Message from the Mayor
Mayor's Message for 2012
Residents of West Long Branch:
Thank you for the continued public trust and support that you have given to me as your Mayor. I respect this position and consider it an honor and privilege to serve West Long Branch.
I would like to thank retiring Councilman J. Thomas De Bruin, who has served the borough with dedication, loyalty and hard work for the past six years. As head of the finance committee, Tom has continued the practice of former Councilman Dick Cooper by working endlessly to provide only minimal tax increases for residents for municipal purposes. Tom and our strong finance committee made certain that all tax dollars were prudently expended. He personally lobbied the Freeholders to allow our municipal library to become a part of the county library system. By doing so this saved the West Long Branch taxpayers about a half- million dollars a year that will no longer have to raised by tax dollars. Local personnel were not eliminated and library services were even expanded for our residents. Change is not always easy and Tom orchestrated this campaign with dignity and respect to all concerned. He recently led the finance committee in developing a new police contract as well as a change in health insurance carriers. This will ultimately save the taxpayers a large sum of money in future years. How very proud Tom’s family must be that he was able to continue in a position that his Dad also held – it was my privilege to serve with both of these fine gentlemen.
I am very pleased to welcome back Councilman Christopher Neyhart for another three years. How fortunate the residents are to have Chris working for them. He is a “hands on” councilman, readily available and always responsive to residents. Chris is willing to put forth the time and energy that is needed to govern effectively, which often takes away valuable time from his own family. Thank you for your commitment!
I would like to welcome Councilman Fred Migliaccio, our newly elected councilman. As a lifelong resident, Fred has always shown a vested interest in our town. I know that he will serve the Boro with honor and dignity as he has demonstrated in his role as Emergency Management Official, Fire Subcode Official and as a former Fire Chief as well. Fred, and his whole family, exemplifies the true meaning of volunteerism. He will certainly be an asset as part of the Borough government.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our other fine council members. Barbara Ruane, Steve Cioffi, Jose Villa and John Aria devote countless hours to Boro business, without any financial stipend. How fortunate we are that they are willing to be public servants working to improve our Boro.
I would like to congratulate the officials sworn into office today. You all perform your volunteer positions with dignity and pride. We appreciate the commitment that you are willing to offer.
The team effort demonstrated by all Boro personnel as well as by many volunteers during Hurricane Irene this past August was amazing. This was a challenging experience. Fortunately, West Long Branch successfully survived with minimal damage. Because residents secured personal property, remained off the roads and limited police calls, our emergency operation ran flawlessly.
I would like to thank the many volunteers that we are so very fortunate to have in West Long Branch – Fireman, First Aid members, Boro Boards and Commission members, School Board members, Coaches, Auxiliaries, PTA officers, as well as the Community Center Board and all other West Long Branch volunteers. Please do not take these people for granted. They give up personal time for us and many put their lives on the line to protect us and our loved ones.
A special thank you to our fine recreation commission for providing the wonderful summer concerts and outdoor movies and organizing our fine summer recreation program. Special thanks also to the Shade Tree Commission for continuing to beautify our town. They recently completed the planting of trees around the police department. And, a special thank you to the Environmental Commission for continuing to control our Canadian geese, and by providing recycling opportunities for residents to help offset our landfill costs.
An individual acknowledgement goes to Eagle Scout candidate John Bazley. He has recently completed his Eagle Scout project. This being the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War, John elected to map out and mark with flag holders the 167 graves of Civil War veterans buried in Old First Cemetery on Locust Ave. Few knew that we had such an historical place in our hometown!
This is a very difficult time for local government. We are forced to work within a budget that does not allow for increases in items that are needed to continue providing the services that are residents expect and are entitled to! We are continually looking for ways to save money through shared services and consolidation and we have tried our best to maintain quality support and services for residents. During this year the Boro will undertake a reevaluation of WLB homes to equalize the present tax structure. As this was mandated by the Monmouth County Tax Board we will be able to amortize the cost of this task over five years in our budget.
In conclusion, I promise to continue to provide the same readily accessible, problem solving and responsive approach as your Mayor. My ultimate mission is that West Long Branch remains a great place to live and raise a family! That is my commitment to all Boro residents. May each of you have a wonderful New Year full of love, good health and peace.
GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU AND GOD BLESS AMERICA.