I read Mr. August’s letter in this past week’s West Essex Tribune with some interest. I can’t help thinking that, having attended none of the conference or regular Council meetings, nor any of the budget hearings, any information he may have on these matters is second- or third-hand at best. At any rate, it would seem that he is echoing some of the recently voiced concerns over so-called “politicization” of the budget process. It’s worth pointing out that the budget process is necessarily a political undertaking. According to Merriam-Webster, the word “political” is defined as “of or relating to government, a government, or the conduct of government OR, relating to, or concerned with the making as distinguished from the administration of governmental policy.” So, yes, the budget process is of necessity a political process. It may be that he was trying to accuse me and Dr. Rieber of making it a partisan process by voting along party lines.
Regarding party affiliation, it bears reminding that Mike and I were voted in because the community was tired of the status quo of continual tax increases. We worked very hard to try to keep the budget flat and kept presenting suggestions to the other members of the council. ALL of our suggestions were shot down. And, as previously stated in this blog, just because the Mayor thought he had consensus on the budget, he was, unfortunately, mistaken. When Mike and I voted to introduce the budget, we did so because we had an obligation to meet a State timeline – not because we agreed with the budget. [You can refer to earlier blogs regarding this.] And, as I stated at the time of the budget introduction, I was NOT in agreement with the budget itself; I was merely approving its introduction for review.
But for seven votes, another fiscal conservative would have joined the Town Council and we would not be having this type of discussion. Having Republicans on the Town Council now, for the first time in 20 years, may give the appearance of partisan activity. Let’s put it down to ‘status quo’ vs. fiscal conservatives. If that’s ‘political’, so be it!
On another note, the Council had the opportunity to discuss the proposed Asian Community Outreach Committee – first raised back on April 4th - at the 05/09 conference meeting. The proposed committee members – about 15 of them – came to the conference meeting to speak to the council about the need for this committee to reach out to members of the community and to get them access to various services and to work to have them join Township committees. The Alternative Press incorrectly indicated that Mayor Fernandez called for the creation of a diversity committee. As we all are aware, Livingston already has a Committee on Diversity which has a completely different focus. However, the comments from the Council to make the new committee one for outreach to ALL minorities is well taken. As such, the revised mission statement calls for a Community Outreach Committee and, of course, will be open to all members of the community. Let’s just get it started!
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