Crossing the Chasm

Lately there has been a lot of talk, political pandering and misinformation about the recent proposal to Outsource the Crossing Guards in South Orange. It is clear this is a very sensitive and complex issue with a lot of emotion involved. In light of ongoing negotiations, it is important to limit some commentary. However, it is also important to ensure that FACTS are being discussed. Many of the following points were made by Village President Newman at Monday's Board of Trustees Meeting and are worth noting:

1. No final decision has yet been reached by the Board of Trustees on how to proceed on this issue

2. IF Outsourcing were to proceed, the same 22 Crossing Guard posts that exist today would continue to exist

3. IF Outsourcing were to proceed, the current Crossing Guards would absolutely have the ability to apply for the jobs, and the Outsourcer would be required to give them consideration.

4. IF Outsourcing were to proceed, it would be with the terms outlined in the RFP issued earlier this year, which includes provisions for background checks, testing the physical ability of the crossing guards (which does NOT happen today) and having Police Officers provide backup (which IS done today) when a Crossing Guard is absent.

5. Currently, the Crossing Guards are part-time employees, working an average of 3.7 hours per day for 180 days per year. These PART-TIME positions are paid a generous hourly wage PLUS fully-paid Healthcare, fully-paid Pensions, paid Vacation days, paid Holidays and paid Sick days. This compensation is simply unsustainable

6. The safety of our residents and our children is of utmost importance to the Board of Trustees

At Monday's Board of Trustees Meeting, some opponents of Outsourcing tried to use fear as an argument against this proposal. Everyone is sensitive to the fact that we are talking about people's jobs. However, using fear is just wrong. This is an issue that can and should be thoroughly debated by a discussion of facts. Spreading misinformation on one side or grandstanding for political gain on the other side simply divides a community instead of trying to productively work together towards a fair solution.

The budget process has been long and painful, but unfortunately a thorough examination of every budget line item was long overdue and we are having to make difficult decisions across many departments, even though it would simply be so much easier to maintain the status quo. However, that was not what we were elected to do. We were elected to do things differently and look at things from a different perspective. I am convinced that if the Crossing Guards are as passionate about their jobs and our children as they emphatically stated Monday night that an equitable solution can be found. I am cautiously optimistic that the ongoing negotiations can be productive. As we were told Monday night by a representative for the Crossing Guards "it's not about the money, they care about the kids". I hope that actions follow those words.