Let's Be Friends

It's another new year, which brings a new budget cycle to work through. Already, there has been alot of talk about comments made by Township Committee Member Fred Profeta in Maplewood during their Budget Workshop this past weekend. I commend Mr. Profeta on his willingness to make bold proposals and try to "take on some sacred cows and not worry about the political consequences".

The part of his remarks that seems to have gotten the most attention is his suggestion for increased Shared Services with those of us in South Orange. Mr. Profeta is no stranger to promoting Shared Services as he was actively involved in the effort to pass a referendum in November 2006 to create a joint municipal consolidation study commission between South Orange and Maplewood. At that time, the referendum passed overwhelmingly in South Orange, but was defeated in Maplewood. There are many theories why the effort failed in Maplewood, but many have suggested it was largely due to a concerted campaign by some Maplewood residents promoting "Keep Maplewood Maplewood".

In any event, Mr. Profeta and (many, if not all of) his colleagues on the Township Committee new seem to be in agreement in principal with South Orange that Sharing Services between two relatively small municipalities is a good idea. While any sharing of services certainly has the potential to bring cost savings through headcount reduction, it is not always a guarantee and as such, proper analysis needs to occur. It's also important to realize that reductions (or even suggested reductions) in staff greatly impact the employees and their families. It's imperative that we are sensitive to how these ideas are reported to ensure that the process is fair and that we (and the media) are clear about where we are in the process, being careful to distinguish between "ideas" and "real negotiations".

I certainly don't fault Mr. Profeta at all, as I think he was very clear in saying "None of the details have been analyzed or worked out." I just wish the media and public had realized that and not been so quick to assume these ideas are all a "done deal".

Obviously, this is not to suggest that these ideas won't or shouldn't be explored in greater detail. With the insane tax burden we already carry, we have to continue to look at all options to increase efficiency. I'm just glad that we now have willing partners in Maplewood that are serious about working together with us.