Changes 1/22/04
The 2004 Hazlet Township Committee is taking the reigns of our local government and putting them back where they belong: in the hands of the people.
Mayor Paul Coughlin, along with his fellow committee members, is actively seeking the input of his constituents as his first step to properly address issues facing the community of Hazlet. He is implementing new ideas to keep the public informed of the activities of our numerous branches of government.
The previous administration frequently told concerned residents to direct questions to other boards, committees or governing bodies. After asking the business administrator to confirm that the township had complied with notification laws, former committee members would often imply that they had fulfilled their obligation regarding a problem they had not solved. During the public portion of township committee meetings, the township attorney regularly responded to concerned residents by condescendingly explaining a legal technicality that absolved the committee of accountability.
Historically, the printed agenda for each township committee meeting acknowledged mundane business like the total dollars collected by the court and tax office, the number of police activities, and the amount of revenue received from the zoning and construction departments. The agenda simply named the reports and noted that each had been received and read.
Mayor Coughlin announced that he is expecting to hear detailed reports from each township committee member about the boards, departments and sub-committees to which each serves as the liaison. During township committee meetings, the members will report on more than the financials and statistics of the various township organizations. For example, Committeewoman Tracey Maffiore will report on the activities of the board of education and library commission; Committeeman Michael Sachs will provide reports from the police, public works, health departments and the sewerage authority; Committeeman Mike Christopher is responsible for informing the public of the business of our recreation commission.
Our newly elected committeeman, Scott Aagre, will report on the zoning and planning boards. The activity of these boards will be instrumental to addressing Hazlet’s growing problem of over development.
Building applications generally require landowners to send notice to every property owner within a 200-foot radius of the site on which they intend to begin construction. Mr. Aagre will include new applications in his reports, as well as the status of those that are pending. Since most applications also affect more residents than those within 200 feet, the committee hopes to better inform the public of building projects that might affect the quality of life in Hazlet.
Every citizen has the right to address any township board or committee with their concerns. Many citizens are not comfortable speaking in a public forum. Publicly challenging professionals is understandably intimidating for many people.
When they learn that the township has received an application to build a supermarket on the land adjacent to their backyard, most people do not have a problem finding their voice.
During the public portion of the Hazlet Township Committee meeting on January 13, Mayor Coughlin and the committee members took the time to thoroughly address the concerns of each citizen. The committee’s responses lacked the patronizing, deflective and dismissive tone of the previous administration.
The township’s website, www.hazlettwp.org, www.hazlet.info, and the bulletin boards at town hall post the dates and meeting times of each board and committee. If you think you have relevant knowledge, skills, concerns or experience, please attend a meeting or two. If you think you can help, please speak up. For anyone who is more comfortable interacting with their government in a less public forum, Mayor Coughlin will continue the monthly “Meet the Mayor” night.
The 2004 Hazlet Township Committee is implementing policies and looking for ways to enable the citizens to make a difference in their community. Because they want to hear your concerns and ideas, it is an excellent time to consider how the township committee might improve the quality of your life in Hazlet.
Mayor Paul Coughlin, along with his fellow committee members, is actively seeking the input of his constituents as his first step to properly address issues facing the community of Hazlet. He is implementing new ideas to keep the public informed of the activities of our numerous branches of government.
The previous administration frequently told concerned residents to direct questions to other boards, committees or governing bodies. After asking the business administrator to confirm that the township had complied with notification laws, former committee members would often imply that they had fulfilled their obligation regarding a problem they had not solved. During the public portion of township committee meetings, the township attorney regularly responded to concerned residents by condescendingly explaining a legal technicality that absolved the committee of accountability.
Historically, the printed agenda for each township committee meeting acknowledged mundane business like the total dollars collected by the court and tax office, the number of police activities, and the amount of revenue received from the zoning and construction departments. The agenda simply named the reports and noted that each had been received and read.
Mayor Coughlin announced that he is expecting to hear detailed reports from each township committee member about the boards, departments and sub-committees to which each serves as the liaison. During township committee meetings, the members will report on more than the financials and statistics of the various township organizations. For example, Committeewoman Tracey Maffiore will report on the activities of the board of education and library commission; Committeeman Michael Sachs will provide reports from the police, public works, health departments and the sewerage authority; Committeeman Mike Christopher is responsible for informing the public of the business of our recreation commission.
Our newly elected committeeman, Scott Aagre, will report on the zoning and planning boards. The activity of these boards will be instrumental to addressing Hazlet’s growing problem of over development.
Building applications generally require landowners to send notice to every property owner within a 200-foot radius of the site on which they intend to begin construction. Mr. Aagre will include new applications in his reports, as well as the status of those that are pending. Since most applications also affect more residents than those within 200 feet, the committee hopes to better inform the public of building projects that might affect the quality of life in Hazlet.
Every citizen has the right to address any township board or committee with their concerns. Many citizens are not comfortable speaking in a public forum. Publicly challenging professionals is understandably intimidating for many people.
When they learn that the township has received an application to build a supermarket on the land adjacent to their backyard, most people do not have a problem finding their voice.
During the public portion of the Hazlet Township Committee meeting on January 13, Mayor Coughlin and the committee members took the time to thoroughly address the concerns of each citizen. The committee’s responses lacked the patronizing, deflective and dismissive tone of the previous administration.
The township’s website, www.hazlettwp.org, www.hazlet.info, and the bulletin boards at town hall post the dates and meeting times of each board and committee. If you think you have relevant knowledge, skills, concerns or experience, please attend a meeting or two. If you think you can help, please speak up. For anyone who is more comfortable interacting with their government in a less public forum, Mayor Coughlin will continue the monthly “Meet the Mayor” night.
The 2004 Hazlet Township Committee is implementing policies and looking for ways to enable the citizens to make a difference in their community. Because they want to hear your concerns and ideas, it is an excellent time to consider how the township committee might improve the quality of your life in Hazlet.
posted by Rich Kohler at 7:44 AM
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