Could Senatorial Candidate Handle Role of Both Superintendent and State Legislator – and is it Double Dipping to Collect Two Public Paychecks?

Dear Editor:

I have to question the candidacy of Richard Tomko to the State Senate.  Mr. Tomko, who is a public school superintendent, has never been asked so therefore has never answered one basic question.  How can you be a full-time superintendent of a public school district and still adequately perform the duties of a state legislator?  Both jobs require extensive time commitments if one is to do them effectively so I don’t understand how Mr. Tomko will be able to balance the responsibilities of both.  I think the answer is self-evident, his performance would be lacking.

This actually leads to another point.  If Mr. Tomko is successful in his campaign for public office, he will then start collecting two public paychecks.  By most people’s definition, that would be considered double dipping at the taxpayers’ expense.

Additionally, concerning the dual positions, whose interests will Mr. Tomko be looking out for when issues like school funding arise, the Elmood Park school district in Bergen County where he is the superintendent or the school districts located in Sussex County and the rest of District 24.  Our local area is shortchanged by the present school funding formula and our incumbent legislators are fighting for a fairer formula to benefit our area schools.  Mr. Tomko cannot serve two masters so I also have to question where his true commitment would lie.

Finally, Mr. Tomko asks people to look beyond party to the person.  I trust most voters do.  And in this election I will be voting for both the persons and the party.  Senator Steve Oroho is a diligent legislator who is very accessible and fights effectively for our district. I can always trust he has the backs of us, the taxpayers.  I also know that he will continue to work hard along side of Governor Chris Christie to keep our state moving forward.

Mr. Tomko, a Democrat, thinks it’s time for a change.  Let’s not forget the severe job losses, numerous tax hikes, and failed government under the Corzine Democrats.  Under the leadership of Governor Christie and with the help of like-minded legislators like Senator Oroho, Assemblywoman McHose and Assemblyman Space, we are coming back.  We are growing jobs, producing balanced budgets with no tax hikes, and making government more responsive to the taxpayer.  That’s what I’ll be remembering when I go into the ballot booth and vote Republican, not just because of party, but because of the people who effectively carry the banner of being our area’s taxpayers’ team.

Sincerely,

Ann Kievit

Hardyston Township

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