Message from the Mayor
Mayor's Message for 2010
Residents of West Long Branch:
I would like to thank all of 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 begin the New Year by congratulating Councilwoman Barbara Ruane and Councilman Steven Cioffi on their impressive reelection victories. It is a statement of their dedication and effectiveness as governing officials that they were elected without opposition. Barbara has served the Borough well as liaison to both the Fire and First Aid Departments. Her extensive knowledge and background in emergency management have definitely benefited the residents of West Long Branch. Barbara is an asset to the Borough as well as a bright, articulate, hard working, dedicated individual. Her husband, Michael and two sons are also loyal volunteers and have always assisted in any way that they can. I am sure that they are glad that the Centennial was finally over!!!
Steve has served as liaison to the Environmental, Shade Tree and Recreation Commissions, as well as Police liaison. Steve is a hands-on individual who supports all projects in town with enthusiasm, and dedication. He was instrumental in implementing an occupancy tax for the two hotels within West Long Branch, as a means of generating additional revenue for the Borough. Steve’s background in law enforcement has been a beneficial means of support to our fine police department. His professionalism and organization has also made him a most valuable member of the Planning Board, serving as our council representative.
I would also like to congratulate Borough Council President Joseph Woolley on his nomination to the “Elected Officials Hall of Fame”. He will be honored in the state house in Trenton on Feb. 24th for his 20 years of dedicated service to the Borough of West Long Branch. Joe is an outstanding community leader who has volunteered countless hours over many years for the betterment of our town.
This year we have witnessed the beginning and completion of many outstanding projects in our Borough. We will soon dedicate our beautiful new Police Building. I would especially like to thank Councilman Hegarty for his lead on this project as well as Councilmen DeBruin and Woolley. Police Chief Cosentino has demonstrated great leadership and assistance to help make this new facility a reality. Their combined knowledge helped the project come to fruition without unnecessary costs. Our fine Police Department will now have a home that we all can be proud of to serve the needs of our community in the 21st century.
The long awaited dredging of Franklin Lake is almost completed with the help of a low interest loan from DEP. Our environmental showpiece will again enhance the community by providing a centerpiece in town. We all can use and enjoy the lake for fishing, as well as recreation or simply appreciate its serene beauty. I would like to thank our Borough Engineers, T & M, for managing this project with minimal disruption to residents.
This past November, the citizens of West Long Branch voted overwhelmingly to become a branch of the Monmouth County Library System beginning this year. This will save taxpayers approximately $400,000 a year that will no longer have to be raised by West Long Branch tax dollars. All current library staff has been retained and our library will continue to be an asset to the community with the County now maintaining it. I would like to personally thank Councilman De Bruin, our finance chairman, for all of his efforts in working so diligently on this transition. 2010 will be an especially difficult one for small towns with the anticipated loss of state aid. Please know that your elected officials work tirelessly to find ways to stabilize taxes without disrupting services or cutting personnel.
I publicly would like to thank Councilman Chris Neyhart and Recreation Commission Chair Joseph De Leonardo for their efforts with helping to make “Alyssa’s Angels Playground” at Conway Park become a reality. Because of the extreme generosity of the Alyssa’s Angels Foundation, as well as donations from our town and many individuals, West Long Branch now has a magnificent park for all children. The park also has state of the arts playground equipment that children with special needs can enjoy.
Our Public Works Director Earl Reed continually receives accolades on the performance of his outstanding department. This was especially evident during the pre-Christmas snow storm we recently experienced. Through his efforts, with his wife Jennifer’s assistance, all residents enjoy a Borough Calendar which makes readily available the dates of all town activities and meetings, as well as ordinances and garbage/recycling dates of service.
Unfortunately this has been a very sad year for our town as we have lost many fine community members related to our officials. Please know that as a Boro family we share your sorrow and will be here to support you; especially Councilman Hegarty, Chief Ciaglia as well as the families of former Councilman John Kolibas and retired Police Lt. Richard Stahl.
Lastly and most importantly, I would like to congratulate all of the officials sworn into office today as well as the numerous members of the various boards in town who have agreed to serve or are currently serving the Borough. I know that each of you provide the leadership demands of your position and represent the Boro with dignity and pride. We sincerely appreciate the commitment that you are readily willing to offer, which requires giving up daily personal and family time. Many of you put your lives on the line to protect our citizens. It is because of fine individuals like yourselves that West Long Branch continues to be an outstanding place to call home.
My personal mission is that West Long Branch continues to be a great place to live and raise a family. As your Mayor, I promise to always be readily accessible and responsive, and to seek and provide answers when problems arise. May each of you have a wonderful New Year with an abundance of good health, peace and love.
GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU AND GOD BLESS AMERICA