Last evening, I attended the council/board meeting to discuss the defeated budget. What I observed was a joint effort of the governing body and the board to act in a manner that was impressive toward the well-being of children in Stanhope. The budget was not cut but there were strong and logical recommendations for conservative spending that will assist in future financial considerations. There was strong leadership of the council displayed by Mayor Kuncken and a deep understandinjg of the financial state of the school district by council members. Dr. Ferrone and I will formulate initiatives that are designed to meet the recommendations of the council and board of education and will are thankful that no programs or staff members were negatively affected by the action that took place. Art DiBenedetto