Blackwood, NJ – Today, "Bring Change to Gloucester Township" candidates Dan Hutchison and Frank Schmidt announced plans to save taxpayer dollars, while preserving Gloucester Township's annual fireworks display. Hutchison and Schmidt, along with fellow "Bring Change" candidates Dave Mayer and Michelle Gentek, started a working group dedicated to raising private donations to fund the annual fireworks display at Gloucester Township Day.
"Everyone loves coming together for the annual Gloucester Township Day fireworks show, but when times are tight, we have to find ways to cut spending and save taxpayer dollars," said Hutchison. "As Frank and I looked over the municipal budget, we wanted to find ways to preserve this great feature while cutting the $7,000 we spend for fireworks."
Schmidt added, "Neighbors from across the Township want us to find ways to cut everything we can from our budget. At the same time, they want to preserve the quality of life that makes Gloucester Township such a great place to raise a family. If we come together as a community, we can find private donors who will support the fireworks show that we all enjoy so much."
Hutchison and Schmidt announced the initiative to find local financial support for annual fireworks show and called on community leaders to help in the e ffort. Schmidt added that they will regularly update Township Council on the status of fundraising efforts and will issue a report prior to the event detailing how much money was raised and who donated to the fund.
"In tough financial times, we need elected leaders who think outside of the box to come up with effective solutions to community concerns. I am proud to join in this effort and have every expectation that we will find the support needed to keep our fireworks without adding to the growing tax burden," said Mayoral Candidate Mayer.