South Orange Seeks Voter Input

The next step in a long process will be completed on Tuesday as voters in South Orange will be asked for their input regarding future potential changes to the town’s charter.

In September 2009, by then-Village President Douglas Newman.    The town’s charter, originally passed in 1869, hasn't been revised since 1977. 

In May 2010, the committee was formed with four residents, two trustees and the Village President.  The committee held almost two dozen meetings, and , before presenting a in June 2011.

The full list of recommendations can be found in the final report (see attached), but the committee recommended asking the .  Three of them in the form of non-binding referendum questions.  Even though the Board of Trustees have authorized these questions, the final decision rests in their hands.  After that, the New Jersey State Legislature must approve any changes.

The three non-binding referendum questions that will be on Tuesday’s general election ballot to gauge local public opinion on Village Charter changes are:

Question 1:

Should the Village Charter be amended to change the name of our municipality from the ‘Township of South Orange Village’ to ‘South Orange Village’?

Explanation:  The name was previously changed to include “Township” to bring eligibility for certain federal assistance.  Eligibility no longer depends on the township designation.  A “yes” vote indicates a preference to simplify the name to “South Orange Village.”

Pros:  The name of the town will revert back to its original form.  A lot of signage in town still has the “South Orange Village” name on it, meaning an easier transition.

Cons:  Any new signage since 1977 would have to be replaced with new signs.  All stationary, business cards and other office materials would need to be replaced for any of the Village’s departments.

Question 2: 

Should the Village Charter be amended to change the title of the ‘Village President’ to ‘Mayor,’ the title of the ‘Board of Trustees’ to ‘Village Council,’ and the title of ‘Trustee’ to ‘Councilmember’?

Explanation:  Unlike most other municipalities, this municipality’s chief executive is called the “Village President” and the governing body is called the “Board of Trustees”, its members called “Trustees”. 

Pros:  “Mayor” and “Council” are more familiar terms.  No longer will residents have to explain the equivalent of the current positions.

Cons:  Since the charter was enacted in 1869, the terms “Village President” and “Trustee” have been used.  The names carry historical significance to some.

Question 3:

Should the Village Charter be amended to provide the Village President an annual stipend of $2,400, without other benefits, and provide Village Trustees an annual stipend of $1,800 each, without other benefits?

Explanation:  Currently the Village President and Trustees receive no salary, other compensation, or benefits.  A “yes” vote would provide the Village President an annual stipend of $2,400, and Trustees $1,800 each. None would receive additional benefits.

Pros:  Public officials would be reimbursed for their sacrifice of serving in office.  Other municipalities do it; South Orange would be on par with them.

Cons:  A total of $13,200 would be added to the budget, equaling a little over $1 hike in municipal taxes.