Meet the Candidates for the Republican Party primary for Tabernacle Township Committee — Part two
Jason Litowitz
1.) What are some new ideas or approaches that you can bring to Township Committee, and how will they benefit the town?
One of the things that has become obvious to me over the years is that the township needs to do a much better job of supporting our local small business community. A thriving small business community helps us all by generating ratables, services and jobs. Communication, I believe, is key. An advisory committee comprised of local business owners and township representatives probably would be a good start.
But there are other steps to be taken. For example, the Township Committee received a presentation by “Shop Burlington County First,” a county initiative that encourages residents to shop locally. Rather than taking steps to join the initiative, the Township dropped the ball. Joining this program has no drawbacks; it would only help our community. If elected to serve on the Township Committee, I would reach out to our small business community to see what additional steps could be taken to support them.
In addition, in talking with residents around town, it is clear that except for people who actively engage with the township, most people are in the dark about township matters that directly affect them. It is far more common to hear rumors and misinformation than correct information. If elected, I would work to proactively inform members of the community about township matters, leveraging existing print mailings and taking advantage of online forms of communication, to make sure that people are more informed of the issues that affect them.
Finally, the current committee has a record of not focusing on financial impacts to the township. For example, earlier this year the township switched to a new trash collection company. After being awarded the contract but before starting pickup, the new company requested to change a material term of the contract — the pickup day. Rather than requesting a discount due to the change, our opponents voted simply to grant the contract change, leaving potentially thousands of dollars on the table. In fact, the change actually cost the township money by advertising the change. Similarly, the main reason stated in public session for creating an investigative subcommittee to look at emergency services was to try to save money, yet the report produced did not address this at all — in fact, our opponents propose spending additional money on a new Public Safety Director. If elected, I will be a much better steward of township funds.
2.) What are your feelings on the possible creation of a joint emergency services organization?
Both Tabernacle Fire Company №1 and the Tabernacle Rescue Squad perform their jobs admirably. However, they provide different services, go about executing their responsibilities in very different ways, and have very different operational structures. If the heads of both organizations came together on their own and proposed a plan for merger, I think it would have the potential to work. However, forcing the merger from the top down — which seems to be the thrust of a written report prepared by the incumbents we are running against — is not a solution.
Their report suggests the town create a new Public Safety Department to be headed up by a single Public Safety Director. This usurps the authority of the leadership in both of these volunteer organizations, by compelling the “chiefs” to report to the director; it is a recipe for disaster. This move is tantamount to saying, “We don’t trust you,” and that’s not a message that should be sent. It’s no wonder the report has become a source of controversy.
Stephen Lee
1.) What are some new ideas or approaches that you can bring to Township Committee, and how will they benefit the town?
Currently, the Township Committee is considering options to enhance the Town Hall complex and community center (old squad building) to provide improved facilities for our residents, visitors and our dedicated employees without any additional tax burden.
These infrastructure modifications, which have long-term benefits, will greatly improve the efficiency of township services and improve our town center to enjoy events like the Memorial Day Parade and Holiday Tree Lighting.
2.) What are your feelings on the possible creation of a joint emergency services organization?
For the first time in nearly 40 years, the Township Committee has thoroughly reviewed emergency services. As a result of the continued work, I believe this type of organization may be necessary some day, but definitely not in the near future.
Tabernacle Fire Company, Tabernacle Rescue Squad, Pinelands CERT and the OEM Coordinator currently provide a very high level of service and we are very fortunate to have these first-responders fulfilling our needs. Any type of changes, if any, would need to be done in a clear, methodical way, with cooperation with all of the above-mentioned organizations.
Tina Coolidge
1.) What are some new ideas or approaches that you can bring to Township Committee, and how will they benefit the town?
My running mate and I have put forth a five-point platform which, we believe, not only addresses Tabernacle’s existing tax and spending issues, but offers some constructive ideas for improving communication and transparency with residents, encouraging and assisting local business, and supporting all volunteer organizations.
At this writing, Tabernacle is facing the largest increase in its local purpose tax — the tax we pay to run local government — in recent years. Better long-term planning is extremely important and will enable us to avoid this type of unexpected tax “spike” in the future. My running mate and I have pledged to waive our salary, if elected. We feel strongly that the salary dedicated to committee members is better served in the budget to support programs and services.
Businesses provide our town with valuable tax ratables, and we need to hear their needs and take every feasible step to assist them. Their voice has not been heard in a very long time and we value their perspective and plan to include business leaders in discussions and planning efforts.
Transparency is a significant component to our campaign platform. In speaking with residents, I find they know little about how their tax dollars are being spent and other routine information about township services and events. We pledge to address this through the mail and online. In addition, residents need to know more about all the township’s volunteer organizations, the good deeds they do for our town, and how residents can participate. Our community is built around volunteers, and we support them completely. They need an unbiased committee to listen to them, to work with them and help them to meet their goals.
Finally, a significant need is to restore harmony between our fire and rescue squads, find ways to make sure these dedicated volunteers are comfortable in their mission, have the leadership, equipment and training they need, and know they are appreciated. These organizations keep our families safe, alive and are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
2.) What are your feelings on the possible creation of a joint emergency services organization?
Ever since our opponents put this proposal on the table months ago, it has exacerbated ill feelings between the fire company and rescue squad. Moreover, it is apparent that it has created an unspoken rift between members of Township Committee. While the service of the present committee is appreciated, we feel fresh ideas with unbiased perspectives will assist in beginning to form harmony where disharmony presently exists.
Our opponents appointed themselves a two-member subcommittee to investigate emergency services, and finally released a report on their findings, which is more astonishing for what it lacks, than for what it proposes. They purportedly interviewed not just fire and rescue leaders, but also state and county officials, and former township officials. They refuse to provide the names of who they spoke with and do not provide any direct input from these outside “experts.” Nor did they include the historical perspective from prior leaders. In addition, the report is not balanced. The components analyzed for one department are not analyzed for the other.
Despite the fact that the township is obviously strapped for revenue, they recommend the creation of a public safety department and a public safety coordinator, a paid position for which no salary amount has been stated and at a time when other budget line items are subject to elimination due to fiscal constraints.
It is no surprise the report has received backlash from so many respected individuals in this wonderful town. The report offers lavish praise for both fire and rescue, yet proffers to address the issues between them, instead of addressing what each unit might see as problems unique to their situation.
Candidate Joseph Yates did not submit an article by deadline.
