Thoughts after 6 months of serving the residents of Barnegat!

It has been a challenging 6 months with much to learn! I have been very busy with many meetings of various groups. At all times I try to keep the best interests of the citizens of Barnegat uppermost in my mind. Several bond ordinances providing for various water and sewer projects and cameras, computers and G.P.S. systems for our police department have been passed. All of these projects are of benefit to the residents of Barnegat and they have not increased our debt service since the funding came from previous bonding that had remaining funds.

Downtown Barnegat has seen new sidewalks and curbing and produced controversy as to who should pay for the improvements and whether they were needed. Our first concern should be for the safety and well being of our people who walk that area. I ask myself to establish priorities and safety in walking downtown is #1. Should the merchants that also benefit from the improvement be assessed for a portion of the cost? That is a possibility that needs to be discussed among the Committee members.

As you all know, the school budget was defeated and required cooperation between the school board and the town. Both worked together and the School Board was required to reduce the budget by $500,000.00. There were two public meetings between both governing body members and the public in addition to several sub-committee meetings. The issue was resolved with no impact on the quality of education in Barnegat. A great first step toward working together that I hope continues as we go forward.

I was privileged to be an invited guest at the first graduation ceremony for Barnegat High School. The "first" of anything is indeed an exciting event as was the graduation. Congratulations to all who successfully completed four years and now go on to college, trade schools or work and build careers for their future and the future of this country of ours. I wish all great success and fulfillment!

Update on the proposed new interchange for Exit 67! The County has gone out for bids on the realignment of Lighthouse Road and the widening of W. Bay Avenue. A contractor has been selected and the work on Lighthouse Road should begin early in July. There will be inconveniences while this project progresses, but the end result will be good for the Town. There will be commercial development along Lighthouse Road and the widening of W. Bay and the Parkway bridge should help to move traffic more efficiently.

Last but certainly not least - does not our new municipal dock look great! I frequently drive down to check on progress and admire what our Public Works employees have accomplished. Kudos to all who have worked so hard to give Barnegat a municipal dock to be proud of!!!

Have a very happy 4th of July as we celebrate the birth of our great nation! See you at the dock for music and fireworks!