To the Editor: A proposal by the school board was made that the township receive full ownership of the Wallish property in exchange for making repairs to Hillcrest School. Nolan and Warden asked “What’s it going to cost?” It’s the right question, but at the wrong time. If you look at the Board of Education’s proposal as an arms length business deal, it’s great for the school board and gosh awful for the town council. The town council gets all the headaches and all the expense of both the Wallish Properties and Hillcrest School, The school board gives up properties they don’t want or can’t use, but if in the future they need Hillcrest School they can take it back. I’d like to hire the author of this proposal to work for me. But its not an arms length deal, the repairs have to be made regardless. No matter who pays it all still comes from the taxpayer’s pocket. Personally I support the proposal because the town council is far better equipped to make the repairs than the school board and thus at less expense. We have personnel who are familiar with construction such as building and heath departments, but also engineers and road department that can do some of the work in house. There is another reason the town council can do the job at less cost to the taxpayers, the personality of some of the town council members. Nolan and Warden in my opinion are genuinely concerned about taxes. The majority of the town council are genuinely committed to cutting spending, but Nolan and Warden have a certain grit and edge to them that helps keep that goal on track. I think it often makes them ill to preside over the high cost of government. Once the town council agrees to the school board proposal then Nolan and Warden can ask the right question “What’s it going to cost?” Because of all the rules and regulations of government I’m sure the answer will make both of these gentlemen very, very ill. Good and if they lose a few nights sleep over it even better. I want the costs to make them so sick that they are open to alternative remedies of “government as usual”. The remedies I believe lie within the personalities of Carman Scangarello and Joe Smolinski. Before and during their tenure on the town council they have taken on projects in the township with volunteers, not taxpayers funds. Simply, let’s repair these buildings with volunteers and if we do it with volunteers rather than look for the cheapest way because of the tax implications, we can look for the best way making these buildings even better constructed than before. Can we do it? Of course we can. The taxpayers of West Milford are united in their frustration over our tax situation. They will want something done, but no one is offering a clear solution and we merely complain about each other. We have many in construction work who are taxpayers who are just as frustrated as anyone about the taxes. They would welcome the opportunity to assist with their skill to help keep taxes down. Others not in the construction field would also be willing to help. (Hey, I can carry shingles or push a wheel barrel.) Carman Scangarello and Joe Smolinski have already greased the wheels of volunteer projects. Psychologically they are prepared to take us to the next step, repairs of the Wallish and Hillcrest properties. I’m confident they can lead us to the success of this project, but w