Mon, 14 Aug 2023 01:57:27 -0700WeeblyMon, 15 Jun 2020 21:34:27 GMThttp://rooseveltboroughbulletin.org/roosevelt-mayor/fourth-of-july-canceled-july-7-elections​Hello Neighbors,
 
 
I hope this finds everyone healthy, safe and in good spirits.
 
It has been a trying three months, as we all know. Luckily, in Roosevelt we only have six confirmed cases of Covid-19, and that number has remained the same for quite some time. As I walk and drive around town, I'm pleased to see almost everyone following certain basic rules, such as the wearing of masks and keeping socially distant. I hope by the time you're reading this our lockdown has been lifted and some semblance of normalcy has returned. 
 
That said, it is upsetting to report that Roosevelt Summer Camp had to be cancelled for the 2020 summer. At first, we were optimistic that perhaps a short program could be instituted later in the summer, but that doesn't seem feasible now. 
 
Additionally, unfortunately, the Roosevelt 4th of July picnic will be cancelled this year as well.
 
The Independence Day celebration is a time-honored tradition in Roosevelt. It has taken place every year since the inception of the town. The original Roosevelt settlers were extremely grateful to the Federal government for providing them the opportunity to begin a new life, in this remote beautiful area of New Jersey. 
 
To express their appreciation, they held a large scale celebration on the 4th, complete with a parade, picnic, music, and other festivities. This tradition has continued right through present day.  It's very disappointing that due to the Corona Virus it will have to be cancelled this year.  We have many new families in town and I was hoping they would join us for the first time. It would have been a good opportunity to get to know their neighbors and participate in the wonderful celebration we still hold- as a way to show our patriotism, and gratitude, and say Happy Birthday to our country.
 
I'm hoping we may be able to have a modified outdoor get-together at the end of the summer, or early fall. That, of course, is up in the air at this point.
 
 I'm sure everyone has noticed all the roadwork taking place on a few of our streets.  We were lucky enough to receive a great deal of grant money, and so have been able to begin to replace our aging infrastructure.  We have three more streets that are slated to begin work in 2021 and beyond. 
 
I hope the roadwork hasn't inconvenienced anyone too much.
 
Finally, official notices will be sent out, but I wanted to remind everyone that the Primary Election has been moved to July7th. This will be primarily a mail-in ballot election. There will be a polling place at the Borough Hall, but it will be for disabled persons only. There won't be a booth of any kind.  Any person who comes to the Borough Hall who is not disabled will be given a provisional ballot.  These are State mandated regulations.  So be on the look-out for your mail-in ballot, and please continue another Roosevelt tradition-having the highest voter turnout in Monmouth County!  Please mail your ballot in in a timely manner.
 
I wish for everyone a happy relaxing summer with lots of good weather!
       
Peggy
]]>Sat, 29 Feb 2020 19:59:20 GMThttp://rooseveltboroughbulletin.org/roosevelt-mayor/mayor-peggy-malkin-january-2020​Happy New Year, Neighbors!
 
Here we are at the start of a new year and a new decade. This has an interesting connotation- 20/20. The obvious definition is to have perfect vision--to see clearly. 
​
 In an everyday sense, it means to view a situation clearly, or to look back and realize something with better clarity and understanding.
 
I think we in Roosevelt have much to be proud of from 2019. Thanks to the collaborative effort and teamwork of our council members, employees, and professionals, I believe that many issues in town have either been resolved, improved, or are working toward a satisfactory resolution. 
 
In the past year, we have brought our Water/Sewer System completely up to optimum conditions. Our water is safe, healthy, and actually has no taste, which is how water should be--not to mention colorless! In addition, we have been commended by the DEP for our Water/Sewer reporting, which has been done in a timely manner, and performed excellently. When there has been a problem, it has been addressed immediately, and resolved as quickly as possible.
 
Where the streets and roads are concerned, we have received many grants from the DOT, a million dollars in a four-year period. This has allowed us to perform necessary work. Phase II of the Homestead Lane paving will begin in the spring. Phase 1 was completed eight years ago. In addition, Elm Court and Nurko Road will be repaved. After that will come Farm Lane, which is also badly in need of repair. Little by little, incrementally, as we receive these grants, we will replace and repair our aging infrastructure.
 
Our Public Works Department is continually hard at work. From snow plowing, to painting the Borough Hall, inside and out, to tending to all the buildings and grounds work that needs to be cared for, and almost any issue that arises--even if it doesn't exactly fit the job description, they are immediately on top of it. Can you believe how wonderful the Borough Hall looks? Aside from the fact that it was dated, seedy looking, and smelled bad, there was so much dirt and mold, that it was unhealthy. We now have a beautiful building we are proud of, and not embarrassed when visitors arrive. If you haven't been inside, I invite you to come and see it.
 
We have been utilizing shared services as much as possible, to ensure low cost, high quality, and high priority service. We are grateful to Millstone Township, Hightstown Borough, and the County, for their willingness to provide these shared services.
 
We opened the Roosevelt Park at the end of the summer. It is now a lovely spot for a respite, with a sign to draw in visitors. There are benches, and a lovely viewscape. In the summer the Environmental Commission plants a garden there. 
This past year also saw the recognition of Roosevelt as the truly, officially, historic town that we know it is.
 
In October, there was a large celebration featuring an excellent documentary about Roosevelt's founding father, Benjamin Brown. It was a well attended, full weekend affair, with many people coming from all over the country. Our elected State Representatives attended as well.
 
In November, an exhibit about Roosevelt opened at Morven, the museum and former Governor's mansion, in Princeton. Again, at the opening reception, there was an overflowing crowd- filled with both current and former Roosevelt residents. If you haven't visited it, do so. It will be there until May, and it is magnificent.
 
There were also the usual array of concerts and picnics in town. For some nice diversions, we had a family of goats on the loose for a few weeks. Many people were involved in trying to capture them and keep them safe (which they were, and have been happily delivered to a farm). We also have an albino deer in town, which many of us have been lucky enough to spot. They are very rare.
 
As we now begin 2020, I look forward to continuing to pursue whatever is in Roosevelt's best interests. As proud as I am of what has been accomplished, we do have various issues that need to addressed in the coming year.
 
We are all aware that our school is under threat of closing due to state budget cuts. Rest assured, no one is taking this in stride. The principal, school board, and I have attended many meetings and have fought hard to try to receive an exemption. I don't want to be overly confident, but it looks more hopeful than it had been.
 
Our First Aid Squad is in dire need of volunteers, as is the case in most towns across the state and country. Right now we are receiving help from Millstone, Allentown, and some other services, when our members are unavailable. This is only a stop-gap solution. Very soon we will be actively seeking a more optimal solution.
As you may know, Hilltop Swim Club will most likely be sold. It remains to be seen what will transpire there.
 
I was very pleased when the abandoned  gas station was finally razed after well over 30 years of being an eyesore. However, I don't want to see an empty plot of land sit there for another 30, so we will be exploring different possibilities for that lot.
 
Again, I want to implore residents, if you have any suggestions, ideas, or questions, you have many options. Come to Council meetings. If that's not convenient, feel free to call or stop by the Borough Hall during working hours. We are open to anything residents have on their mind.
 
Our governing body prides itself on being transparent, understanding, and fair.
I would now like to thank the many people who contribute to the inner workings of our town. They largely go unrecognized. We may be a tiny town, but it takes a lot of people to run it!
 
Ana Debevic, Kathleen Hart, Lori Maher, and Kim Coiffi. 
They comprise our administrative staff. They do an absolutely exemplary job, and we are lucky to have them here.
 
Greg DeFoe and Greg Possiel. 
They are our Public Works employees. Their good work is more visible to everyone, for much of it is outside.
 
John Holden and Mike Lyons
They are our Water and Sewer Operators. We have them to thank for our vastly improved systems.
 
Carmela Roberts
She is our Municipal Engineer. She fights hard for Roosevelt--whether it is in obtaining grants or representing Roosevelt in various matters.
 
Greg Cannon and Michele Donato
They are our Borough and Planning Board attorneys. They excel at their jobs and are also very cognizant of our budgetary constraints.
 
Our Borough Council Members,  Joe Trammell, Mike Hamilton, Steve Bowen, Luke Dermody, Lou Esakoff, and Chad Vroman.
 
They work tirelessly with no complaints, in a job that isn't easy, and isn't always rewarding.
 
And finally, all the people in town who volunteer, helping to keep Roosevelt, Roosevelt.

• First Aid Members
• Planning Board Members
• Environmental Commission Members
• RAP Members
• Litter Pick-Up Crews
• Historian Chair and Representatives
• School Board Members

Kenny Horowitz, who year after year generously donates much of what we need for our 4th of July picnic.
 Jon Block, who continually lowers the prices for our new floors, when I tell him it has to be lower!
 
And all the neighbors who help each other in more ways than I can name- given that we're rather isolated here and people form family-like friendships.
 
  Thank you all for everything,
 
       Peggy

]]>Sat, 11 Jan 2020 16:00:34 GMThttp://rooseveltboroughbulletin.org/roosevelt-mayor/nov-dec-2019-letter-from-the-mayorDear Residents.
 
I would like to address an issue that I believe needs clarification.
 
As you may be aware, the Council and I have been gathering information and statistics concerning our First Aid Squad. This is being done, not to harass or pester the Squad.  We all have the highest respect and admiration for our First Aiders.
 
No one disputes the important and necessary work they perform; and the service they provide to our community.
 
However, Roosevelt, like almost every other town in New Jersey, as well as the country, is experiencing some problems with the squad. There are not enough members, and frequently, those members who do belong, are not available for duty.
 
This problem is pervasive.  We, on the governing body, have an obligation to address this issue. We have had many residents coming to us expressing great concern and worry- because their 911 calls are not being responded to for thirty or forty-five minutes. Obviously, this is unacceptable.
 
That is why we have begun to take steps to ensure that residents will have an expeditious response to their calls.
 
In that regard, we have contracted out [ at no cost] to Millstone Fire Department for their assistance.
They are receiving the 911 calls from Roosevelt simultaneously with our squad. They are dispatching a career firefighter, who is also a certified EMT, to Roosevelt. This will take place between 6am and 6pm, from Monday through Friday. That firefighter will stabilize a person until an ambulance arrives. Considering that those are the hours that are most problematic in Roosevelt, this will, hopefully, provide welcome relief.
 
We are also exploring other options, such as assistance from neighboring towns, and speaking to private ambulance services.
 
At some point in the future, Monmouth County intends to take over First Aid Services. When a 911 call is placed, the County will dispatch an ambulance/ EMT, from their own centers. These EMTs will work directly for the county.  It is currently in service in three different counties in New Jersey, and seems to be working very well. Hopefully, Monmouth County will be up and running in the not too far future.
 
By the way, all volunteer EMTs will have the option of either becoming a paid EMT with the county, or continuing on as a volunteer.
 
What I specifically want to address is something that is being told to residents: Unfortunately, people have been told that the Council is trying to disband the First Aid Squad.--and- that if that happens, half of all residents who have a heart attack will die.
 
This is an irresponsible and untrue falsehood.
 
In fact, the Council is doing quite the opposite. We are making sure that each resident is attended to as quickly as possible, by exploring and taking advantage of, every option available to us.
We have a moral and governmental duty to protect our citizens.
We also have never considered disbanding the First Aid Squad. We would like nothing better than to have a fully functioning Squad.
 
In fact, neither Council nor I, have the authority to disband First Aid.  They are an independent organization which does not belong to the Borough.
 
So, please be cognizant that we are working very hard on this, to come up with an optimal solution, and rest assured, no one will be at risk while waiting for the First Responders.
   
Thank You,
       Peggy Malkin
 

 

]]>Tue, 16 Apr 2019 01:12:12 GMThttp://rooseveltboroughbulletin.org/roosevelt-mayor/april-15th-2019Fri, 15 Mar 2019 07:00:00 GMThttp://rooseveltboroughbulletin.org/roosevelt-mayor/march-2019​Editor’s Note: This article should have appeared in the February issue, but was omitted due to an editing error.
Happy New Year Everyone,
2019 is here, a new year, and with it brings many possibilities. There is hope for a healthy happy year, a productive year, and a more peaceful year.
 I believe these are universal hopes.
 Your local government is working hard to ensure that we will have a productive peaceful year in town.
 We have a new council that has begun.  Returning to the table are Mike Hamilton and Joe Trammell, two long-time councilmen.  Also returning are Cody Parker and Steve Bowen, who have served for more than a year and ten months respectively.  New this year are Luke Dermody and Lou Esakoff.
These six people have a wide and diversified background, each with different experiences, skill sets, ages, and more.
I am confident this will ensure an interesting, thorough, and successful running of the town. These residents are dedicated, conscientious, council members.
 We also have a wonderful support staff.
   Our Public Works Department is a professional expert team, who has tended to all the physical work in Roosevelt.
    And, of course, as anyone who has ever called or walked into Borough Hall knows, a friendly, excellent,  administration staff awaits.  They are able to address any issue or concern you may have.
 Many projects are in the works for 2019.
I'm sure everyone has noticed that the former gas station has been razed. Very shortly, council will be discussing various options for the land.
You may have seen our new illuminated signs in front of the Borough Hall. I think it's a lovely much-needed introduction to Roosevelt. We have also illuminated the mosaic on the wall there, as well.
 The Public Works Building has been vastly improved, with a new roof, new paint, and the unsightly structure blocking it, removed. A few more issues need to be resolved and then it will be complete.
 We have also erected new signage around town to help with speeders and the flow of traffic. There is a new stop sign and yield sign at the corner of Homestead, Oscar, and Valley.  There is also a new stop sign at the bottom of Paradise Hill, coming down into Roosevelt from the Assunpink.
 Many residents have commented on the changes in town, recognizing that we have been trying to beautify, and make safer our wonderful Borough, so that it can continue to be a source of pride for us.
I want to reiterate, this is largely due to the collaborative effort being put forth by the governing body and employees, all of whom do an exemplary job.
I welcome suggestions for other projects, concerns, or interests, you may have. I encourage residents to attend council meetings, if possible. You can watch your government at work!
 Lastly, I'd like to remind everyone that there are only two official means of communication in town- The Roosevelt Website, which can be found at  rooseveltnj.us   and The Borough Bulletin.
Any other sites are not sanctioned by the town government and may contain incorrect and inaccurate information. 
  Here's to getting through the most difficult part of the winter with, hopefully, relative ease!
Peggy
 
]]>Mon, 19 Mar 2018 17:25:16 GMThttp://rooseveltboroughbulletin.org/roosevelt-mayor/march-letterHello Neighbors,
​
I hope everyone is doing well. It's been a trying winter.
 
In the last two months, Roosevelt has experienced a water main break on Pine Drive, another water main break on Rochedale Ave., a sewer clog on Pine Drive, and power outages.
 
The first water main break occurred on a bitterly cold day. I must commend our Public Works Department and various Council people. They were on site the entire time the repair was taking place, performing whatever tasks needed to be done.
 
The second water main break caused many other headaches. It was an eleven-hour job, from start to finish. Traffic had to be diverted from Rochedale Ave. to Homestead La. Drivers unfamiliar with Roosevelt drove down Homestead at very high unsafe speeds, and then became tripped up at the triangle.
 
Once again, many Council people were on site, helping to divert and calm traffic.
The sewer clog was a disgusting job, there is no other way to describe it. It was caused by grease and wipes in the system.
 
Lastly, a utility pole on Farm La. broke during the Nor'easter, causing a power line to come down, and creating a 26-hour power outage. JCP&L responded immediately, though the delivery of a new pole took quite some time.
 
Many thanks to our State Police, who parked at both ends of Farm La. the entire time the electricity was out. We opened the Borough Hall to residents once it was determined that the outage would be of a significant duration.
 
People could avail themselves to light, heat, and a place to charge cell phones, laptops, etc.  Despite short notice, we provided coffee, water, and light snacks. Not exactly a feast, but a little filling!
 
Residents were informed by Code Red that the Borough Hall was open, but people should be aware that any time there is a problem where homes have no heat or other necessities, we will always open the Borough Hall to the public.
The inconvenience of no electricity notwithstanding, it is kind of fun in the Borough Hall. People socialize, hang out, and often get to know each other.
 
In other areas, we have begun taking action to address physical plant and management issues at our Water/ Sewer utility. These issues have been ignored for a long time. We are also addressing problems affecting our infrastructure in town.
 
On a positive note, we were informed by Senator Thompson's office that Roosevelt is the recipient of a $350,000 grant for improvements to Nurko Road and Elm Court.  There were a limited number of these grants available, many towns applied for them, and we received a sizable amount. Kudos to our Municipal Engineer and Council people who wrote the grant last September.
 
We are providing many more services to our residents through our fully functioning Public Works Department, and official Borough Website.  If you haven't checked out the new website, you should. It shows our famous beautiful Ben Shahn mural at the top of the page. On this website you can access information about Roosevelt, download forms, and keep up with all the happenings.
 
Did you know that we are now able to pay our Water/ Sewer and Property taxes online, through the website? Gradually, we are putting the turmoil of the past few years behind us, moving on, and taking real action to propel the town in the right direction.

 
]]>Sun, 10 Sep 2017 20:05:11 GMThttp://rooseveltboroughbulletin.org/roosevelt-mayor/a-letter-from-the-acting-mayorHello Neighbors,
 
As I am sure most of you are aware, there have been many changes in Roosevelt in the past few weeks. Some of these changes were expected, and some were a surprise.
 
Resignations were submitted by the Mayor, three Councilpersons, and two administrative employees.
 
This left Councilman Mike Hamilton, Councilman Joe Trammell, and myself.
I want to assure everyone that the Borough is continuing to run well.
While it's true that we are unable to hold Council meetings right now, we are working very hard with state and county officials to put all the necessary procedures in place, to ensure a smooth transition.
 
Inside the Borough Hall, we are taking care of the day to day operations.

I would be remiss, though, if I didn't tell you that many residents have pitched in to help. People have come to the Borough Hall and helped with some of the unpleasant tasks, such as cleaning the bathroom and kitchen, and taking out the trash.
 
A couple of weeks ago, another water crisis was averted, when I realized that the water pressure was extremely low. This was at 1:00 am. I awoke Joe Trammell, who checked it out and contacted our Water/Sewer operator.  It was remedied before most people realized what had happened.
 
Mike Hamilton has been overseeing all infrastructure matters, as well as available grants that need to be attended to now.
 
 Roosevelt has a long storied background of history, political disagreements, art, religion and culture. In the past forty years or so, it has become a much more diverse town. And with that diversity, we have become known as a town which is accepting, tolerant, and compassionate. Everyone is welcome here.
 
 Our goal is to have an open, honest, and inclusionary government. Everyone's opinions and ideas will be respected and given consideration. Once we are able to hold Council meetings again, I urge everyone to attend. If that's not possible, write to us. We are listening.
​
Lastly, I'd like to say that, although our current situation is unusual, it's nothing we all can't handle.  When I think about what is happening in Texas right now, as well as other parts of the world,  I know how lucky we all are to be warm, dry, and safe in our own homes.
 
 Enjoy the last days of summer!  As we obtain more information and decisions, we will keep you informed.
 
    Peggy Malkin
]]>Tue, 07 Mar 2017 08:00:00 GMThttp://rooseveltboroughbulletin.org/roosevelt-mayor/mayors-march-2017-columnOn March 14, we will have a special election to approve a bond to fund a building for our First Aid Squad and our Fire Department.  I urge you to vote “YES.” Keeping our neighborhood fire and first aid squads is our best choice.  It is the cheapest, safest and best option.   PEOSH and the State Fire Marshal will re-impose daily fines of thousands to tens of thousands of dollars if we don’t fix this soon. 

The Roosevelt First Aid Squad answered approximately 280 calls last year.  We average 24 to 36 Fire Department calls each year. 18 of your neighbors volunteer for our Fire Department and 12 for First Aid.   Let’s give them something safe, clean and mold free to work with.

Let’s clear up a couple of things.  We hear a lot about the fact that there was no “No” option last November.  The referendum was to determine what residents want us to build IF the bond is approved on March 14.  We needed to know this to describe how funds were to be used.    A “No” option would just have left it up to the Council. You voted 268 to 68 for a four-bay building for First Aid and Fire.   

We are, and have been, in compliance with all the laws that govern our emergency services.  Who says so? The State Fire Marshal (who inspects our facilities), PEOSH, and JIF (the Joint Insurance Fund, which is the final arbiter). 
We donate approximately $16,000 per year to each of our volunteer Emergency Services teams.  That is the only amount we pay and includes all expenses, including equipment maintenance.  We pay very little more for insurance.   We will not need to buy a fire truck.  We have not paid for a fire truck or ambulance since 1947.  They are donated, paid with grants or paid from private donations.

A simple steel pole building will cost us approximately $160,000.  The rest of the bond proceeds will pay for all of the things that make the building suitable for our first aid and fire departments.  This is one half to one tenth of what other towns pay.

DUMP OUR FIRST AID SQUAD?  THAT IS EXPENSIVE AND DANGEROUS.  There is no regional EMT squad.  I have personally waited 20 to 40 minutes on three occasions for an ambulance to arrive when Roosevelt wasn’t called.  If your husband or wife has a heart attack, chances are they will be dead – and you will be charged personally for the ambulance service.  That is just a very bad idea.

The only fire company within five miles is Millstone.  If services are more than five miles, most homeowner policies will be more expensive.  Monroe is based at Halsey-Reed Rd. (six to eight miles by road) and Hightstown is also more than five miles.  What we save in service fees will be overshadowed by increased insurance rates.  Even if we receive fire services for just $30,000 a year, the cost of a two-bay First Aid building and contracting fire services will be the same as the cost of a four-bay building.  So, let’s keep our local volunteers here, where we have depended on them for help in storms, flooded basements and so much more.
​
Know the facts, not the hype.  Vote “YES” on March 14.
Thank you.
]]>Tue, 07 Feb 2017 01:01:59 GMThttp://rooseveltboroughbulletin.org/roosevelt-mayor/february-2017​Council Laws and Rules
by Mayor Jeff Ellentuck
​
Recent Borough Bulletin letters and the last several Borough Council meetings have made it evident that many need a reminder of the rules under which your Mayor and Council operate.
 
For the last 18 months, members of a particular group in the audience repeatedly questioned my motives and the motives of the Council, accused me and others of lying, being underhanded and otherwise impugned our reputations and insulted us. 
 
That’s okay.  It is more than okay. That is what every elected municipal official should expect and accept.  It is what we are sworn to do.  If we are not willing to be questioned, we should not be in office. 
 
There was much handwringing in the recent Borough Bulletin because we failed to stop members of the public from questioning a member of Council during the public portion.  However, had any of us done so, we would clearly have violated the law. 
 
The matter of the public portion of public meetings was dealt with directly by the New Jersey Supreme Court in a West Windsor case.  The Supreme Court opined that  The First Amendment gives people the right to express disagreement with government policy, whether on the national, state, or local level. Heightened protection is given to speech in public forums, including the public comment period of a [municipal] meeting.  We must permit comments even when they "include vehement, caustic, and sometimes unpleasantly sharp attacks on government and public officials."
 
The public portion is created by New Jersey law and is a part of the Open Public Meetings Act or OPMA.  It is NOT controlled by Roberts Rules of Order.  In the public portion, you, the public, have a near absolute right to exercise your First  Amendment rights of speech and petitioning your government.  I am aware of NO corresponding right or obligation on the part of the Mayor or Council to speak during the public portion. 
 
We cannot and should not hinder the public, whether or not we agree with it, and even if WE believe that speech to be insulting, vindictive, based on false facts or otherwise.  We can control time, place, duration, repetitive speech and physical intimidation.  But, we cannot apply those rules unevenly based on the content of the speech.  Your right to criticize and question the actions and motives of the Council or its members is no less strong than the well exercised right to question or criticize my actions and motives as Mayor. 
 
On the other hand, I and the majority on the Council have also been accused of bad faith, ulterior motives and lying by a single councilperson and have often been spoken over and interrupted by that same person.  That is not okay.  While Roberts Rules have nothing to do with the public portion, they most definitely control the Council.   In short, Roberts Rules requires Council members to stick to the issues and refrain from questioning motives or veracity and requires Council members to say their piece and then listen silently and politely to the response.  
 
If everyone would read and understand the rules they cite and abide by them, we could avoid much of the acrimony.  Wouldn’t we all be better off?]]>Tue, 17 Jan 2017 18:18:03 GMThttp://rooseveltboroughbulletin.org/roosevelt-mayor/december-2016The local election is over and it is time for us all to come back to working together to deal with the issues we face as a town. 

As a small and special town, Roosevelt has rarely been a direct reflection of the current national culture of divisiveness.  That is one of the things that has made it special.

Having been a resident on and off for almost 60 years and having been raised on Roosevelt lore, I cannot deny that, since its’ founding, Roosevelt has seen strong and sometimes boisterous disagreements.  Whether they are town issues of gray water, feral cats, water tower replacement, utilities issues, yeshiva litigation, or parking regulations, or they are school issues involving budgets, all day kindergarten, or K-6 vs K-8, we have had our share of disputes.  However, we have usually been able to remain civil and respectful as friends and neighbors, often during and almost always after our disagreements have run their course.

For whatever reason, the issue of emergency services has created a level of personal and public incivility, animosity, accusation, exaggeration, and vindictiveness previously unseen in my memory.  Longtime friendships have dissolved.

As my mother is fond of reminding me, and as I have found to be true time and again, your opponent in today’s issue is your ally in the next issue.  Every person in this small town is your neighbor.  Every person on the Council, Planning Board, School Board, Environmental Commission, First Aid Squad, Fire Department and other Borough boards, commissions, and organizations is a volunteer doing what they believe is best for our small borough.

Obviously, our emergency services volunteers help us at all hours.  However, many of us, as town residents, do not realize that some of our volunteers maintain full time jobs elsewhere and that some of our employees work long after office hours.  These volunteers and employees often respond to town and residents’ needs throughout the weekend and in the middle of the night, whether as a result of leaking pipes, power outages, broken generators, road issues, or lost dogs.  It is no surprise that many of us call on our volunteers and employees for assistance at all hours.  What is surprising is that, unlike in many other towns, our folks pick up the phone or read the email and respond. 
​
It is time for us all to be steadfast in our belief that our friends and neighbors, whether they be volunteers, employees or other residents of Roosevelt, are honest people in pursuit of what is best for the town unless and until proven otherwise. It is time for all of us to return to respect and civility, both in our meetings and in everyday life. Thank you.
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