Local News, Local Politics and Public Opinion

     I just finished reading the 53 comments about the twp committee's decision to give Mr. King the use of a township car. I was at the meeting, and listened to the discussion. I was kind of surprised when Ben Young voted yes. During the discussion, he brought up the fact that a car was specifically not a part of the compensation package, and mentioned that there is actually something on the books stating that cars are not to be part of any employees compensation package. At one point, he said that the committee "needs to get their act together". Mr. Minitti was concerned about public reaction, and correctly predicted that some people would rather have funds spent on another police officer. Mr. King and Mr. Rooney asked for a vote at the meeting, a decision one way or another, instead of dragging it out for another two weeks - and Mr. King said he would be alright with a decision either way. My major concern was that the committee was going against their own previously set policy. Mr. Young was on target - they do need to get their act together, and be consistent. When they make exceptions to their own policies, it gives the impression that they may be doubting their earlier decisions, and that doesn't do much for public perception. Personally, I would be more comfortable if they were able to make decisions and then stand firm on them, even if I don't agree with the policy, at least I would know that they made an informed decision and had the conviction to stand by it. By making exceptions, are they expressing doubt in their earlier decision? As someone once said, "I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it" - that can be a little harder to do when the opinion waivers.

     For any of you who have never been to a twp committee meeting, there is an awful lot that goes on. The meeting on Monday had a very lengthy agenda, and unfortunately, this particular issue took up a lot of time. One would think that this was the only newsworthy topic discussed. There were six other items on the agenda under old business, and 2 under New Business. There were 14 items on the consent agenda, and a resolution to award the demolition contract for the Devon Road bridge. Then came an item  that simply said "Bill List" - the committee voted to approve payment of the bills, in the amount of more than one million dollars. I am certain that everyone one of them is valid and legitimate, but am just a little curious as to just what they were.

     Then there were public comments - a resident was there to bring up to the township, again, the fact that there is a very high manganese content in Cinnaminson's water, which we get from NJAWC. He attends meetings on a regular basis, and feels that the township should get involved, and perhaps do some independent testing of our water, and demand that NJAWC address the issue, for the protection of the residents.

     Another gentleman was there to ask about the soil erosion and sediment problems in the Pompeston Creek, caused by the Essex/Greenbriar site at Riverton Road and Parry. I have been to this guy's house - the creek is now about 3 feet wide where it was once at least 15-20 feet. He wanted to know who in the township was responsible for letting the developer get away with his irresponsible actions. Burlington County Soil Conservation and the DEP have fined this guy - $58,000 from the DEP alone just a few weeks ago. He wanted to know why the township hadn't caught the violations before the outside agencies had to be called in. Another resident has been documenting the problems with this site since it was first clear cut more than 3 years ago. He has spent countless hours, and lots of money, trying to get the developer to comply with regulations and accept responsibility for the damage he has done to the environment. He is currently in the middle of auditing all of the records pertaining to this site with the assistance of a representative of the Delaware RiverKeeper Network. The sediment from this site is why Greenwood Lake at Lakeview is in need of being dredged again after just two years. The sediment shows up all the way down my way - where the creek is listed as a Category One protected waterway, due to the presence of the endangered Eastern Pond Mussel. (Note: this designation comes from the state DEP, NOT from any local environmental group).

     I am not saying that the issue about the car for Mr. King isn't newsworthy, I'm just saying that there are other issues of importance in the township, and that unless you happen to go the meetings (or watch them on TV or send an OPRA request for the minutes), most people won't know about them unless someone else thinks you should.

     Since I have been told many times in the past that I am not a reporter, and therefore cannot report on committee meetings, please note that everything I have written here is my personal opinion, and is simply my impressions of what occurred at the meeting. My voice is my own, and does not in any way reflect the opinion or point of view of any group or organization or individual with whom I am now or have ever been affiliated. It is not my intent to harm the reputation or insult the character of anyone - I am just saying what I think.

(So, do you think that covers my butt?)