Together we can fight to protect our children's future!
Leadership is not just about standing at the front of the crowd when the crowds are cheering. It's about standing up when the chips are down and the challenges seem insurmountable. It's about showing strength, courage, and resilience in the face of adversity, and leading by example for others to follow.
It is during these times that true leaders step forward. True leaders are the ones who rally others around a common cause, who inspire hope and resilience in the face of fear and doubt.
As you know, we are facing a staggering 7 million dollar deficit, a financial burden that cannot be ignored. This deficit is not just a school problem - it is a Nutley problem. Our parents are rightfully anxious and scared about the potential cuts to our special needs and general education programs. Our children's education and well-being are at stake, and we must act swiftly and decisively to safeguard their future.
Our special needs children are not mere items on a balance sheet to be moved around at the whim of irresponsible individuals. They deserve so much more than that. Parents are rightfully concerned about the safety and welfare of their children, especially when it comes to trusting them in the care of strangers on a bus or with new para-personnel. The fear and frustration they are experiencing are palpable, and we must alleviate their concerns and ensure the best possible outcomes for their children.
We all chose Nutley because we believed in the promise of better opportunities, services, and quality of life for our children. Seeing our community in turmoil and our children caught in the crossfire of financial mismanagement is heartbreaking. Our children did not choose to be in this position, and they certainly do not deserve to suffer for the mistakes of others.
As leaders of this town, we must come together and find solutions to maintain the quality of education for all our students, especially those who struggle to advocate for themselves. We must approach this challenge strategically and thoughtfully, ensuring that our special needs children and all of our children's programs remain protected.
While we cannot change the past, our actions today and moving forward will shape our children's future. Together, we can overcome this challenge and ensure that our schools continue to provide excellence in education for all our children.
Our residents are looking to us to lead them now! We cannot allow our special needs programs to be cut or changed so drastically as it will have an irreversible effect on our children. We need to find other areas to make up for this gross shortfall.
It is not just a duty but a shared responsibility that we work together to ensure that all community members are cared for and supported, especially in times of need. We must secure the resources necessary to keep our special education programs running strong and to maintain the valuable support staff who prop up our community. We cannot let these vital pillars crumble beneath budgetary constraints.
The ramifications of changing our special education programs are far-reaching and profound. Not only will it affect the quality of education and support services available to our special needs children, but it will also have a detrimental effect on all of our children. The types of classes and resources that will be available to them could be significantly impacted, potentially hindering their academic and personal development.
Moreover, we must recognize that the detrimental effects will not stop there. The ripple effects of these budget cuts could result in layoffs of valuable teachers and support staff, creating even more strain on our already burdened education system. We must not allow for such grave consequences to come to fruition.
That is why I implore all of you to make your voices heard and to actively participate in the upcoming board meetings. It is crucial that we swarm these meetings, demonstrate our unwavering support for our education programs, and make it clear that we will not stand for anything less than the preservation and enhancement of these critical resources. I urge you all to join me in this fight.
So let us not only be united as one when things are going well, but also when the going gets tough. It is easy to point fingers, to assign blame, and to focus only on our own well-being. Let us be leaders who are willing to stand up in the face of adversity, who are unafraid to take on the tough challenges, and who are committed to creating a better future for all, especially our children.
It's easy to plaster signs all over town or boast about accomplishments from years gone by. Leadership is about more than the size of our signs or the length of our resumes. It's about fighting for those who do not have a voice to fight for themselves. It's about our commitment to building a better future for all who call this community home.
"Don't fear change........embrace it!"
My fellow Nutley residents, as we near the election, let's remember to keep an open mind. Let's not be swayed by flashy ads or empty promises. I encourage you to focus on the consistent actions of your candidates. You should demand integrity, accountability, and transparency from those who seek to lead your town!
I believe that we deserve leaders who are deeply committed to Nutley, who have a proven track record of working for the betterment of our community. You need leaders who have shown dedication and transparency in their actions, not just in their words. You must look beyond the surface and examine what each of the candidates have individually done for Nutley.
It's not enough to just talk a good game or make grand promises. You cannot be fooled by those who haven't done anything and suddenly decide to "rebirth" programs from previous Commissioners just to gain votes. You need leaders who have rolled up their sleeves and put in the work to make Nutley a better place for all. Look for those who have a long history of service in our town, who have volunteered their time and effort to make a difference in our community.
I humbly offer myself as a candidate who fits this description. I have been a part of Nutley for many years, working tirelessly to support and be actively involved in various local organizations, coach youth sports, and lend a helping hand to those in need. I am not just a name on a roster - I am someone who is willing to do the hard work to make our town a better place for everyone.
I stand before you today not as a politician seeking re-election, but as a dedicated member of our community who will always stand up for what is right. I challenge the status quo and demand answers when faced with injustice. I refuse to back down when faced with defamation, especially as the only female running in this election.
I believe in, and live my life, practicing inclusivity and diversity. These are not just words to me… they are values that I hold dear and that guide my every action. I do not just talk about supporting our Veterans, I actively work to assist in providing them with the benefits they need, food, clothing, and toys for their children in need. When I say I will do something, it happens!
I am not content to simply be a member of countless organizations on paper. I actively participate and volunteer, working tirelessly to make a difference in our community. I am truly inclusive in all my events, ensuring that everyone has a seat at the table. Some wait to get into office to do these things, but I do them because of my love for Nutley and its residents! Imagine what we can do, once I have a seat at the Commissioner's table!
I have a vision for Nutley, a vision of a bright, inclusive, and prosperous future for all. But to achieve this vision, we must rise above the noise and focus on what truly matters - the well-being and success of our community. We must come together with determination, unity, and purpose to build a future for Nutley that we can all be proud of. It’s time for change!
So, as we move forward in selecting our Commissioners, let's remember to look beyond the glitz and glamor. Let's seek out candidates who have a true heart for Nutley, who have a proven record of making a difference in our community…not just because it's an election year! Let's demand the best for Nutley and come together to choose leaders who will truly put our town first.
So, I ask you, my fellow residents of Nutley, to stand with me in this fight. Let us not fear change, rather embrace it! Let us pave the way for a better tomorrow, one where everyone has a voice and a seat at the table! Let us work together to build a community that we can all be proud of. Let us make Nutley a shining example of inclusivity, diversity and prosperity for all of our residents.
Together, we can achieve great things. Together, we can build a future that is bright, inclusive, and prosperous for all. Together, we can make Nutley a place we are all proud to call home for many years to come… and YOU can help make that change with your vote for Maria Hamlin on May 14th!
Crossroads
Fellow residents of Nutley,
We stand at a crossroads in our township. The decisions we make today will shape the future for generations to come. It is imperative that we have leaders we can trust, leaders who value integrity and transparency, leaders who are unafraid to make tough choices in the face of adversity.
We are facing challenges that threaten the very fabric of our community. High taxes and how those dollars are being spent, will continue to drive families out of our township, will increase the overcrowding of our schools, and erode the sense of belonging that multiple generations have cherished for years. We cannot afford to sit idly by as Nutley loses its soul.
I stand before you today as a candidate for commissioner because I believe that change is needed. I have witnessed firsthand the complexities of the challenges we face, and I lead with courage, integrity, and unwavering principles. I am not afraid to disrupt the status quo, to challenge norms that hold us back, and to make tough decisions for the greater good of our community.
I understand that leadership is not about popularity, but about effectiveness. I am committed to prioritizing the needs of Nutley and its residents above all else! I will always stand firm in the face of adversity, even if it means standing alone.
So, my fellow residents, I urge you to join me in this journey. Together, we can change the status quo and create a new legacy of innovation, progress, and unity. Together, we can pave the way for a better tomorrow.
Together, we can create a township that we can be proud of, a township that we can all call home for many years to come.
Integrity, Leadership, Transparency, Accountability – these are the values that I hold dear and that I will uphold as your commissioner. Please join me on this journey.
I humbly ask for your support, your trust, and your vote in the upcoming election on May 14, 2024.
For more information, please follow me on Facebook and Instagram. Together, We Can make a difference.
"Change nothing, nothing changes"
Fellow residents of Nutley, I write to you today not just as Maria Hamlin, a candidate for Nutley Commissioner. I also write to you as a United States Air Force Veteran, mother, retired Nutley Law Enforcement officer, and a Nutley resident, who truly cares about the future of our community. I bring a new perspective, shaped by many and various experiences and a deep understanding of the importance of embracing diversity in all its forms!
We live in a community that is constantly changing and evolving, and yet our board of commissioners remains unchanged. It is time for us to embrace a new voice, a new perspective; someone who will bring forth new ideas. We cannot expect progress if we continue to uphold the status quo, and if we continue to only listen to the same voices and the same ideas. As the saying goes, "change nothing, nothing changes." If we continue on this path, we will repeat the same mistakes and face the same challenges over and over again.
Diversity is not just a buzzword, it is the key to unlocking innovation, creativity, and progress. When we bring together individuals from different backgrounds, with different experiences and viewpoints, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities. We must not fear change, but rather welcome it with open minds and open hearts.
I urge each and every one of you to look beyond the familiar faces and the comfortable ideas that have dominated our discussions for too long. It is time for us to welcome a new face, a new perspective, and a new way of thinking. It is time for us to come together, united in our goal of creating a brighter and more inclusive future for Nutley.
That is why I humbly ask for your support, for your trust, and for your vote in the upcoming election on May 14th! Together, we can ensure that our board of commissioners truly reflects the rich tapestry of our community. Together, we can make decisions that are informed by a wide range of perspectives and experiences. Together, we can bring about positive change in Nutley. Together, we can shape the future of Nutley and create a community that we can all be proud of.
Please join me on this journey and Together We Can make a difference.
For more information follow me on Facebook and Instagram
Together We Can
"Together We Can"
Over the past few weeks, I've had the privilege of speaking with many of you and listening to your thoughts, ideas, and concerns.
And let me tell you, the passion and value within our community is truly inspiring. You all want change. You want improvement. You want a fresh perspective and vision for our township.
Our residents and business owners seek more than just personal accomplishments from their representatives. You are looking for steadfast dedication to serving your needs. You want to know that your voices are heard, concerns are addressed, and a political agenda does not simply drive their representatives.
It is imperative that we, as the leaders of this community, truly listen to our people. We must work together with a sense of common purpose and shared vision for the betterment of our town. We must remember that we work for our residents at the end of the day. Your opinions, your desires, your needs - these are what truly matter!
Let us strive to be the kind of leaders who are not just here to push our agendas but instead push YOUR agenda! Let us be the kind of leaders who are genuinely concerned about the well-being and progress of our community. Let us be the kind of leaders who listen, hear, understand, and act with our residents' best interests at heart.
Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can create a community that thrives on the shared values of unity, progress, and compassion. And together, we can ensure that our residents feel empowered, valued, and respected.
If you are looking for a leader who will work to address your concerns and who will lead with passion, dedication, and a commitment to building a better future for our township, look towards Maria Hamlin.
I want to hear from you!
Please complete this anonymous survey by clicking this link.
"Together We Can" Nutley Survey (mariahamlinfornutleycommissioner.com)
If you prefer, you can print it out and mail it to:
Committee to elect Maria Hamlin
PO Box 689
Nutley, NJ 07110