Got a Problem? Politicians Were Asking in Fords on Sunday

Breakfast with the mayor sounds like a tony affair, but it was definitely low key and casual Sunday morning at the Fords Fire House where ward residents were invited for a get together.

About two dozen Fords residents trickled in to enjoy scrambled eggs and potatoes, courtesy of Fords Fire Dept. chefs, but also to lay their complaints - and some words of praise - in front of Mayor John McCormac and several council members who showed up to chat in the informal setting. 

"It gives people a chance to talk to us one on one, if they don't want to go to a council meeting," said Council President James Carroll. "It gives us a chance to get some face time in."

Anthony Girgenti, a Fords resident since 1989, came to discuss a tilting tree that's been giving him some concern. "We'll see if they'll do anything about it. We'll see what happens, but I think they will get it resolved," he said.

Two Warner St. homeowners showed up to thank the mayor for resurfacing their street after years of entreaties. "Finally! I'm thrilled it's paved!" enthused Gail Fish. Her friend, though, very cautiously registered a problem she's been having with huge potholes on Route 9. 

"Why don't they just repave it? How cost effective can it be if they keep refilling the potholes over and over again?" she said before she learned that Route 9 is a state responsibility, not one controlled by the township.

Such hyperlocal meet-and-greets were nothing new for Councilman Bob Luban, who ducked in with his wife, Lorraine, a planning board member, to say hello. "We've been doing this for 25 years in Colonia," Luban said. "(Former) Mayor Phil Cerria probably started these kind of local events to meet with voters and hear what they have to say. 

A Fords resident since 1946, Joe Nigro said he had a "lot of questions" for McCormac, and he didn't hesitate to ask them. "I am very disappointed he closed down St. John's First Aid Squad, and how he closed down the Avenel-Colonia squad, even after the problem members left. It was just wrong," said Nigro, who at age 92 said there was very little that kept him from speaking his mind.

"I hollered at the mayor. I think I embarrassed him," grinned Nigro.

Most of the residents seemed to be satisfied by the discussions they had with the mayor as McCormac and his entourage moved from table to table. The politicians at the event included newly-appointed at-large Councilman Kyle Anderson, Councilman Greg Ficarra, and Councilwoman Brenda Velasco.

Another similar event was to follow at Menlo Park Terrace. Carroll said that there will be more such meetings in the future for areas of the township that haven't yet had them.