for discussions is first
step, mediator says
Lakewood resumes
mediation sessions
Bringing parties together
for discussions is first
step, mediator says
BY ANNIKA MENGISEN
Correspondent
LAKEWOOD — Michael Bateman, the township’s mediator, has a simple question to ask: How can two parties resolve their differences unless they are willing to talk with one another?
Through the "Let’s Talk" program, which helps mediate community issues by bringing stakeholders together to talk in a controlled setting, that’s exactly what residents will be doing this summer.
The program, which was initiated last winter by outgoing mayor Marta Harrison and current Township Committeeman Meir Lichtenstein, is being reintroduced.
"We felt that there were some misunderstandings among segments of the community," Lichtenstein said.
Bateman, a Lakewood lawyer who teaches conflict resolution and mediation at Ocean County College, Toms River, was tapped to implement the program.
"Lakewood is a diverse town with many different people and interests," Bateman said. "People need to sit down and talk."
He said the key issue at last winter’s sessions was respect for other people’s beliefs.
"We had people from all the different segments of Lakewood — from all walks of life," Bateman said.
Participants are split into small groups and engage in discussion, guided by a volunteer facilitators. The facilitators recruited by Bateman are retired Superior Court Judge Rosalie B. Cooper and Elizabeth Rozier, a longtime Lakewood lawyer and former Lakewood prosecutor.
Also, the Lakewood Community Media-tion Center provided two facilitators: group: Bob Rabinowitz, an experienced Superior Court and Municipal Court mediator, and former Lakewood resident Dawn Scott, an assistant Essex County prosecutor, according to a news release.
"Let’s Talk" consists of three sessions with 30 to 40 residents from all walks of life participating, Bateman said.
Bateman said no other town he knows of has done anything similar. He believes bringing people together is an important first step.
"Getting people to talk who haven’t talked previously is a real start," he said.
Lichtenstein said he believes the program will continue to be successful this summer.
"I hope they will get people talking to each other and feel like if they have a question or concern, they can walk up to their neighbor and talk to them," Lichtenstein said.
This summer’s "Let’s Talk" program will meet once again in the municipal building. Dates have been announced for June 16, July 14 and Aug. 18.