PBA endorses change of government

By:
To the editor:
   Hillsborough Policemen’s Benevolent Association, Local 205 is a non-profit labor organization whose membership consists of sworn municipal police officers employed by the Township of Hillsborough. Local 205 is devoted to maintaining a safe and fair working environment for its members so that they may effectively protect and serve the residents of the township.
   In addition to its role as a labor union, PBA Local 205 prides itself on its reputation as a viable community organization, devoting itself to the preservation of a high quality of living in the Township of Hillsborough and the entire State of New Jersey.
   The dedicated officers who comprise our membership not only devote their professional lives to the protection and quality of life of our citizens, but do so in their leisure time also.
   Many of our officers are not only employees of this township but are also residents.
   I would like to first point out that our organization is not choosing a political party. We are simply supporting a change in how our town’s government is structured.
   I know some of our residents were surprised to see our organization taking a political stance in these recent elections. What some of you may not realize is that on a daily basis we, the police officers of Hillsborough PBA Local 205, have to deal with all of our town’s politicians.
   It is our town committee who directly affect our working environment and our ability to serve our community.
   Recently a lieutenant retired from our ranks after 25 years of service. Our Township Committee chose not to replace this officer and, in, fact voted to eliminate this position entirely.
   Lowering the number of officers we have to serve our community just does not make sense as our town continues to grow.
   This Township Committee is also the same group that took over 18 months to negotiate a contract with our members.
   It is time that our town has a government who will not only support our officers but work directly with our officers so that we can provide our community with the top notch protection and service it deserves. We are asking that our community continue their unwavering support of its police department and become involved in how our town government effects your police department.
   Hillsborough PBA Local 205 would like to personally thank all of our supporters. Each year we are able to offer scholarships to our community, support our local Scouts and athletic organizations and provide service to other organizations like the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association.
   All of this would not be possible without our community. In the upcoming months we will also be asking our community to join us in raising funds for our southern neighbors that were victims of those devastating hurricanes.
   We have always valued our community and what it offers. It is our intent to keep working hard to protect and serve our citizens and I hope that our community can understand our need for change and support our officers and Hillsborough PBA Local 205.

Ted Lewis
President, Hillsborough PBA Local 205