berkeley Times dispatched someone twice to refold the paper in order, to display my opponents’ advertisement in this manner.

Mr. Yurcison did correct the problem on day two, and I do appreciate his efforts to take action and remove the bias display.

I believe this photograph demonstrates a negative mindset, in which exhibits how some individuals have to maintain control over the school boards in Berkeley Township at all costs.

We need to omit this type of negative mindset out of our school boards completely.  As a lifelong resident, parent and successful product of this school system; I have every intention of continuing to challenge the establishment to ensure that Berkeley Township school boards practice a “non-partisan” approach.

Sincerely,