At the recent Civic Association Debate, the candidates for commissioner were asked whether they would accept a salary (about $5,500) if elected. Three candidates responded that they would not accept the salary. Two candidates responded that they would accept the salary to help defray expenses associated with attending the many events required by the position. Ed Borden has taken a different approach to the salary question ever since he was first elected eight years ago.
Ed has accepted the small salary but has given every cent back to Haddonfield non-profit and volunteer organizations in the form of donations. Ed believes that the value of each dollar is multiplied when put to use in the volunteer network. Ed’s website includes a list of many of the Haddonfield organizations to which he has contributed his salary during his term as commissioner.
I have been involved with several groups that have received a helping hand from Ed. His support made the first day of class a little less scary by providing ice cream for a back-to-school social. HMHS senior scholarship winners had their meals sponsored at a town dinner, and his donation helped give Cub Scouts the materials needed to earn a patch. These donations were small in dollars, but their impact on our children is life long.
Ed understands how important the volunteer spirit is to Haddonfield. Through his donations and his service on the Municipal Alliance, several PTAs, the Haddonfield Foundation and many other organizations, Ed has shown a true understanding of what makes Haddonfield the special place where I want to live. I will be voting for Ed on May 14, and I urge you to do the same.
David Siedell
