MONTGOMRY: Elected leaders look forward to challenges

By Charley Falkenburg, Special to the Packet
   MONTGOMERY — A slightly new Republican Township Committee is ready to take Montgomery to the next level and Mayor Ed Trzaska will be leading the way once again.
   The town hall dais was filled with both new and seasoned blood on Jan. 3 as Montgomery’s elected officials gathered for the first time this year.
   After being sworn in, Republicans Christine Madrid and newcomer Christopher Sugden took their respective seats and began their three-year terms. Ms. Madrid was already a familiar face, but Mr. Sugden said it wouldn’t be too long before his colleagues realized one of the reasons why he ran for the committee.
   ”I ran for this seat is because you only make an impact if you’re in the game – and I plan to be in the game,” said Mr. Sugden.
   The committee’s first order of business in the New Year was unanimously re-electing Mayor Trzaska and Patricia Graham as deputy mayor for their second consecutive year.
   Montgomery accomplished a lot in 2012: a budget with municipal spending below 2004 levels, an approved debt refinancing plan that saved taxpayers $600,000, a perfect score in Gov. Chris Christie’s Best Practices in Local Government program and giving residents the opportunity to watch town meetings online.
   But as the committee members looked into 2013, they recognized they had a full plate in front of them.
   ”You never know what a new year will bring, but it’s safe to say 2013 is going to be challenging yet full of opportunities to protect and improve our quality of life,” said Mayor Trzaska.
   Montgomery continues to confront a structural budget deficit, an aging sewer system and the need to preserve more key tracts of land.
   While keeping those issues in mind, the mayor pinpointed four of his main goals for Montgomery this year: protecting public health and safety services, adhering to the state mandated 2-percent property tax cap, preserve more open space and optimize the use of the limited commercial and retail land in town.
   To maintain the police department, which may lose several officers due to pending retirements and deployments to Afghanistan, the mayor said the town will soon be recruiting new hires — a first in Montgomery in more than a decade.
   nother first for Montgomery, like many East Coast towns, is dealing with financial aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. While the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) is reimbursing up to 75 percent of town costs during the hurricane, the mayor said that money would not be available in time for the 2013 budget.
   Mayor Trzaska plans on being aggressive in land acquisitions for open space and equally aggressive in bringing new businesses and services into town. He also aims to complete long delayed complex redevelopments such as the Montgomery Promenade.
   ”In many ways Montgomery is at the crossroads,” he said. “After several decades of growth we’re becoming a mature community and now is the time to be proactive and ensure that our unique balance of rural and suburban character is preserved.”
   Ms. Graham piggybacked on many of Mayor Trzaska’s points, particularly on the need for more open space and finding a happy medium between cutting spending and preserving core town services. However, she also stressed the importance of Montgomery’s strong volunteerism. Whether it’s the fire department, EMS or the various boards and commissions – Ms. Graham thought these volunteers help the town run smoothly.
   ”I’d like to recognize that township government is a team effort; it’s the governing body, it’s the professionals and it’s the volunteers,” she added. “I think we have the A-team.”
   The rest of the committee appeared to have the same thoughts as Mayor Trzaska on what the town should focus on moving forward, but each member had a few personal resolutions for Montgomery too.
   Committeeman Rich Smith had three goals for 2013: maximizing, expanding and bolstering town revenue streams; cross-training employees to save money and improve technical skills in town services; and providing great customer service at the municipal level.
   If customer service isn’t a priority to town employees, Mr. Smith said they would hire new ones with the following attributes: a friendly and energetic attitude, willingness to go the extra mile, courtesy, respect and having common sense. He emphasized the last three, describing them as “truly the secret sauce to successful customer-based operations.”
   Agreeing with Ms. Graham, Ms. Madrid emphasized Montgomery is full of volunteers making a difference every day whether it’s the local Boy Scout troop leader, youth sport coaches or open space advocates. It was her goal to get more of those people involved at the municipal level.
   ”We need them and more people like them to serve in our township commissions, on our advisory boards and in our budget working groups,” she added. “Our citizens are in the best position to help protect our community and help preserve our quality of life.”
   After knocking on many doors during his campaign, Mr. Sugden attested that affordability remains a No. 1 concern for many residents. As a businessman, he focused on making even more progress in Montgomery’s finances, tackling the structural budget gap and treating taxpayers as customers.
   ”My commitment to you is to have your local government operate like a business and the way we do that is to ensure every dollar counts,” he said.
   Following the remarks, the committee passed a proclamation honoring former committeeman Mark Conforti, who was in attendance that night to cheer on his former colleagues. Mr. Conforti isn’t going too far away, as he will be on the Planning Board this year.
   ”I want to thank Mark Conforti for his selfless service to the town and the committee,” said Ms. Graham. “He was instrumental in reviewing the township finances and creating the 2012 budget. We will certainly miss his clear thinking and pragmatic advice.”