CNBNews

Dear Mr. Cleary and Residents of Gloucester City,
   

I am writing this letter in response to last week's letter written by a fellow board member.  There were some inaccuracies, which I would like to clarify.

I was appointed to the Gloucester City Board of Health earlier in the year.  In response to several complaints I received regarding the Almost Home Animal Shelter in Pennsauken, I went to investigate.  Being that this shelter receives an annual stipend from the city of Gloucester City for services as the designated recipient of stray and abused animals.  I felt it was my duty, as a member of the Board, to ensure that our tax dollars are being spent effectively.
    

Unfortunately, my enthusiasm for being involved and helping to improve our city has been misconstrued.  I have never claimed to be the spokesperson for the Gloucester City Board of Health.  Although the Board did not request that I investigate allegations about the shelter, our mayor and council were fully aware of my intent to personally follow-through on said complaints.
 

As a young person who is new in politics I want to do the best job that I can as a member of the Board of Health.  That includes investigating and looking into issues that the Board of Health can possibly address to help Gloucester City.
    

The Board of Health meets every 60 days; therefore it is often difficult to address issues in a timely manner. I apologize for being zealous in my investigation of the use of our city's tax dollars, and for being overly anxious in my pursuit of solutions to some of our city's problems.


Sincerely,

John P. Schmidt, Member
Gloucester City Board of Health