Message from the Mayor - May 2012

For a few hours on Thursday, April 26th, the spotlight was on our wonderful town! People around the state and nation had their eyes on Springfield as we hosted Governor Chris Christie for a Town Hall Meeting at the Firehouse. It was an historic event – the Governor spent some time discussing legislative issues, the financial outlook of our state, tax reform and a handful of residents even had an opportunity to ask him questions. After I had several meetings with the Governor’s staff about some of the issues most important to Springfield, the Governor came with key agency personnel to speak with residents afterwards and address their concerns. I have also been in contact with senior officials from the Department of Environmental Protection and Department of Transportation and they have committed to devoting time and energy working with Springfield and the surrounding affected communities to help resolve our issues and find some solutions. In fact, they are scheduling follow-up visits this month and developing action items for future flood mitigation and relief efforts.

Just days before the big event, I spoke with key department leaders to inform them that I was working on arranging a visit from the Governor and asked for their assistance. In their typical great spirit and cooperation, they pulled together under the coordination of Public Safety Director Rich Rosell and we were able to successfully welcome and host the Governor of our great State along with a crowd of nearly 450 people without incident. I want to take this opportunity to publicly thank all of our public safety men and women for their exceptional work and dedication to serving the Township at a moment’s notice.

At our April Township Committee meetings, Finance sub-committee Chairman, Committeeman Marc Krauss, prepared a fantastic 2012 Budget presentation. You can request a copy or ask him questions by e-mailing him at marc.krauss@springfield-nj.us. As a service to taxpayers, you can now conveniently pay your property taxes on-line from your computer just by visiting the Springfield website. You can either pay by credit card or e-check (ACH) and you also have the option to pay by credit card in Town Hall. As a result of a business decision by our previous emergency dispatch provider, CenCom of Atlantic Ambulance, we were forced to look for an alternate provider. The Township Committee voted unanimously to contract with Union County for Fire and Emergency Medical dispatch services. Residents should not notice any negative impact or interruptions to dispatch when calling 9-1-1.

The reorganizing of our Community Center facilities and the possibility of changing of our form of government so residents can directly elect a Mayor will again be on our Agendas during the month of May. At our May 8th Township Committee meeting, I will issue a proclamation recognizing May as Military Appreciation Month and continue an initiative I began in 2010 proclaiming May as Pedestrian Safety & Awareness Month in Springfield. Mother and daughter team, Stephanie and Marissa Steiner, are coordinators of the New Jersey Preeclampsia Walk in Cranford on May 19th and in honor of their efforts and the cause, I will be issuing a Preeclampsia Awareness Month proclamation this month as well. Please also note that Emergency Medical Services Week is from May 20th through May 26th this year. I will present a proclamation to representatives of our Springfield Volunteer First Aid Squad at our May 22nd Township Committee meeting – I hope you will join me in recognizing and thanking them for their service by making a tax-deductible donation on their website (www.springfieldfas.org).

Springfield will be holding our Annual Memorial Day Parade beginning with a 10 a.m. Observance at Town Hall and concluding at Veterans Memorial Park. To many, the holiday marks pool openings, barbecues and sales, but it is important to understand Memorial Day as a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Please show your support for the fallen and take time to recognize their ultimate sacrifice on Monday, May 28th.

I am holding open office hours on Sunday, May 6th at 2:30 p.m. and Tuesday, May 22nd at 6 p.m. Please e-mail me at mayor@shehady.us or call 973-797-9423 to schedule an appointment or reserve a time slot. Additionally, contact me if you would like to host coffee/tea for neighbors and have me over to speak on any issue(s) of concern to the group.