I have had the pleasure of serving the citizens of Spotswood as both an elected and appointed official. I am encouraging my neighbors and friends to re-elect Howard Keenan, Judy Ruffo and Curt Stollen to Spotswood’s Borough Council on May 14.
The members of this group of elected officials have proven themselves to be thoughtful and hardworking decision-makers who carefully balance cost-effectiveness and doing what’s right for the majority of people. Sometimes it is very difficult to solve all of a town’s problems when there are limited resources; however, this group is doing its very best. Its members are consistently responding to residents’ concerns with compassionate understanding.
The most serious problem facing the municipal government for the next several years will be improving the water quality in town. Many people are affected by discolored water due to an aging water infrastructure. The mayor and council have begun the expensive process of water system capital improvements in the last few months.
Furthermore, their lone opponent has stated he opposes the idea that Spotswood provide police patrol for Helmetta, as it would benefit only Helmetta. Had he attended council meetings and not relied upon hearsay, he would realize that Spotswood officials were suggesting that both towns apply for a state grant to study the feasibility of merging the two police departments. Only after the study is completed would it be prudent to comment on whether it would be beneficial to either community. But to reject it before studying it is irresponsible. Small communities such as Spotswood and Helmetta must continue to explore shared services in an effort to help control rising property taxes. Otherwise, it could eventually become too expensive to live and operate businesses in these smaller communities.
Now is not the time to experiment with an inexperienced elected official who has never attended a council meeting and has no idea about the water system problem. The choice is clear. We must re-elect Keenan, Ruffo and Stollen to our nonpartisan governing body.
Wayne R. Hamilton
Spotswood