By Charley Falkenburg, Staff Writer
MONTGOMERY Residents piled into the Municipal Court on Jan. 5 to watch the transformation of their municipal government as the Township Committee gathered for the annual reorganization meeting.
Applause filled the air as state Sen. Christopher “Kip” Bateman swore in new committee members Rich Smith and Christine Madrid, Patricia Graham as deputy mayor and Ed Trzaska as the township’s new mayor.
”I feel honored and privileged to become the mayor of Montgomery,” Mr. Trzaska told the audience. “I would like to thank my colleagues for entrusting me with these responsibilities and promise to do my very best.”
Ms. Graham and Committeeman Mark Conforti thanked the Montgomery professionals and particularly expressed their gratitude toward Township Attorney Kristina Hadinger, Township Clerk Donna Kukla, Chief Financial Officer Walter Sheppard and Administrator Donato Nieman.
”Montgomery really benefits greatly from their professionalism and hard work,” Ms. Graham said. “I’ve had the pleasure of working with them all year and they are just a wonderful group of professionals. We’re lucky to have them.”Mr. Trzaska commended the various feats that the Township accomplished during the past year that have contributed to Montgomery’s vision of “Better, Smarter, Government.”
These tasks included reducing spending, compiling nearly $200,000 in annual savings through sharing and consolidating services, stabilizing municipal taxes, generating $14 million for debt reduction in the creation of Skillman Park and expanding the Cherry Brook Preserve.
Ms. Graham said she was particularly excited about the closing of the sale of Skillman Park to Somerset County and is looking forward to its continual development for residents and future generations to come. “This is what people can do when they are committed to a vision,” Mr. Trzaska said.
However, the committee acknowledged the economic challenges that are ahead for Montgomery. In 2011 the Township saw a $750,000 budget shortfall due to declining revenues and mandated spending increases. This trend is expected to continue to persist in 2012 with another significant budget gap, but that doesn’t deter the committee.
Both Mr. Smith and Ms. Graham emphasized the need to find ways for the taxpayers of Montgomery to save money, whether it be through initiatives like shared services, innovation or new technology.
”Montgomery’s residents are hurting in this economy and the last thing they need is more taxes from unnecessary spending. I will work hard with Mayor Trzaska and my fellow committee members to ensure that the township lives within its means,” Ms. Graham said. “We simply have to keep taxes and spending low without compromising essential services.”
Other looming trials for Montgomery include external pressures like COAH housing and the sewer treatment system, which is aging.
But local challenges weren’t the only trials Montgomery residents were told to keep in mind.
Congressman Leonard Lance, who represents 54 municipalities in the state’s 7th Congressional District, reminded residents of national issues such as the high unemployment rate.
”An 8.6 unemployment rate in this country is unacceptable we have to do a better job to make sure that the American people who want to work, do work,” Mr. Lance said. He added that on an international front, there are challenges with countries like Iran, Afghanistan, Yemen and North Korea and wished greater prosperity and peace across the world for the new year.
Whether the issues are local, national or worldwide, the committee has a can-do attitude.
”With the help of our dedicated professionals in town hall, we will roll up our sleeves, identify the best possible solutions and meet these challenges head-on,” Mr. Trzaska said.
The committee also described their hopes, goals and aspirations in the upcoming year for Montgomery, which included making the sewer system more efficient, making local government more accessible with the finalization of a plan to televise Township Committee meetings and the start of construction of the Montgomery Promenade.
Mr. Conforti stressed the importance of continuing to push ahead on Montgomery’s Open Space Project.
”Despite economics and financial issues, we have continued to focus on expanding the open space portfolio because that is what gives this community the unique quality of life that we have,” he added.
Mr. Smith has a personal goal on the Township Committee to improve customer service that is provided to the community through the various departments of the township.
”We can never lose sight of who we provide these services for the taxpayers of Montgomery,” Mr. Smith said. “Any interaction with a Montgomery employee should always be a pleasant experience for our residents and I want to make sure this happens.”
Mr. Trzaska began his first Township Committee meeting as mayor by adopting a resolution to honor former mayor Mark Caliguire, presenting him with a plaque and a large framed picture.
”Former Mayor Mark Caliguire has set a very high bar for this office. I have learned so much from him and will continue to take advantage of his advice and wisdom as he begins his new role as Somerset County freeholder,” Mr. Trzaska said. “I think the greatest thing about doing this resolution is just knowing Mark is still representing Montgomery, just in another capacity.”
The audience gave Mr. Caliguire a standing ovation, prompting him to modestly beg everyone to take a seat. He thanked his family, supporters and the voters who helped him along the way.
As Mr. Caliguire tackles his new role as freeholder, Mr. Trzaska plans on doing Montgomery justice in 2012.
”This year is full of challenges and opportunities,” Mr. Trzaska said. “We will work hard, we will work wisely and hopefully at the end of the day we will make the residents of Montgomery proud of their local government.”
