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Jack Hartford - On the Issues
Q. Governor Corzine has made it clear through the reduction of state aid that the consolidation of towns is imminent. What are your views on joining forces with another town? Are there efficiencies to be gained and where?
Jack: I believe that we must consider consolidation of the Chathams if we are serious about wanting to do something about property taxes and about increasing the efficiency of local government. It’s true that the state has adopted the “stick” of reductions in state aid, but they have also provided a framework to enable towns to consider consolidation and cope with the many obstacles which stand in the way. In Chatham, bureaucratic concerns have blocked consideration of merging the courts; the joint recreation program has been stymied by the inability to resolve the issue of two recreation directors. The state’s program is designed specifically to deal with situations like these and other difficult issues such as civil service seniority, municipal contracts, and duplication of administrative positions. It also provides for the creation of a Municipal Consolidation Study Commission by towns considering consolidation to examine its possible benefits and drawbacks. I personally believe that certain services, such as police and fire, require local precincts and fire districts. I also believe strongly in preserving our local volunteer fire departments. But the decision on consolidation should not be up to any one individual or to the entrenched powers that be. Ultimately, the decision must be reserved for the residents, who will review the findings and decide the issue at the voting booth.
Jack Hartford on Recreation
I support developing and improving our recreational facilities. I believe that this is a reasonable expectation of residents and a proper role of government. I also support the Chatham Athletic Boosters’ proposal to light Cougar field using new technology and a restrictive use policy which takes into consideration the potential impact on nearby residents. Although there are those who overstate the amount of available open space by saying that approximately 37% of the Township is publicly owned land, the fact is that there is limited open space available for recreational purposes. I believe that the Great Swamp is a precious resource, but otherwise, development has severely limited the opportunities to acquire additional open space for athletic fields. That’s why I have advocated keeping an open mind on the development of Woodland Park. After all, that is the purpose for which the land was acquired. I also have advocated making better use of existing facilities such as Colony Pool and Shunpike field. Meanwhile, neighborhood recreational opportunities are limited, and a homeowner can’t even put up a basketball hoop in their own driveway without the Township Committee wasting time debating whether it is a “structure”. The Township Committee’s propensity to favor development has resulted in a lack of recreational facilities and open space for all age groups in Chatham Township to enjoy.
Q: Identify one major issue facing our community and discuss how you would address it.
Jack: I believe rising real estate taxes are the major issue facing our community because our national financial crisis threatens the incomes of working families and the life savings of senior citizens, and puts at risk their ability to hold onto their homes. The last time we faced such a severe economic crisis was after 9/11. As a volunteer in a job search group that was formed at my church, I met many Chatham residents who lost their jobs and many who also lost their homes. This is such a time. This is a time when routine tax increases can no longer be tolerated. This is a time when the town must institute budgets with real fiscal austerity, not just give lip service to it. This is a time when wage increases must reflect economic conditions. It’s time to overcome the bureaucratic inertia that has blocked initiatives I have advocated such as merging the courts and resolving the issue of two recreation directors. It’s time to open up the secrecy of the budget process and apply the sunshine laws of our state to subcommittees that permit the Township Committee to make critical decisions out of public view. It’s time to change the “let them eat cake” and “what’s in it for me” attitude of the Township Committee. It’s time to stop wasting taxpayers’ money debating peeling paint and basketball hoops. It’s time to address the real issues and remember those who ultimately must pay the bills, the taxpayers of Chatham Township.
Jack Hartford - Meet the Candidate
I chose to live in Chatham Township when my company moved to New Jersey from New York City fifteen years ago. The experience of being downsized in 1999 motivated me to volunteer to help in a job search group that was formed at my church to help the many people who lost their jobs after 9-11. Trying to help others ended up helping me to re-examine my own life, and at the age of 54 I decided to try to become involved in public service through running for local office. What I experienced during my service on the Township Committee strengthened my commitment to try to create a town government that listens, and acts with common sense, in the best interests of the community. A government that responds to residents’ concerns and yet never forgets those who ultimately must pay the bills, the taxpayers of Chatham Township. I am committed to reducing expenses through shared services and strict fiscal restraint, and to changing our government’s focus from issues that don’t matter, like banning peeling paint and basketball hoops, to the issues that matter most to our residents. I am committed to work to help to create a community that realizes that its greatest wealth is in its quality of life and its greatest value is in its people.
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