Committee hopefuls keen on communications

By Audrey Levine Staff Writer
MEET THE CANDIDATES
   HILLSBOROUGH — The four candidates for Township Committee say the township should do more to get information about township issues directly to residents, adding they’re prepared to access all forms of communication to get residents more involved.
   The Internet, e-mails, televised meetings and attendance at meetings are ways to keep residents informed and involved about new ordinances and other information, the candidates said.
   Republican incumbent Mayor Anthony Ferrera, Democrats Matt Dawson and Manny Foranoce, and Republican Gloria McCauley are vying for two three-year seats on the Township Committee. Election Day is Nov. 4.
   In order to increase involvement, Mr. Dawson said, information about the yearly budget and other public documents should be easier to find.
   ”To get anything, you have to go to the township office and put in a request,” he said. “You have to decide what documents are needed to request, and it is very difficult.”
   Instead, Mr. Dawson said, it would be easier for residents to find information if documents, such as department budgets, were posted on the township’s Web site.
   In addition, he said, he believes it would be beneficial for the residents if there was more discussion among committee members during public meetings concerning ordinances and other decisions. He said he is concerned that it seems decisions have already been made once the meetings begin.
   ”The pros and cons should be discussed and issues should be voiced publicly,” he said. “It is like they are reading off a script. We need someone on the committee to challenge things.”
   To keep residents more informed, Mayor Ferrera said he would also like to continue using different methods of communication to convey information, including the Web site and the township’s television channel.
   ”I would like to use any type of media I can,” he said.
   Mayor Ferrera said he encourages residents to speak during open public forums, which he is glad the township offers during the explanations of all resolutions and ordinances at committee meetings.
   ”Anybody can speak during the open forums,” he said. “It is so important to have involvement.”
   Mayor Ferrera said he is also proud of the many services that have been introduced for residents during his tenure on the Township Committee. He said the township offices have evening hours for those who cannot come during regular business hours; weekend and evening inspection services; and opportunities to sign up for recreation programs on the Internet.
   In addition, Mayor Ferrera said, he would like to use all available technological resources, including the newsletter, Web site and possible podcasts online.
   ”We work for the people and always look at what services we can make better,” he said. “I see what people need and want.”
   Mr. Foranoce said the committee needs different points of view.
   ”We really need some sort of balance,” he said of the current all-Republican committee. “Right now, it’s all one party.”
   As for residents themselves, Mr. Foranoce said, he thinks it would be beneficial for the township to post committee meeting agendas on the Web site as soon as possible before meetings to allow people time to look through them.
   Mr. Foranoce said he hopes this might entice more residents to come out to meetings.
   ”Some people don’t react to something until it’s in their backyard,” he said. “I tell people to come out and start hearing the issues because then they will want to get involved. They say it’s not a bad idea.”
   Aside from the committee meetings airing on the township’s channel 25 and being posted on the Web site, Mr. Foranoce said he would like to see a deal set with Comcast to make the broadcasts available on demand for free on TV (videos of the meetings are posted on the township’s Web site).
   ”Then residents can watch whatever meetings they want to watch,” he said.
   Ms. McCauley said she feels it is important to have the residents involved in the township, and she would like to give them more of an opportunity to view the township’s printed newsletter and be better informed.
   ”Maybe we can start sending something in the tax bills about the newsletter,” she said.
   In addition, Ms. McCauley said, she would like residents and business owners to take part in the actual decision-making processes by getting involved in the township’s many commissions.
   ”I would love to see more people involved, period,” she said.
   Overall, the candidates said it is important to keep residents involved in the township so they can express their opinions and share their needs with the governing body.
   ”People can’t complain about things unless they get involved,” Mr. Foranoce said. “Without town participation, it is five people making all the decisions.”