Mayor: Citizens Cabinet, Business Council working well
For the last two years, I have worked to more actively engage the public in a dialogue about life in our community. The two most active conduits for that exchange of ideas have been my Citizens Cabinet and Business Council, two volunteer groups who serve as ambassadors between Town Hall and the public — and who have become invaluable sounding boards on important community issues, potential policy changes and other initiatives originating out of the Mayor’s Office.
I’ve spoken at great length about my belief that our community’s future depends largely on teamwork and collaboration, on the ability of local government to work with residents and business owners who share in our passion for moving Cherry Hill forward.
It was with that vision in mind that, during the first few months of 2012, I recruited men and women of varying backgrounds, interests and views to serve on these advisory boards — and I can say without hesitation that they have been instrumental in helping us steer the community in the right direction.
The genesis of both groups was a universal sentiment I heard in my travels around town. Whether at community gatherings, meetings with local business owners or bumping into familiar faces in public, there was a common theme in our conversations. People had an overwhelming desire to become involved, to create a greater sense of community, and to change the way Cherry Hill is marketed to those outside our borders.
I think we’ve seen tremendous success.
In just a little less than two years, we have worked together to identify and solve issues that affect all of us. With the input of neighborhood leaders on the Citizens Cabinet, we have explored issues such as traffic and property maintenance, as well as universal topics such as public safety, infrastructure, recreation, events and life in our community in general. We’ve also discussed new ordinances and neighborhood-improvement efforts, such as stronger regulations for vacant properties.
Similarly, the Business Council has helped us look at how we can more strongly market Cherry Hill as a destination for businesses to move, grow and invest — which creates jobs and tax ratables that benefit everyone. Perhaps more importantly, they’ve served as a conduit to share positive news about new policies and procedures my administration has implemented to make Cherry Hill more business friendly.
Both groups have shown that they are wonderful neighbors, as well. Members of the Business Council came through in a big way in 2012 to support the Cherry Hill Food Pantry, and several local businesses stepped up to aid families in our community who were without power for an extended period following Superstorm Sandy last fall. And their philanthropy and good citizenship continue every day — with food drive donations, holiday toy drives, blood drives and other activities taking place throughout the year at many of the businesses that comprise our council.
Our discussions are straightforward, honest and spirited, but most importantly, they are always productive. And now, two years into this experiment, we are looking to expand membership of both boards, and add to the diversity of opinion that will help shape Cherry Hill’s future.
Members are volunteers, and are asked to commit to attending a minimum of three meetings a year. (Meetings are generally held at 8 a.m. on a weekday, every other month.) Citizens Cabinet members must be township residents. For more information or to apply for either the Citizens Cabinet or the Business Council, please contact Donna Dovey at (856) 488–7878, or [email protected]. Applicants should submit both a resume and a letter of interest.
When I became mayor, I said it clearly: The future of Cherry Hill depends on teamwork, on the collective input of all our community’s stakeholders. The only way to effect positive change is to work together, talk to one another, and share the good news when it comes.
The members of these groups have done a tremendous job of that, and I appreciate their continued participation.
If you have the time and the motivation, and you want a voice in Cherry Hill’s future, I encourage you to apply. And even if you aren’t a member of the Citizens Cabinet or Business Council, you’re always welcome to let me know your thoughts. I’m available by email at [email protected], or by phone at (856) 488–7878.
Mayor Chuck Cahn
