Dempsey/Mathiasen Stand Out at League of Women Voters Debate

In almost 75 minutes of substantive discussion, Chatham Borough Council challengers Democrats Carolyn Dempsey and Jocelyn Mathiasen gave informed and detailed answers to the many questions posed at the candidates’ debate on Oct 25. All the candidates gave answers on a wide range of topics, from why taxpayers can’t get a rebate from the fund for uncollected taxes to the Post Office Plaza re-development, but I preferred the policies, priorities and fresh perspectives of the challengers.

For example, Carolyn wants to implement organic methods of field maintenance, something that Chatham parents urgently want to protect their children from harmful chemicals, and which research shows will save the Borough money over time. Jocelyn wants the Borough to go paperless within two years to streamline processes, from getting garage sale and business permits online and ending the archaic practice of using the police to deliver the agendas and paperwork that officials need for Council meetings. She also found potential areas for improvement in some of the Borough’s contracts, especially for shared services, and would better negotiate them using her expertise as a municipal efficiency consultant.

Another takeaway is that Carolyn and Jocelyn would use some of the money they can save the Borough to ensure that Fishawack and the Christmas tree lighting -- community events that many kids look forward to -- continue. Jocelyn and Carolyn both feel that these types of events, which bring our community together, are what make Chatham, Chatham.

The debate replays are on FIOS Channel 32 and Cablevision Channel 21. I encourage you to watch -- and stay tuned through the closing remarks.