Former mayor objects to $250K expenditure

Doris Moran Weisberg, Lawrence
   It has been brought to my attention that the Lawrence Township Capital Budget contained $250,000 for the Lawrence Hopewell Trail. The trail has long been a source of conflict in the township and this writer has no intention of adding to that debate but would like to express my objection to the expenditure.
   Lawrence, like all municipalities, is suffering from a national economic downturn which affects everything from State and Federal aid to decreased revenues and fees, a lower percentage of tax payments and poor return on investments. Layoffs have been narrowly averted, services curtailed, fees raised and furloughs are still on the table. Yet $250,000 is available for a trail that services a neighboring township, the most sparsely populated section and the most remote park in the township; $250,000 could be a safety net for current employees who can ill afford to be furloughed, $250,000 could provide reduced fees or scholarships for township children to participate in our recreation programs, $250,000 could help with grants to needy seniors who see their pensions and IRAs shrinking each month.
   When the trail was first proposed by current Mayor Mount she gave her word that no public funds would be used to fund the trail. It was because of this promise that I as a councilperson voted yes. The council was assured by Mrs. Mount that $5 to $6 million would be obtained by grants and private donations. This can be verified by obtaining the word for word minutes of that meeting from the Township Clerk.
   A promise given is a promise kept. Anything else is a breech of trust.
Doris Moran Weisberg
Lawrence