This is both the last column for 2013 and my last column as the mayor of Springfield. Although this is my goodbye as your mayor, it is not my goodbye when it comes to my commitment to this town. I plan to stay involved in issues close to my heart, including the business improvement district (BID). I am quite proud of the progress achieved this year working in concert with the BID. The unique private-public partnership has allowed the BID and the township to enter into an agreement with a significant property owner expressly for the purpose of redevelopment in our downtown. This is the first time in Springfield’s history that a property owner has put their own money into a new corporation whose sole purpose is to further the development of our downtown. All I ask is that residents are patient as these types of projects (when done well) never move quickly.

I am also quite proud of the manner in which the township committee and its chair, the mayor (me), was able to conduct productive and civil meetings throughout the year. Both the informal workshop meetings and the more formal legislative meetings showed that the majority of the committee were able to work well together even in the face of differences of opinion and voting record. I only hope that as the new committee and new mayor take control next year, the unnecessary outbursts and immature behavior exhibited by members of the committee and the public do not continue. We have seen this behavior both in Washington and Trenton and do not have any need for it in Springfield. This uncooperative, grandstanding, and rude behavior accomplishes nothing except to showcase immaturity, bad judgment, and ill manners. It is worth remembering that one always gets more flies with honey than with vinegar.

I also enjoyed the opportunity to act as the wedding official for many marriages this year (seventeen through November 30th with more scheduled in December), including Springfield’s first official same sex marriage. I also consider one of the greatest gifts any committee and mayor can provide to their residents is a government and township that avoids the spotlight unnecessarily. Contrast this year with many years past, and I think most residents will agree that staying under the radar contributes to a better quality of life.

Thanks for reading my columns this year. I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to provide The Patriot Times readers with a political party free, yet somewhat (sometimes more than not) opinionated point of view about issues behind the scenes in our town. You can always feel free to contact any township committee member through their [first name.last name]@springfield-nj.us email addresses or by phone or regular mail at town hall. It has been a privilege to serve this town both as a committeeman, and especially as your mayor. I wish you and yours a healthy and happy holiday season.