Before I decided to run for mayor of Berkeley Heights, I reflected on what makes a good mayor and whether I would be able to measure up to that. I did not take this decision lightly and I considered what attributes make a good mayor - leadership, vision, hard work, amongst others. As I reflected on whether I possessed the proper character to be mayor, I realized that in fact the main attribute that a mayor needs to possess is humility. Everything else stems from this.
It is easy to say you are a good leader, but that is different from being one. It is easy to say you have a vision, but quite another thing to make a real vision into a reality. It is easy to say you are working hard, but hard work should speak for itself.
A great mayor does not need to tell anyone he is doing a good job - everyone should already be able to see that.
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I realized in Berkeley Heights we hear a lot of talk from the Mayor and his representatives about what a great job is being done on our behalf, but when I look around I don’t see the evidence to back it up.
A Mayor should be the town’s servant and advocate. This should not be about one’s own ego but about serving and thinking of others. To serve as Mayor one needs time, motivation, and selflessness. Although the Berkeley Heights Mayor is not a full time position, it deserves being treated as such with a representative that is basically on-call to respond to the constituents.
A Mayor works for the residents whose input and participation should be a top priority. Plans, meetings, and implementations should not only be summarized afterwards, but town decisions should be open for true public discussion, before and after. This can be done by continuously asking for honest feedback and improving where needed.
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A Mayor needs to be out and about and continuously in touch with the residents keeping as many in tune with what is being done and why. He is the one that is ultimately responsible for communication between the town and the residents.
The role of the town government is to listen to concerns and feedback and for it to implement the wishes of the residents.
Fiscally the Mayor should discern between the spending that actually provides a benefit to the residents versus the spending that doesn’t. This is not always as straightforward as one would think.
A Mayor needs to be aware of successes and failures, where the municipality is doing a good job and where it can improve. He or she needs to balance and represent both the wealthy who are demanding more and those who may be struggling to stay in town.
A Mayor needs to be dedicated and feel the heartbeat of the town and not only to hear those that agree but understand those who don’t. A Mayor needs to understand that even those that do not agree will also be represented.
A Mayor needs to be strong yet humble, putting the residents interests first and not bending to any political pressure from special interests.
A Mayor needs to serve not only in words and future promises but also in actions.
During storms and times of emergency, a Mayor should be out there doing whatever it takes, assuring people that the municipality is there for them and that their backs are covered.
Ultimately the Mayor and Council need to Respect the Taxpayers.
This Tuesday, June 5th, you are the ones that ultimately get to choose the direction of Berkeley Heights. I have presented to you my vision of what the role of Mayor is. I have worked hard to show you that I would lead by example and follow this Mayoral vision. I am ready to represent and serve ALL of the residents of Berkeley Heights.
Please vote Column D in the Republican Primary on June 5th for:
Maciejewski, Rinaldi and Mara
Thank you very much,
Edmund Tom Maciejewski
Berkeley Heights Mayoral Candidate
