it's A hard knock life for us

It's A hard knock life for us

By Joe Renna

In 1919 the seven Gallo brothers were orphaned. What was amazing is how they didn't get caught in a spiral of despair. Not only did the parentless children overcome their dire situation but they flourished and their children excelled.

Fate dealt them a losing hand and yet they prevailed. Considering that the family went through the Great Depression it would seem that the cards were stacked against them. So how did they prevail when most indigent families today can't seem to break the cycle of poverty?

The only conclusion is that the Gallos are a product of a community who's value system would not allow the least of their brothers to despair. It is a community where family values trump every suit, where the church is part of each home. The Peterstown Community is such that no one is alone. It is a blessing to have grown up in such a community. The tradition of helping others and unselfish generosity is still alive.

What happens to those who are not fortunate to be part of a support system? The individuals that are alone, with no one to turn to, no family, who played their last card and have no chips to cash in?

Historically religious and social service organizations have taken the responsibility of caring for the poor. It is not the optimal method of doing it and they can never meet the demand. In a perfect society the government should ensure that the people's basic needs are met. For 21 municipalities that responsibility lies with the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. They have the authority as elected representatives to do what's best for the people and they are guaranteed the resources necessary to do so.

The abundance of poverty is the lack of government performing their duty. A breach of the public's trust. Nowhere is this more evident than in Union County government. The latest malignity was the cancellation of a $20,000 annual grant the county gave to St. Joseph's Social Service Center for their Prescription Assistance Program.

The program fills prescriptions for people who have no insurance which covers medication and have no other means of getting a prescription filled. Chronic illnesses are top priority. Medicines for heart disease, diabetes and asthma are commonly dispensed. Also, patients on medicare or social security, who may wait up to a year for their coverage to kick in, can be covered by this program during that period.

Though the annual county grant only lasted half a year it was vital to the existence of the program. St. Joseph's can actually use four times the amount. St. Joseph's uses funds from its other programs to fulfill the prescription commitments. The program can literally mean the difference between life and death.

This year the county changed the criteria for who gets the grant money. It seems that out of the 50 programs identified, prescriptions was not on the list. What is on the list are descriptions of programs which would give the funds to organizations run by the familiar names associated with political players in the county.

It is one thing for government to neglect a social ill but it is horrible when it causes the afflictions. Critics of the county, including this writer, claim Union County government is systematically eroding the human service programs that are one of the main reasons for the need for county government. Union County residents are suffering from four property tax increases over the last four years and a cut back in services.

The county budget for 2004 will climb to over $360 million. Consider that the county spends about $20,000 on donuts for their administrative meetings. The way the county sucks the people of their money and dignity is inexcusable. The way they deprive them of essential services is immoral.

The Freeholder's tag line is "Where Connected to You". It seems that they are connected only to themselves and unless you have a connection to them then your out of luck.

The county spent over $1 Billion over the past three years. What do they have to show for it? Are they connected to you? They certainly aren't connected to St. Joseph's and the people they service.

Freeholders are up for reelection every year so voters can make a difference and stop this cycle of abuse and in turn help stop the cycle of poverty. It takes some effort to unseat the powers that be. It's a fight worth fighting