Dear Community Friends,
You may be noticing that the MTPD’s crime logs are loaded with arrests. This is simply the result of exceptional policing by our young department. Our police officers continue to amaze me with their pro-active policing efforts that are off the charts. They are apprehending the bad guys and are chasing the criminal element out of Mantua.
As a former police chief myself, I understand first-hand the importance and the value of this type of policing M.O. (Modus Operandi). I built a culture around this policing philosophy as a chief, and have advocated for it in Mantua as your mayor. It started at the top with the current MTPD leadership team and has resonated throughout the entire department.
I wholeheartedly believe in transparency. At the beginning of my mayoral tenure, I had tasked the police administration with submitting crime log reports to media outlets in order to keep our residents informed and in the know. This effort was brought back early last year by Lt. Brian Hauss.
Policing a community like Mantua is truly a balance of eradicating criminal activity, and building trustworthy relationships with those being protected and served.
Congratulations to the Mantua Township Police Department for an outstanding “Police in the Park” event that was held on Thursday, Sept. 19 at Chestnut Branch Park. Thanks to Chief Darren White, Captain Bill Murphy (event coordinator) and all the members of the MTPD who volunteered to help build a better police-community partnership.
Thank you to all the incredible sponsors especially our top contributors from Mantua who were William Hoffman of Hoffman’s Exterminating and Al Scuderi of the Barnsboro Inn.
We truly appreciate the efforts of our recreation committee (Co-Chairs, Regina DeWitt and Kathy Shryock), Deputy-Clerk Pam Levine and Park Superintendent Scott Hellerman for all their hard work that went into this program. Thanks to all our residents, volunteers, law enforcement and emergency services for making this night a huge success.
This was the first event of this kind in Mantua since the 2009 MTPD National Night Out. We look forward to continuing this event each year in hopes of strengthening neighborhood spirit and building-on our already cohesive police-community relationship.
This is just another reason why Mantua Township is already an incredibly great place to live and raise our families. Kudos to the MTPD.
On Thursday, Sept. 19 I sat down with Joe Heitman of the Mantua VFW Post 7679 for Mayor’s Message #25. In this episode we discuss the annual 5K “Running for Vets” scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 6.
The 5K Run and 1 Mile Walk will start and finish at the VFW Post 7679 located at 8 New York Ave. directly across from the Mantua Township Municipal Complex. The event is rain or shine. You can pre-enter from now through October 3 at www.linmarksports.com. Walk-up entry on the day of event (Oct. 6) is from 8:30 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. The race will start at 10 a.m.
Look for this video in the very near future on the township’s social media platforms and on our website at mantuatownship.com/mayors-message. We love our veterans and are always extremely honored to support their every need and endeavor.
The monthly senior dinner held on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at the Community Center on E. Mercer Avenue was a huge hit. Deputy Mayor Pete Scirrotto and I were on-hand to serve food and socialize with our senior friends.
Santini’s hit the ball out of the park with their very own Chicken Piccata, Fresh String Beans, Salad and Chocolate Mousse for dessert.
If you’re a senior citizen and a Mantua resident, join us for our free monthly dinners. Be sure to rsvp through Levine by calling 856-468-1500 ex.113.
We’ve received inquiries about the property being clear-cut on Woodbury-Glassboro Road adjacent to the Dunkin’ and Verizon building at the Timberline Shopping Center. This will soon be a Cloud10 SmartWash. The applicant received the appropriate approvals to open at this location.
Upcoming Township Meetings and Events:
- Monday, Sept. 30 thru Friday, Oct. 4: Hydrant Flushing
- Thursday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. is the next Fire District Meeting
- Thursday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. is the next Historical Commission Meeting
On behalf of Scirrotto, myself and the entire township committee – we look forward to continuing our service with honesty, integrity and trustful leadership.
Respectfully,
Mayor Robert T. Zimmerman, MAS
