GUEST OPINION
By David Sandahl
The ongoing differences among members of the Hopewell Township Committee are a major public concern. Week after week, petty controversies erupt, preventing thoughtful consideration of the real issues facing Hopewell Township. The HVN suggested last week that members of the Hopewell Township Committee step down if they cannot demonstrate the ability to work together.
The problems of the Township Committee go beyond personality conflicts. In Hopewell Township, the orderly conduct of public business has broken down in the absence of clear procedures for raising and resolving issues. The breakdown exaggerates differences, leading to embarrassing behaviors that advance no reasonable cause. The real need in Hopewell Township is for reform of the way our government does business.
First, the Hopewell Township Committee (HTC) should enact a Code of Conduct. The committee should make explicit in a written document, endorsed by all members, its commitment to behaving respectfully toward one another and toward the public, while avoiding conflicts of interest and misuse of power. By adopting a Code of Conduct, the HTC can acknowledge that the events of the last months should not be repeated.
Second, the HTC should develop statutory rules of procedure for conducting municipal business. In developing a draft for HTC and public review, the township counsel should have the objective of ensuring maximum clarity in the rules governing the conduct of HTC meetings and the involvement of the public. By enacting rules of procedure, the HTC can embrace the transparent approach to governance that citizens should expect from local government.
Third, the HTC should vote to establish a Charter Study Commission. In light of drastic changes over the last 20 years, it is time to consider whether the current form of township government a five-member committee elected at-large with the mayor chosen each year by the committee is right for our times. A Charter Study Commission authorizes a citizen committee to review the structure of local government and recommend appropriate changes, which are then subject to a public vote. By establishing a Charter Study Commission, the HTC can provide citizens with the opportunity to select the best form of government for the future of Hopewell Township.
Changing the members who make up the HTC will do little to address the underlying structural problems that have plagued Hopewell Township for many months. By taking strong steps toward reform, the HTC can commit itself to a government based on rules rather than personalities.