NEWS

April:

The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM Sgt. At Arms Ralph Ringstad, led the Pledge to the Flag, and the minutes of our April 27th Spring Buffet were accepted. The many candidates for the upcoming elections made their presentations and fielded questions from the members.

Freeholder candidates Murray, Inglesino, Schrier gave their presentations first talking about Morris’s triple A bond rating, and the sharing of services with municipalities. The County Budget is 280M, up from last year but kept under 4% through efficiencies, some privatization, and reducing employees.

Alex DeCroce, Minority Leader in the Assembly, Jay Webber and Larry Casha shared their experience and qualifications. Each described what was going on in Trenton, particularly the gigantic increase in spending and taxes since the Democrats have taken the majority. Mr. Casha reminded us that government is the largest employer in the State and millions could be saved by having an independent auditor. He said he has experience meeting a payroll as a small business owner and experience with municipalities and what that entails. Mr. Webber vowed he would not vote for a tax increase of any kind. He discussed his firm’s lawsuits against Democrats to control illegal taxes. Mr. DeCroce reiterated how many times he has voted to cut taxes (94 times) during his tenure in the Assembly and his experience as Director of the Dept. of Transportation getting roads repaired. He reminded the members he has brought a good deal of tax money back to Morris County and Hanover Township in particular.

Freeholder Cabana having been detained in Court, came in and gave his presentation.

Sheriff Ed Rochford, who never misses a HTRC meeting, came in and spoke of the many efficiencies in place in his department and the County Jail. He reminded us that he reports only to the people of Morris County. He talked about the cooperation between the Sheriff’s Department and the local PD’s. Explaining the Sheriff’s detectives do the forensic work for the entire county saving the municipalities money. They also transport prisoners back and forth to the various towns for court appearances saving the taxpayer’s overtime. He described the Canine Unit and related a very recent success catching three burglars in the ceiling of a house.

After a five minute break. Mr. Q Rim, a new member from Whippany was nominated as the new VP of Membership and Candidates Night resumed.

The Hanover candidates vying for Township Committee are long term residents of Hanover, who along with their spouses give of their time and talents to our community. Incumbent Judy Iradi, Ken Schleifer and Tammy Wagner all spoke of their experience and vision for Hanover.

Incumbent Judy Iradi emphasized the town was free of bonding based on the planning of those who came before her on the township committee. Ms. Iradi endorses zoning that attracts high quality ratables with minimal traffic impact. She is a proponent of affordable housing for seniors who wish to remain near family and friends without the burden of maintaining a house and property. She actively is against Morristown Airport expansion and filling in the wetlands at that location.

Mr. Schleifer described his many volunteer activities in town particularly those related to the fire department. As the owner of a small business he has experience meeting a payroll and all that entails. He wants more open communication between the Township and its citizens. He believes wider use of the internet for information purposes keeping citizens in the loop with ongoing town business.

Mrs, Wagner has long been on the Recreation Department and served two terms on the BOE, one year as President. Mrs. Wagner is in favor of bonding a 2M building for recreation and a 6M overhaul of Bee Meadow pool. She is a proponent of more lighted sports fields in town.

All three candidates are in favor of televising the township committee meetings.

After Q & A the meeting was adjourned at 10:30 pm.

2005/6 Annual Meeting Summary
2004 Annual Meeting Summary