As 2013 begins, we should reflect on what happened during the past year. Progress made, along with the accomplishments and disappointments. The economy was tough for most of the people we know and our hopes and dreams were somewhat restrained by the needs of those around us and our attempts to help when and wherever possible. We were reminded that hope and faith in a better tomorrow was what kept some of our neighbors going. And without real hope for improvement the road forward is very difficult if not impossible.
During the storm, which was going to flood Hightstown out of existence once and for all, we learned that better preparation and some luck are all that we needed to stay dry and intact. While the power went out in some parts of Hightstown, neighbors ran cables from their generators to help one another. In some respects, the storm brought neighbors together, and that is usually very good as long as they are not gathering to burn down the townhall or your home.
We came together several times to show through a fair, parade or other events that community spirit is high and pride in Hightstown remains strong.
What also happened is a list of failures and lost opportunities, which we need to reflect on. The Borough Hall Complex remains empty with no public timetable released for rebuilding. All major commercial property development plans and approvals are still among the missing. Some demand discussions on the “Vision for Hightstown” while we fail to take action for another year on the REALITIES of Hightstown.
The Bridge Project went from Community Involvement at $75,000.00 to a need for taxpayer infusion of an additional $150,000.00. We have bonded another million or so this year and still have the outstanding bonds for the hurricane, which have not been paid off by the insurance company or FEMA. We have an administration, which is proud that it has stalled the council from any meaningful action to improve Hightstown for yet another year.
As residents, taxpayers and concerned citizens, our wish for 2013 should be that during the January 7 Reorganization Meeting the council presents or declares a formal 2013 Action Plan for Hightstown along with a timetable for implementation which must be kept. Have each member declare their support or opposition to the plan. They should also publicly resolve to reject calls that previously side tracked their plans while continuing to remain open to constructive public comment.
In 2012 the council’s opponents wrongly accused it of both secrete meetings and of wasting time with public meetings concerning the Borough Hall Complex. In 2013 the council should dedicate itself to tangible results and not just redoubling its efforts. Hightstown should not go another year without solid progress and results. You cannot improve Hightstown without a real plan. Keep Hope Alive.
I have always supported public plans and open government. I have also openly
opposed the Mayor and Borough Administrator as obstructionists dedicated to the destruction of Hightstown. Let them prove me wrong through their actions in 2013 and I will applaud them publicly.
If wanting the commercial properties to become as productive and tax generating as possible is wrong I want to be wrong. What is your vision of Hightstown or are you opposed to everything. Tell us all how you suggest improving the borough with a real plan of action for 2013. I and all of Hightstown await your grand plan and vision for tomorrow and beyond.
A prime example of misrepresentation is his statement that Mr. "Theokis is totally qualified". He has no governmental or educational qualifications for the position, his practical experience is the OJT he has received over the past year in this position. How can that make anyone "totally qualified" if you are honest in your assessment. Mike is more qualified now then when he took office by the OJT he has received. I sometimes enjoy Gene's public comments at Council meetings because he has many valid points to make. My problem with his replies to my letter is that he is pushing the party line about the location of the Borough Hall Complex and qualifications of Mike. AS I have heard several times at Council Meetings, the insurance company will pay for almost the entire reconstruction of the Borough Hall Complex if it is built on the current site. The flood zone issue has been proven to be a design and enginering issue which would be addresed during the rebuilding process. Those are the solid facts for this issue.
In the past 6 months the Council has come together to make decissions and move projects along. The projects are going nowhere because the Mayor and Administrator are obstructing them in every turn. If this statement is false since it is in written here I challange the Mayor or Administrator to file legal action against me and let us all see what is produced during the DISCOVERY portion of that action. Truth is the first positive defense. The time I want to return to is when opposing sides could listen to each other and work it out
As to my plan of action for 2013 awaited by Mr.Gibbons.it will be the plan of the planning board and the business organizations of Hightstown with economic interests that will present a well thought out realistic plan without actions that would be detrimental to our future development. My opposition is to building a municipal complex with police facilities, a jail, a court, municipal offices and council chambers when the insurance money can be better employed in a facility with a multiple purpose design for future needs in a merged community.
Elected officials are determined to be qualified by the fact they are elected. Paid professional are expeced to have solid education or actual experience as qualifications. Want to try again?
It is the voices of GWIP. Downtown Hightstown, the Borough Planning Board, local business person, and citizens with foresight that say take the money and buy or rent a facility not in a flood plain, and one that has other uses for future needs. They see no commanding reason to locate the municipal offices downtown or uptown as the primary reason to do so. JP Gibbons is promoting his view of Hightstown and its municipal offices with his proteges on Council and providing editorial opinions in the Patch and else where to further his agenda of status quo and myopia. I buy the opinions of my fellow citizens serving on committees and boards as to the location of a municipal building.