Catherine Salt-Gillispie of Lawrence
To the editor:
Last week, we had two whole articles about the new fire department ‘plan’, but nothing detailing it. There was nothing on the township Web site and nothing on the two fire department Web sites. Transparency in government is in short commodity these days. It’s a campaign promise we have heard during the elections this year as well as during our own elections last year.
Notably, during the Town Council election debate last year, Bob Bostock talked about ‘transparency’ in government and now he is quoted as saying “I think this is an excellent path forward.” Really, Bob, where are we going? I see we had superb transparency on our trip to Dyson Farm, but nothing here.
My main concern about this ‘plan’ is that it addresses recent issues with our fire departments and that it adds accountability to the plate. Like anyone else in Lawrence, I appreciate our volunteers and their time; however, I want to make certain that if a problem arises, I know who to call and where to look for a response.
For instance, this past March, when our fire department response time was questioned, it became a talking point in the Trentonian’s Backtalk section. Is this the new township dispute resolution resource? Further, it appeared that the residents and volunteers involved had no one, but the media, to turn to during this occurrence. Often times, that route is not tactful or kind. During a similar situation in West Windsor, when their fire department was questioned about response time, their chief came forward and conducted an investigation and reported it to the public. That is transparency.
This past May, Lawrence experienced a fire in the township where volunteers were injured. There was no follow up or reason given as to why these injuries occurred. The only thing I have heard is speculation about ‘fire rated’ gloves, but again this was not addressed either. If a police officer is injured here in the township, we have accountability, why not with the fire departments?
In reading both articles in the Lawrence Ledger last week, I feel as though I have picked up a book in the middle of the story with only my own speculation as a means of figuring out what I missed. I would like this proposal posted on the township website so that all Lawrence Township residents can view it. This should include the original and revised pieces. At the least, this will give residents insight to our volunteer based organizations and add to accountability. Transparency is an important issue in government and it should be prevalent in issues where taxpayer dollars are concerned. It should not be just a campaign promise.
Catherine Salt-Gillispie
Lawrence

