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
Every Saturday on its editorial page, 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 dedication to public service. Salem County Freeholder Director Julie Acton's sudden resignation on Dec. 9 shocked many. She had been appointed to the board to fill a vacant seat in 2007. At the time she was the lone Republican member. As the political balance shifted in the county Republicans took control of the board and she was named the first female director in county history. Over the years Acton became the face of Salem County. She never missed a public event and was always dedicated to her job. And it wasn't always easy. Acton, was re-elected in November but felt that the public's vote to reduce the freeholder board from seven to five members effectively voided her three-year term. Acton says she has other prospects and looks forward to time with her family -- especially her grandchildren. We wish her well.
JEERS: To delaying the inevitable. Mount Ephraim South is in the same situation it was more than a year ago when Camden City tried to secure millions in federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds to support revitalization of the entire neighborhood. No dice, the feds said in late 2015. After leaning from their mistakes, Camden Mayor Dana Redd said Tuesday, Camden City received a little more than $13 million from HUD to help foot the bill for massive construction in the area. We understand that these implementation grants are competitive, but would like to think Camden had proven its case in years past while the business influx convinced HUD that things were starting to turn around there. Better late than never, we suppose, but tell that to the residents of the Branch Village apartment complex who watched open air drug deals plague the place they call home.
CHEERS: To help that's on the way. Advanced Recovery Systems LLC sought a site in Cherry Hill and, after much disagreement on where to go and how much to pay, have found a home in the former Baker Lanes site off Cuthbert Boulevard. While some residents objected to the behavioral treatment center looking into a former Masonic lodge in a residential area -- fears we feel were totally unfounded by the way -- we're happy to see that the company and township were able to work out an agreement after all. The need for facilities such as these aren't going away -- something the company hinted at in internal memos obtained by NJ Advance Media. Their suggestive wording left a bad taste in our mouth, but we agreed with the general premise. Best of luck to Advanced Recovery Systems and even better wishes to those brave enough to walk through those doors one day.
JEERS: To a guy who allegedly broke into homes in foreclosure and leased them to unwitting renters. Raymond Erving, 41, of Camden, is accused of doing just that in several towns around South Jersey. He was indicted recently in a Woodbury case and was charged with similar offenses in Monroe Township. He allegedly collected rent from his victims, and the scheme wasn't uncovered until police received calls about squatters living in vacant homes. When officers investigated, the occupants showed them the bogus lease agreements. For families that fell for the scheme, they are left in uncertain territory, never knowing when they could face eviction. If you plan to lease, check out the ownership status of a property and make sure you are dealing with a legitimate agent. The foreclosure crisis in our nation has created another opportunity for crooks to thrive. Don't fall for it.
CHEERS: To the Mannino family for its hard work in running a family business in West Deptford. Their business, Amore's Pizza, was robbed at gunpoint recently and Bianca Mannino is undergoing surgery to repair her ankle after she jumped on the fleeing getaway car. While we don't endorse jumping on moving vehicles occupied by robbers with guns, we can understand the anger and frustration that must have prompted this act. No one should have to face this kind of terror when all they are trying to do is earn a living working an honest job. Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to contact West Deptford Police Investigator Frank Mullin at 856-853-4599.
JEERS: To the loss of a church. It was Sunday night when a truck ran off Route 77 and barreled through the walls of the Wells of Salvation God The Father Church in the village of Deerfield. The church sanctuary came down as did the roof from the impact of the crash. The U.S. Post Office next door was also damaged and remains temporarily closed. But there is good news in this tragic story. There was no one in the building at the time of the crash. There were no injuries reported, even to those whose vehicles were involved, police said. With the Christmas season upon us, it's one reason to give thanks.
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