Welcome back from the slower and hotter days of summer. It has been an eventful summer with progress toward the reopening of the community center, in addition to the township working to meet affordable housing obligations. One can also throw into the mix the usual noise and sometimes nastiness that can be found on township-focused social media platforms. On a more political side, there were reorganizations of both municipal and county party committees and fundraisers as candidates and party members prepare for the November election.
It is also a time for me to spend time with family and friends. Typically, the resident-led advisory committees take time off during the summer. With the municipal budget having been adopted in the spring, much of the necessary, time-sensitive work of council has been accomplished. That is not to say that during the summer there is nothing for council to work on.
In addition to our affordable housing obligations, there is the business of the municipality to accomplish. We enter into contracts with outside entities that help the township achieve the plans and goals that the township departments now have funding for. If you look at council’s agendas, you will find the sections that contain the awarding or rejection of bids, as well as multiple resolutions for professional services.
As an example, it is easy for someone to say, “You’ve just received $1 million. Reopen the community center.” As an architect, I know too well that contracts for design work need to be agreed to and signed, drawings need to be approved by the building department, and the project then needs to go out for bid before a contractor can be awarded the work. All that work needs to happen before a single shovel or hammer is lifted.
Each one of those steps has a corresponding governmental action associated with it. One of the core missions of municipal government is to provide for the health, safety and welfare of the people who live in and visit our community. We do that by ensuring that the proper rules and regulations are followed. Many township staff members have certifications from the state to ensure that they follow best practices for their roles. In addition, Lawrence Township is fortunate to have department heads who understand both the township and how to lead their staff to provide top-level services to residents and businesses.
Over my nearly 11 years of service on Township Council, I have found municipal staff to be a great partner in keeping Lawrence a wonderful place. From addressing residents’ issues and questions to being a collaborative partner when thinking about bigger policy issues, our township staff is dedicated to their jobs and to the greater community. Just search for the property tax tables provided by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. You can download an interactive spreadsheet that shows our municipal taxes and how they compare with the state and county.
I am proud of the fact that Lawrence Township delivers great services with a reasonable tax rate. It all starts with municipal staff and Township Council following the rules and regulations of the township, the state and the federal government. I am always disappointed when staff is unfairly called corrupt or worse by township residents.
We are all trying to do our best for the township and its residents. I am sure I have said it in almost every column, but I will say it again. In a community of 33,000 residents, one cannot make a decision that makes 100% of the township happy. Where I believe the sweet spot for municipal government lies is to be consistent in expectations and execution of services. When you look at our township code, it is very clear about how and when residents set out brush and leaves for curbside pickup. Our engineering, fire, health and building departments are consistent with their inspections. I have heard from business owners that township staff are tough but fair. That is a compliment to our employees and their professionalism.
As a friend once told me, the best municipal governments are the boring ones. I look forward to a boring fall. Wishing everyone a great fall.
