Ernest J. Willson, Belle Mead
Several years ago, the Montgomery Economic Development Commission (EDC) started working with the Somerset County Business Partnership, hoping to get more and sustainable economic and business development in Montgomery.
The EDC worked diligently to foster this development. This activity laid the groundwork for Montgomery to be able to participate in the Sustainable Somerset process initiated by the Somerset County Planning Board. The process would define areas in the township that could be considered for future expansion and economic development.
Through the EDC’s leadership, Montgomery Township was formally invited (by letter), to participate in the Sustainable Somerset process, by simply listing some projects that the township would be interested in developing. This process would allow Montgomery to put projects on lists for consideration for state and federal aid. The process did not require any commitment on the part of the township, simply an expression of interest.
Amazingly, the Township Committee, by letter from Mayor Trzaska, flatly refused to participate in the process stating “The Township of Montgomery declines to have any of the areas in the township included in the county’s plan as priority growth investment areas.” As a result, the Somerset County for Priority Growth Investment Plan contains no sites in Montgomery Township. We are the only significant county municipality without a single site.
The township’s letter was an embarrassment to the EDC and demonstrated a complete lack of coordination by the Township Committee with one of its major committees. It totally torpedoed four or five years of diligent work by the township’s own Economic Development Commission. It raises the question whether or not the Republican dominated Township Committee supports responsible economic growth here in the township.
What it means to you the taxpayer? It means higher taxes and impaired business growth. Montgomery cannot encourage business development if the Republican Township management will not get into the game.
Ernest J Willson
Belle Mead
