Tell Patch: What Should Council Members Focus on in 2012?
Vote below and tell us what you think in the comments.
With 2012 starting, new council members sworn into office and goals starting to be set for the year, Patch wants to know what you want elected officials in Hightstown to focus on most this year.
Last year council, members voted to eliminate the police chief position in favor of a civilian police director after the former chief retired. An appointment for the position is expected as early as this month. What should the new police director and council focus on with the department?
In 2011, residents also called for more transparency from the council on the future of Borough Hall and the Police Department. Hurricane Irene destroyed both buildings, and municipal departments have since been relocated while their future location remains in limbo.
Mayor Steven Kirson said Monday officials continue working with FEMA and the insurance company on the rebuilding efforts. What do you think the borough should do about the future of Borough Hall and the Police Department?
During several council meetings former council member Isabel McGinty raised the issue of police overtime, and during her last meeting said she hopes someone will take on the issue now that she is off the council. Do you think police overtime is an issue in Hightstown?
Newly-elected council members stressed looking into shared services for municipal services. Do you think Hightstown could benefire from shared services? For what departments?
Vote in the poll below, and tell Patch in the comments what you think should be at the top of the list for the Borough Council in 2012.
rogersavenue08520
6:43 am on Wednesday, January 4, 2012
-Borough council should dedicate a large portion of time finding viable ways to bring in revenue, i.e., rug mill, minute maid, re-zone Peddie School properties so they can pay their fair share of taxes, parking meters downtown on main streets, etc.
-Conduct an efficiency study of all of the departments & services, from the janitor up to Borough Administrator. Make department heads more accountable for themselves and their employees. -Look into shared services, but don't give up the farm just because the numbers look good on paper. You must have a working relationship with that other municipalities and truely decide if your only going to save a couple of dollars, is it not better to keep what we have, tighten our belt and focus on being more efficient. -Police overtime should definately be monitored and evaluated to determine what's actually going on. Job one for the new Director. Overtime due to hurricane, servicing the needs of the publc, unforseen circumstances are part of the cost of doing business. Overtime due to abuse or failure to get a job done due to lack of efficiency or properly allocated personnel is unacceptable. -Take a step back from your personal agendas & focus on issues that the majority of the taxpayers are concerned about & need truley benefits our town. Make council meeting more excessable to the community. Most hardworking residence haven't a clue of the issues or what's going on. Don't rely on your website or flyer on the borough hall bulletin board.
Dave Bell
8:29 am on Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Well said! Except the parking meters, we don't have people willing to come to town now, so adding meters not so good. But everything else is right on point