By Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
MONTGOMERY — Promising to put the best interests of Montgomery Township first, Township Committee member Patricia Graham was chosen to serve as mayor at the committee’s annual reorganization meeting last week.
Mayor Graham’s remarks followed the swearing-in of Township Committee Members Christine Madrid and Mark Conforti, and the selection of Committee Member Ed Trzaska as deputy mayor at the Jan. 7 meeting. This is Mr. Trzaska’s second, one-year term as deputy mayor.
Ms. Madrid was re-elected to Township Committee in November. Mr. Conforti, who ran on the Republican Party ticket with Ms. Madrid, was sworn into office for his second, non-consecutive term. He served on the governing body from November 2011 through December 2012, filling an unexpired term.
Mayor Graham, who has served on Township Committee since 2011, thanked her family and Township Committee for their support as she begins her term in the ceremonial post of mayor. She also said she is looking forward to working with the township municipal staff.
There are many exciting challenges in the year ahead, Mayor Graham said. The number one priority, she said, is holding the line on municipal property taxes — but without sacrificing essential services such as the Police Department and the Department of Public Works.
Land-use issues, including the improvement and redevelopment of the intersection of Route 206 and Route 518 — the gateway to Montgomery Township — are important, Mayor Graham said. She said she would strive for “smart development,” increasing the ratables base while considering the needs and values of township residents.
The preservation of open space is also a priority, Mayor Graham said. She noted that 35 percent of Montgomery Township has been permanently preserved. Last year, the township added a combined 36 acres of land into its inventory of permanently preserved open space parcels, she said.
Mayor Graham also praised the township residents who volunteer to serve on the advisory boards and committees. There is a “strong spirit of volunteerism” in Montgomery, she said. Those volunteers, working together with township staff, are what makes Montgomery a wonderful place to live, she added.
“I am really excited to begin the new year ahead,” Mayor Graham said.
Deputy Mayor Trzaska, in his remarks, pointed to the reduction in the township’s debt and its progress in repaving, reconstructing and repairing 13 miles of municipal roads last year — “more road projects than in any other year in recent history.”
Montgomery Veterans Park and Mill Pond Park have been upgraded, and Woods Edge Park — near the Yorkshire Woods and Woods Edge developments — is next in line to be upgraded in the spring, Deputy Mayor Trzaska said.
“Moving forward, we will continue to adhere to our core governing principles — doing more with less, protecting public health and safety services, and preserving Montgomery’s rural character while enhancing the commercial sections in town,” he said.
Looking ahead, Committee Member Richard Smith said, his focus over the next couple of years is on development and construction issues — beginning with the redevelopment of the Route 206/Route 518 intersection at the southern end of town, and the construction of the Belle Mead and Pike Run shopping plazas at the northern end of town.
Taking some of the traffic off Route 206 in the south end of town will be aided by the completion of the western loop road at Route 206 and Cherry Valley Road, Mr. Smith said. The first half is nearly complete, and township officials are in discussions with a landowner to complete the rest of it.
The transformation of the Police Department’s headquarters also is a priority, Mr. Smith said. A design firm is expected to be hired next month to help transform the Police Department and the Municipal Building into a modern facility that meets everyone’s needs, he said.
Committee Member Christine Madrid, who served as mayor last year, said it was an honor to have served in that capacity. She thanked the voters for putting their trust in her to serve another three-year term on Township Committee, and that she is looking forward to continuing to work with township staff.
Serving as mayor was a wonderful experience, she said, recounting that she had a chance to judge a talent show at Montgomery High School, as well as cut the ribbon on Skillman Park and take part in the Veterans Day ceremony. But most importantly, it made her realize and “truly appreciate” how rich and diverse Montgomery Township is, she said.
Mr. Conforti, who is making a come-back on Township Committee, said he has three goals — looking after the health and safety of the residents, continuing to maintain and expand open space, and ensuring that the township’s finances are in good order.
The preservation of open space helps to curb sprawl, Mr. Conforti said. The township has done a good job in preserving open space. The key now is not only to focus on new opportunities, but to maintain the existing portfolio of properties so residents can continue to enjoy them, he said.
Finally, there is fiscal responsibility, Mr. Conforti said. The township’s emphasis on strong financial management makes it easier and less expensive when it needs to borrow money, he said. It also helps to keep property taxes at a reasonable level, he added.
“If we do all of that right, nobody knows that we (Township Committee) are here,” Mr. Conforti said.
