W. Caldwell Democrats Call for Traffic Committee

The following is a campaign submission from West Caldwell Democratic candidates Alex Trento, Len Luciano and Bob Natko.

Alex Trento for West Caldwell mayor, Len Luciano and Bob Natko for council, have called for the establishment of a Citizens' Traffic Safety Advisory Committee in the township.

The Democratic candidates noted that traffic and speeding issues throughout the community continue to emerge at regular public council meetings in different sections of the community.

"Attending council meetings over the years, speeding in such areas as Ravine, Central Avenue, Brian Road, to name a few streets, have been of concern of area residents," Luciano said. "This citizens' committee will provide for citizen traffic concerns to be addressed on a regular basis."

Trento, Luciano and Natko proposed the following plan:

• A group of nine residents, one member from each of the township's nine voting districts, be appointed for a term of two years by the mayor with the approval of the council.
• The chief of police will delegate a member of the police department to serve as a municipal liaison and advisor to the committee. The council chairperson of the public safety committee will also be a member.
• The Citizens Public Safety Advisory Committee will meet monthly at the municipal building on a day and time to be established at the inaugural meeting of the committee.
• The committee will issue quarterly reports to the mayor and council.
• The goals and objectives of the committee will be established at the organizational meeting. (The committee will focus on public issues facing the community.)

Trento stated that the police department continues to address the traffic/speeding issues with great diligence and effort.

"The addition of nine community residents will provide greater citizen input into specific areas of concern," Trento said. "I believe that the members of this committee will be responsive to the specific needs of the residents of the area and will provide a public sounding board to express area concerns. I see no down side on this proposal."

Natko stated it's always important to have more input from the community.

"Increased citizen participation in government is always a positive step," he said. "This nine-member citizen advisory committee will be an asset to the governing body."