MONTGOMERY: Mayor’s address at reorganization meeting

   The following is Mayor Ed Trzaska’s address at the January 3 reorganization meeting:
   I would like to thank my colleagues for electing me Mayor once again. Last year was truly a rewarding experience and I’m sure this year will be as well. I would also like to thank my wife, Jaci, for her continued support and advice. I couldn’t do this job without her.
   Last year we continued to focus on our vision of “Better, Smarter Government” and achieved many successes. We passed a budget that brings down municipal spending to below 2004 levels without impacting core services, approved a debt refinancing plan that saves taxpayers $600,000, preserved our exceptional credit rating, achieved a perfect score from Governor Christie’s Best Practices in Local Government program, and made live township meetings available to our residents at home for the first time ever. Even though these are significant accomplishments, it’s time to look forward to 2013.
   You never know what a new year will bring, but it is safe to say that 2013 is going to be challenging yet full of opportunities to protect and improve our quality of life. We are still confronting a structural budget deficit, an inefficient sewer system, and the need to preserve more key tracts of land. However, with hard work, the next 12 months can be very productive in shaping the Montgomery that future generations will enjoy.
   When considering our community’s long-term health and wellbeing, we have four key goals for 2013:
   1. Protect public health and safety services – We currently have the optimal number of police officers, but with pending future retirements and two officers that will be on leave for extended periods of time (including a deployment to Afghanistan), we will begin recruiting new hires and cadets for the first time in almost a decade. We will also continue to fund important road projects like Hollow, Fairview, East Mountain, and Cherry Valley and are working closely with the county and state on repaving the northern portion of Route 206 and upgrading the CSX train crossing on 601 near Grandview Road.
   2. Adhere to the Christie 2% property tax cap – Municipal finances are always tough, but the extra costs of Hurricane Sandy will make this year more difficult than normal. Even though FEMA will reimburse a significant portion of these costs, the money will not be available for the 2013 budget. Regardless, we are committed to doing more with less and will work towards complying with not just the letter of the cap law, but also its spirit.
   3. Preserve additional open space and protect our rural character – I am excited about the opportunities we have to increase our open space portfolio this year. We have the best open space team in the area and will work with them on all aspects of the process. If we want to ensure that future generations get to enjoy the Montgomery we see today, now is the time to be aggressive with land acquisitions.
   4. Optimize use of the limited commercial land in town – Montgomery doesn’t have much land devoted to commercial or retail services, so we need to maximize its potential. We will be working proactively with business owners all throughout town to bring in new services and assist with the redevelopment of several complexes (including the long-delayed Montgomery Promenade and significant improvements to the Village Shopper corner of Route 206 and 518).
   This is just a snapshot of what we will be working on in 2013. There are many more issues that will get plenty of time and attention, which includes those that are unplanned and unexpected.
   In many ways, Montgomery is at the crossroads. After several decades of growth, we are becoming a mature community. Now is the time to be proactive and ensure that our unique balance of rural and suburban life is preserved. The next few years will determine what type of town we leave to our children, so let’s get to work.
   Thank you.