Letter to the Editor 1/30/2009 (The Leader & South Bergenite)
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The Key to Success is Communication Letter to the Editor 01-30-2009
At the Reorganization meeting held on January 1st to install the new members of our Council, Mayor Hipp alleged that members of the Council were having discussions among themselves in secret. As such, he has assigned a title to this continued allegation now known as "Secret Meetings" - which he again alleged at the more recent Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council held on January 27th.
This accusation is mistaken and unfair. The truth of the matter is that this Council is working – and functioning, as it should be – for the residents and taxpayers of Rutherford. We are not functioning as an operating arm for any special interests, personal or otherwise. We are able to be effective as a Council for our residents because the communication is open and honest – Communication that fosters dialogue and discussion essential to make informed decisions and to arrive at effective solutions. I believe that any reasonable minded person understands the value of open and honest communication, particularly within the "governing body" of this town.
Residents want a governing body that works, and more importantly is working together. Strife only leads to an ineffectual management of the town's business and affairs. It is in this regard that I am still concerned… In my Letter to the Editor on October 15th, 2008, I addressed a letter to this newspaper titled, "Rutherford Councilwoman voices Concerns". The question remains… When the Mayor is not being open and transparent to the entire Council with the affairs and business of this town, what is the definition of open government? When a Council that is functioning as proficiently as this Council is operating today, it is only the result of one good thing – dynamic communication.
The continued tendency to allow personal ambition and agenda to interfere with the workings of an effective Council is nothing less than selfish. There are many issues that face our town, a $600,000 deficit, COAH, Encap, delinquent taxes, unfinished projects, road repairs, labor contracts, unpaid professional services, etc. just to name a few. Shouldn’t Mayor Hipp be focused on the business of Rutherford and working together with the Council to resolve these issues as one coherent governing body, instead of working against the Council?
This is a Council that is and has been focused on the business of Rutherford – Accusations, allegations, and politics about "secret meetings" only work to undermine the entire governing body including the mayor and demonstrates fractured leadership. We have a strong and dedicated Council that has one goal - To provide the residents with efficient services and to make sure that the operations of the borough are carried out effectively. We do this through our interaction with the borough department heads and employees, hired professionals, and residents. This is where the focus should be - that’s where my focus is.
The good people of Rutherford expect all of their elected officials to demonstrate the same professionalism, without casting unnecessary suspicion or doubt – but rather with open communication and coherent focus. Let this be the standard.
Respectfully,
Maura Keyes
Council President
Rutherford
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