WELCOME AND THANKS

          With special thanks and gratitude we welcome all of you who have taken time from their New Year's Day celebration to join us.  Our tradition of a New Year's reorganization is meaningful to us.  It represents our desire to start afresh with the New Year the business of improving our community.  It symbolizes that our community and our neighbors are to be cherished and celebrated in a spirit of holiday and friendship.

          Every political speech ought to begin with recognition of those present, but today, as we acknowledge our honored guests, let us take a moment to appreciate the role they play in our lives and the lives of our community.   And in so doing, let us renew our understanding and appreciation that we have been graced by Providence to live in a time and place where the ability to control our personal and communal destiny lies within our hands.  Let each of us acknowledge that the personal freedom and self-determination that we take for granted – the very ability to come together as residents and neighbors in this community gathering place and make decisions that forge the character of our Township – has been, and remains, but a dream for generations of human souls and spirits.  It is ours because founding fathers dared acknowledge that there exist unalienable rights of liberty and self-determination.  The high cost of that liberty, the purchase price of our ability to sit as your elected officials and of your right to sit here as participants in democracy, has been the blood of patriots and the sacrifice of families.  From our Revolution, our Civil War, the horrible wars of the last century, to the continuing Civil Rights movement, patriots have sacrificed themselves and those they love for the cause of our freedom.  And on this first day of the 232d year of our nation's existence, the patriotic  children, brothers, sisters, fathers and mothers that comprise our armed services are bravely engaged in  two wars on our behalf in harsh, oppressive circumstances.  And these heroes of our nation have done these things, and do them now, so that we may safely gather in this community meeting hall.  Free men and women come together to govern ourselves, as is our right, and our obligation by virtue of the sacrifices laid down on our behalf.

          We are truly honored that Congressman Rush Holt is with us.  Congressman Holt exemplifies the highest standards of democratic representation.  He is accessible to his constituents and he is right  on the issues.
          Our honorable and able representatives to the State, Senator Robert Smith and Assemblyman Upenda Chivukula, who keep watch over the interests of North Brunswick not only on New Year's Day, but throughout the year, are with us, and we are honored by their presence.

          A community has no more important a job than education of our children, nor does it have a more thankless job than service on the Board of Education.  We thank all the members of the Board, some of whom are with us today (President Clair Padovano, Vice-President Neil Malvone, members Connie Corbin, Mary Chyb, Richard Liguori, and David Higham).  We are also honored by the presence of School's Superintendent Brian Zychowski.

          It remains remarkable in 2008 that there live among us men and women who volunteer, train, raise funds, and sacrifice their personal time, just so they can answer the fire, first aid, and rescue calls of our Township.  To these men and women, our Township, and every resident owes a great debt.  Today, the North Brunswick Fire Department, consisting of Fire Companies One, Two and Three are represented by Chiefs Genito, Slattery, Masters and Lettieri. The First Aid and Rescue Squad is represented by Ms. Linda Warhoftig.   The financial support that the Township can provide to the Fire Companies and to the First Aid and Rescue Squad is limited by law.  But every citizen and every business should realize that the donations these volunteers ask of us is only a fraction of what the Township would have to levy in taxes to provide these services.  We are indebted and grateful to these men and women, who give so much of themselves to our community.  They deserve our moral and financial support.

          Critical decisions, recommendations and guidance are provided to the Governing Body and myself from the Township's various boards and committees.  The decisions of the Planning and Zoning Boards literally shape the face and future of our Township.  The work of the various committees impacts the lives we lead.  We are grateful to all members of the Boards and committees who serve.  (Acknowledge Chairmen/members present).

          It is with a true sense of gratefulness and not a small amount of awe that  that I acknowledge and thank our Township's dedicated and skilled Directors and staff for “making” this Township work.   “Professionalism” and “Dedication” are the first words that come to mind to describe these extraordinary people, but they barely scratch the surface.  As taxpayers, we benefit not only from their talents, but also from their ethics, their responsiveness to taxpayer concerns, their willingness to go the extra mile on every occasion, and their unrelenting determination to make North Brunswick the best Township it can possibly be.

COMBINATION OF THE STATE OF THE TOWNSHIP AND INAUGURAL

          The “State of the Township” address should be a concise statement of where our municipality stands today, while an inaugural address should be a statement of vision of where we are going.  Nonetheless, to save counsel, directors, and staff the agony of sitting through two of my speeches, I will combine them this afternoon.

STATE OF THE TOWNSHIP

          This is not the easiest time to be a Township in the State of New Jersey.  It isn't just that the taxes are too high at all levels, although they are, but it is also the inability to see yet the light at the end of the tunnel of financial difficulty that leaves residents and officials alike in a state of frustration.  That said, North Brunswick Township is financially strong and through the foresight of the council and our Administrator, Robert Lombard, is embarked on a clearly defined path to maintain financial stability while continuing to provide services and improving quality of life. 

          It has always struck me that - in theory - a “state of the government speech” is intended to act almost as an audit, with the official charged with giving the speech providing a recitation of the positive and negative sides of the 'balance sheet'.  Of course, this is never the case.  All too often, a “state of” speech is an opportunity for horn tooting, excuse making, or some combination of the two.   And, truth be told, far be it from me to break the mold entirely.  Some 'horn tooting' is justified today.  No, not the horn of the Mayor, nor the horns of the Council alone, but the unified horns of Township residents working together for stability and success.

          Indications of financial stability are seen in our Township's surplus, which has increased, even as we have been called upon to take funds for unforeseeable circumstances. Our bond ratings remain strong and attractive to investors.  The council has again made good on its goal of keeping any Township tax increase at or near the rate of inflation. 

          2007 was a banner year for economic growth and improvement in North Brunswick.  During the year, L'Oreal and the New Jersey Economic Development Corporation announced plans to construct a world class research and development facility on Route 1, near DeVry Institute.  This facility will infuse dollars and vitality into our Township's economy and further solidify our place as a prime location for high-end “smart industry” investment.  The L'Oreal facility will bring the best of all worlds: with minimal traffic impact, an attractive high-visibility facility, and significant increase in our non-residential revenues.  L'Oreal's world reputation for excellence and good corporate citizenship will enhance North Brunswick's reputation in the region and increase property values at home. 

          The Shoppes at North Brunswick has brought new, highly-visible, upscale shopping and dining to our Township and reflects that standard of quality and appropriateness we expect of all new improvements along our major corridors.

          Late in 2007 New Jersey Transit Corporation publically and openly announced its desire that the former Johnson and Johnson property be considered for a major rail and transportation station.  This is a major step forward in the Township's exploration of a major transit village at the Johnson and Johnson Property.  Creating a positive atmosphere for exploration of an environmentally and economically responsible transit village based on smart-growth principles has been a major initiative of the Township. And because the public interest in the transit village has been so strong, and because the process is long and arduous, it is worth taking a moment to review where we stand. 

             The former Johnson and Johnson Property has been purchased by a private owner who has expressed an interest in developing a transit village.  The developer has held a series of public meetings to obtain public 'input' on the project, and has provided the Township plans and studies addressing the feasibility of a smart-growth transit village.  Our Planning Board, the entity charged with controlling and directing 'big-picture' growth in the Township is now engaged in “due diligence” review of the proposals and is hiring consultants to review and double check the concept plans and studies on behalf of the Township.   This is, and must be, an un-rushed deliberate process. 

          As I mentioned before, New Jersey Transit has indicated that the Johnson and Johnson site in North Brunswick is a viable and desirable location for a train station.  With all of these things falling into place, it may seem to some observers that the residents of North Brunswick will eventually have the opportunity to approve and accept a transit village.  Such an assumption would be very wrong.  Significant infrastructure  improvement, mostly in our roadways, will be required before a transit village can come to fruition.  Route 1 must be improved to ensure steady traffic flow.   An appropriate connection between Route 130 and Route 1 must be identified, funded and constructed.  The already inadequate interchange at Cozzens Lane/Adams Station and Route 1, as well as the Finnigans Lane/Route 1 interchange must receive major reconstruction and overhaul.  All of these projects will require major financial participation from the State of New Jersey, which is in budgetary crisis.

          If North Brunswick wants to the opportunity to host a transit village, it is our task to convince the Governor, the Legislature and all appropriate state agencies that we are willing to 'step to the plate' for economically responsible, region based smart-growth planning.    Details of design, density, and internal development will all be the subject of much open and public discussion when and if the transit village proposal is brought before our Planning Board.  However, for us to even have the opportunity to have that discussion, we must demonstrate unity of purpose and demand that Trenton apply the principles of smart-growth it has espoused and lend financial support  North Brunswick's  willingness to assume it's position as regional transportation leader.

          Controlling development remains a major concern of your Governing Body and this administration.  It would be nice if signs marking our boundaries could read, “Welcome to North Brunswick – The Sprawl Stops Here”.  They can't, of course.  But what you can be sure, when you pass a “Welcome to North Brunswick” sign, is that this is a Township with a Mayor and Governing Body who believe they were elected to use all tools legally and ethically available to direct, and control and, where appropriate, limit new development.  We retain the unflinching confidence that the men and women appointed to serve on North Brunswick's Planning and Zoning Boards will ever be guided solely and exclusively by the Township's best interests.   Any developer seeking to impose plans contrary to the best interests of the Township as a whole will find that North Brunswick's Boards, Council, Administration and, most importantly, residents will tenaciously and vigorously oppose such development, using every available legal too available.

          Growth, both good and bad, occurs not only in “new construction”, but also in changes to existing neighborhoods.  In 2007 “Quality of Life” in our neighborhoods remains an important initiative.  “Quality of Life” means that residents in every neighborhood in our Township are entitled to an environment where their neighbors adhere to the codes and standards we have adopted as a community over the years.  Such codes enhance the aesthetics, and thus the value, of a neighborhood.  More importantly, they establish minimal standards for safety and health.  During 2007, the Department of Community Development has focused on enforcement of these standards, clarifying existing laws, presenting new code changes for adoption as necessary, and embarking on a program of resident education.    Fire Officials are being integrated into the Department of Community Development and will greatly enhance code enforcement ability.  The Mayor and Council have directed that there be vigorous enforcement – including increased issuance of citations for court appearances.

          With able contribution from the management, supervisors, and workers in the Department of Public Works, our 2007s aggressive road improvement program was timely completed within budget.  New software approved by the council, strong effective management, and a dedicated work force have resulted in new efficiencies at Public Works.

          Community-oriented policing has been the watchword for our professionals in 2007 for the Department of Public Safety.  FBI statistics reflected a decrease in reported crime in North Brunswick, and this can be directly attributable for the work of our law enforcement professionals, who have adopted a strongly pro-active approach to policing, not merely responding to crimes, but engaging the public at all levels in programs that educate the public regarding safety while keeping law enforcement's ear close to the ground. 

          This past spring, the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services opened North Brunswick's Community Park.   This beautiful facility was brought to reality through foresight and perseverance of residents and staff.  The Director of Staff of the Department of Parks Recreation and Community Services deserves the highest of praise for the hard work of making this dream the well-designed and fully maintained reality it is today.

          A part-time Mayor like myself finds himself in awe, not only of those Departments and employees I have mentioned, but of all the people that make North Brunswick work.  It has been an honor to be associated with every one of them.

Inaugural Remarks

          As Cathy, Ralph, and I embark on new terms, I know that they, as I do, look back on the past few years.  A good part of that wonderment comes from the amazingly good fortune we share in having served with a Township and the highest in governmental ethical standards.  As a result, we find ourselves members of a team, and that makes all the difference in the things we can accomplish, and the personal satisfaction each of us can take in the accomplishments of our team.

          My son Macky got a ‘Wii’ system for Christmas last year.  Those of you who were shopping for one know that the ‘Wii’ has been hard to find and sometimes unavailable at any price.  Why it is so hard to obtain at any price is hard to explain, but that’s the reality.   Well I have the same elation when I think about the ‘w – e’ we that characterizes the council or North Brunswick.  It is a council that has worked together as a team, so that the ‘w – e’, not ‘I’, is always the modus operandi.  And the ‘we’ of this council, is inclusive, incorporating the participation and concerns of residents.  Outside of family, nothing in my adult life has been more rewarding than the opportunity to be part of this team.

          Let me return to a comment I made earlier:  these are not easy times to be a Township in New Jersey.  The costs of operating government at every level are simply too high.  The drivers of these costs and expenses are so vitally embedded in the frame of our institutions that radical surgery to remove them would result in painful loss of body function.  What is required is deliberate, discipline, managed recovery.  And we all know that recovery requires:  1) a plan for treatment; 2) that we cut back on extravagances of lifestyle and consumption (like my friend Bruce Chandlee always says “if it’s good for you, it tastes terrible”; and 3) that we follow the required regimen and take the sometimes bitter pills that are essential for our long term health.

          There is another critical factor.  I can’t say that I know a lot about ‘holistic’ medicine, but I do know this much:  when an ailment pervades the entire system, you can’t treat one part of that system and expect the whole body to recover.  And you have to be careful not to overdose any one part of the body or the whole system will fail. 

          In an effort to control governmental spending, our state legislature has imposed on New Jersey’s 544 municipalities a ‘spending cap’.  This cap imposes strict limits on the amount by which a Township may increase its tax levy on any given year.  Well, you say, “Sounds good to me”.  And yes, this township and other townships, must work with the State, the county and with other municipalities to find ways to limit and control spending.  We will do so.

          I am discussing the ‘spending cap’ today, because all of us must be aware of the impact that it will have on the decision making process in North Brunswick and elsewhere.  Frankly, for reasons I discussed earlier, including accumulated surplus, effective management, and efficiently run operations, North Brunswick is in far better shape to meet the cap head-on than are many other municipalities.  Yet, it will be a reality that will force tough and difficult decisions on the administration and the council in the months and years to come.  It will force us to evaluate the core of our operations, to determine how we can provide services in the most efficient way possible.  It will also force us to analyze and prioritize the services the Township does provide.

          We have eagerly embraced these worthy objectives and have earnestly and energetically embraced the process.  Each council member has graciously joined a team of directors to review and analyze the mission and operations of individual departments.  Additionally, our former police director, Ken McCormick, begins today a six-month detailed review of the operations of the Township.  His mission is to move from department to department, looking at our system as a whole, finding those things that are working properly and those that are wasting our tax dollars.  Ken’s final report to me and then the council will be one part of our genuine commitment to keep spending under control.  Moreover, we know that regionalization and shared governmental services can bring about savings and efficiencies.  We will continue, therefore, to increase our participation in regional, county, and inter-local services. 

          As the Mayor, and spokesman for this Township, I do feel compelled to express concerns with the spending cap that has been imposed upon us.  Let me re-iterate that we accept our responsibility as residents of this State to impose self-discipline and control our municipal spending.  However, we are proud that North Brunswick has been a well run and responsibly managed Township.  Our residents have not just “landed here” or fallen from a turnip truck passing along Route 1.  They have chosen to live here, at least in large part, for the local benefits and services that we as a community have corporately decided – through our local elections, referendums, and public meetings – to provide and pay for.  We provide some services that other municipalities do not, and forego others.  These decisions, to the extent that they are responsible and fair, are ours to make, as free citizens exercising the right of self-determination.  To the extent that the spending cap deprives us the ability to make critical decisions, for ourselves, regarding the nature of our community, it is objectionable.

Connectivity

But on this New Year’s Day, the first day of a new administration and council term, it is not right that we should focus just on those things we ‘must’ do.  We should also envision those things we ‘ought’ to do.  These are the things that will ‘lift’ our community and make it a better place for ourselves and all residents.

          This is a day and age when everyone can feel, and can indeed become, isolated.  We all enjoy and seek solitude sometimes, but never isolation.  People should not be isolated from their neighbors, their community, or their government.  What we should be is ‘connected’.  Each of us should have the opportunity to connect with, and fully participate in, the life and vibrancy of our community.  For that reason, it will be a primary focus of this administration to bring greater ‘connectivity’ to the people of North Brunswick. 

          The opening of the Community Park demonstrates our need for physical connectivity.  North Brunswick is a township geographically divided.  We are literally ‘divided’ by major barriers of Amtrak, Route 1, and Route 130.  Many of our Township resources have gone in recent years to developing a national-class park on Route 130 for all residents to share.  But our job will not be complete until our Township is geographically ‘connected’ and residents from every neighborhood in our Township have unfettered walking or bicycle access to our park.  Our Planning Board and Open Space Committees have foreseen this need and our Township Master Plan calls for the development of sidewalks, bikeways, and pathways, that will allow families, young men and women, and people of all ages to move freely, by foot or pedal, from one part of our Township to another.

          This is a noble and worthy goal that deserves full support.  When kids can safely ride their bikes to sports practice or to school; when families from one neighborhood can walk together to visit families in other parts of our Township; when seniors can exercise as they walk to shopping and recreation opportunities, then our Township will become truly ‘connected’.  Physical connectivity will make our Township healthier and increase the quality of life for everyone.

          We must also re-emphasize our interpersonal connectivity.  The connectivity between people in our Township is perhaps the richest part of our fabric.  The volunteerism that makes our Township special must continue to be heralded and passed from neighbor to neighbor and generation to generation.  Ours is not a town of roads and buildings, but of people and families.  We live in the most vibrantly and dynamically diverse region in the country, and it makes us special.  Let us, as a Township more aggressively seek out ways to affirm and celebrate the rich diversity within our community.  Let us also – as a Township body – reach out to neighboring communities to explore ways we can work together to enrich the lives of our residents through joint activities and shared services.

          Finally, not just to increase quality of life, but also to increase efficiencies and reduce costs, it will be a major initiative to improve connectivity between the Township and its residents.  Your Township, your most local level of government, owes you responsiveness and convenience whenever you have an interaction.  First, we must always remember that the residents are the Township.  Every service should be provided in a friendly and personal manner.

          You should be connected through your government by an open and transparent process.  Whether you follow the governmental process casually and with a close eye, our web-site, our close circuit television, and our communications through the press must all keep you apprised of developments.   We will continue to do so, with televised gavel to gavel meetings of every major board; with continuing improvements to our website providing easier access to information and documents.

          We are seeking to put a ‘contact tracking system’ in place that will permit a resident to track his or her application or inquiry – no matter how large or how small.  Such a system will allow you to use your computer or your telephone to find the status of any pending interaction with the Township, and ensure that your concerns are addressed in a timely and efficient manner.

Conclusion

          The next four years will be a time of unprecedented challenges and unparalleled opportunity.  It is my prayer that it will be a time when we can ‘connect’ and come closer to one another.  Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of this process; to serve with a council of this caliber, with dedicated directors, with a staff devoted to service, and most of all, with residents intent upon making ours the kind of community we are proud to call “home”.