GOVERNMENT EXPERIENCE - Knowing How to a Make a Difference!
I would be willing to bet that by now, you are trying to understand the incongruity between a New Jersey native and my western themed presentation. I was born and raised in New Jersey and am proud to call it my home. I have been fortunate to travel to many parts of the country and experience its beauties and wonders. One of my most memorable experiences was a trip to Sedona where I had the opportunity to experience the incredible scenery and the gift of meeting new friends. Those experiences have continued to shape me.
MAYOR, Township of Springfield, NJ
No part of government is more tangible and accessible than is local, municipal government. My decision to seek office in the town where I was raised and came back to live and raise my family, derived from my strong belief that must each give back to help make our cities and towns a better place to live. I had no desire to be a "professional" politician. I only sought to find and implement ways to do things better and improve the quality of life in my community. The following are a partial list of some of my more memorable accomplishments:
One of the most interesting experiences that I first had as an elected official occurred as the Deputy Mayor. It was the first time that I had been called upon to solemnize a marriage. Over the course of my tenure in office, I performed 43 wedding ceremonies ranging from the traditional to a "biker wedding". I would be extremely curious to learn how these couples are doing today. Being the Deputy Mayor provided me with other opportunities to help achieve the goals that I had set out while seeking public office. The following are a small sampling of some of what I was able to accomplish:
- Reduced Municipal Property Taxes by 21 points - Never, in the more than 200 year history of the Township of Springfield, had any mayor or governing body been able to accomplish this. I, together with the help of our municipal employees and members of the governing body, implemented programs and capital projects that dramatically lowered taxes.
- Reduced Bargaining Unit Grievances by more than 40% - I used my training and experience as a business leader and trained facilitator to open communications between management and the bargaining units. The process allowed us to build bridges of understanding and a focus on working toward a common goal. In turn, the employee/employer relationships improved; sick-time was reduced; and productivity increased. Negotiated and settled multi-year contracts with all bargaining units (PBA, FMBA and AFSCME) without the need of costly arbitration hearings.
- Reduced duplication of services and waste in local government - Today, the buzz-word in government circles is "Inter-local Service Agreements." However, in 1991, the concept was foreign to most government officials. Many feared it then, as they do today, as being an attack on home-rule. Yes, the concept was unique,bu, it had been proven effective in other cities, towns and states as a means of saving taxpayer dollars. The experiment proved that governments could share specialized equipment and services to the benefit of all. This concept also helped in reducing expenses and lowering taxes.
- Improved Cash Management - A review of the municipality's banking relationships showed that the Township's government was not taking full advantage of cash flow investment opportunities, secured repurchase agreements, or getting the most beneficial services from the existing account. As a business executive n experienced in international finance and banking, I negotiated a more favorable agreement that provided increased funds availability and fully protected balances not otherwise guaranteed, while yielding additional income streams.
- Innovated Information Sharing Among Local Governments - Municipalities were at an extreme disadvantage when entering contract negotiations with our uniformed bargaining units. Government officials lacked the details of recent contract agreements, while the bargaining units had copies from their fellow police and firefighters. I implemented, collected, analyzed and distributed the first county-wide comparison of the details of settled contracts for the Union County League of Municipalities. It was the first time that municipal officials had reliable information that they could use as the basis for informed negotiations.
- Focused on Grant Opportunities - There are very limited opportunities to improve services without increasing expenses. One opportunity is to make use of Public/Private partnerships. Another, is to take advantage of grant funds established for programs and projects. During my tenure, I successfully wrote and received grants for Clean Communities, Community Development Block Grants, Capital Equipment for the Public Library and the start-up of the DARE program.
One of the most interesting experiences that I first had as an elected official occurred as the Deputy Mayor. It was the first time that I had been called upon to solemnize a marriage. Over the course of my tenure in office, I performed 43 wedding ceremonies ranging from the traditional to a "biker wedding". I would be extremely curious to learn how these couples are doing today. Being the Deputy Mayor provided me with other opportunities to help achieve the goals that I had set out while seeking public office. The following are a small sampling of some of what I was able to accomplish:
- Improved the Delivery of Emergency Services- As a member of the Public Safety and Finance Committees, I had an opportunity to apply my expertise in emergency operations. I was successful at streamlining operations while improving morale, replaced emergency apparatus and oversaw major renovations to the municipal complex for a more efficient and comfortable operations area.
- Drafted Municipal Ordinance Establishing the Municipal Alliance to Prevent Alcohol and Drug. Through my experience as a family therapist and counselor, I had first had experience and knowledge regarding the devastation caused to families and individuals in dealing with addiction and substance abuse. I worked with the Alliance in the preparation and submission of the grant application that resulted in the obtaining of seed funds for the Alliance and which were instrumental in helping establish the DARE program in Springfield.
- Reduced health insurance costs while improving coverage. One of the greatest challenges to business and government employers is controlling the cost of health care while providing coverage to satisfy the needs of the municipal workforce. Through a series of pooled purchases, partial self-insurance and competitive bidding, I was able to realize a savings of 25% over the previous contract term.
- Established "Students in Government" Program. Educating and exciting students about government is one of the goals of our schools and teachers. Educational professionals will tell you that people learn and retain what they learn when they have hands-on experiences. The program that I established provided Middle School (Junior High School) students with an opportunity to experience municipal operations and how their elected officials perform our jobs. This was accomplished through a research assignment where students learned and wrote about the structure and function of local government, followed by an election of classmates to represent the class on the governing body, and a full day shadowing the elected official and experiencing the various functions of government.
Township Committeeman, Township of Springfield, NJ
- Established 5 Year Plan & Capitol Improvement Program- As the Chair of the Public Affairs committee I established a program to improve the communities parks, playgrounds and recreational facilities. Among the highlights was the writing of a CDBG that resulted in funding for the purchase and installation of handicap accessible playground equipment.
- Established Township Safety Committee- The committee was comprised of all department heads, bargaining unit representatives and a representative from the Township's insurance carrier. The committee was charged with reviewing all injuries, accidents and loss reports for the purpose of improving training programs and procedures designed to improve employee safety. The program resulted in a measurable reduction in injuries, property losses and missed time from work. It was so successful that the insurance carrier us our example to aid other municipal clients and yielded a reduction in premium costs.
- Negotiated Contract Change with FMBA - The Township's volunteer first aid squad was confronting an issue of being able to adequately staff and provide EMS services. Having extensive experience in both EMS and fire service, I recognized the available pool of talent that could be tapped to improve the situation. I negotiated a contract change with the FMBA that required all new hires to obtain and maintain current certification as a NJDOH EMT-A. The contract change also incentivized then current members to obtain their certifications allowing the fire department to act as first responders for the residents.
- Established Community Service Program for Municipal Court - Prior to the establishment of the Union County SLAP program, municipal courts had limited options in sentencing low level offenders. Working with the Judge and Court Administrator, I designed a program whereby the Court do opt to sentence offenders to perform community service within the community. The program met the needs of both the Court and municipality by providing deterents and needed labor for community improvement projects.
Additional Government Service
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PLANNING BOARD, 1990 -
1995
Chairman, sub-committee on Revisions to Townships Land Use Ordinance. Result-- First major revision to the ordinance in 15 years; reduction in taxpayer expenditures through increased user fees: revised structure resulting in faster processing of applications. Vice Chairman, sub-committee on Housing Element to Township's Master Plan - responsibilities included development of cost/benefit analysis and minimization of impact on community.
ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT, 1992 - 1995 (Vice Chairman 1993 & 1994).
Only member to hold dual membership since establishment of separate boards
SPECIAL ADVISOR TO TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE ON BUDGET PREPARATION, 1992 & 1993
Aided Committee on cost savings and program evaluations in preparation of annual municipal budgets.
UNION COUNTY BOARD OF CHOSEN FREEHOLDERS AD HOC TASK FORCE ON THE HOUDAILLE QUARRY, 1987 Chairman
Responsible for studying and publishing findings for compatible uses for a uniquely situated parcel under County control.
UNION COUNTY TRAP & SKEET COMMISSION, 1996 - 1998
Responsible for studying and publishing findings for design, development and management of County trap and skeet range.
DIRECTOR, SPRINGFIELD RECREATION YOUTH INDOOR SOCCER 1996 - 1998
Responsibilities include designing and administrating program; establishing training programs for coaches; equipment procurement; team scheduling and tournament scheduling; recruitment and training of referees.
Chairman, sub-committee on Revisions to Townships Land Use Ordinance. Result-- First major revision to the ordinance in 15 years; reduction in taxpayer expenditures through increased user fees: revised structure resulting in faster processing of applications. Vice Chairman, sub-committee on Housing Element to Township's Master Plan - responsibilities included development of cost/benefit analysis and minimization of impact on community.
ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT, 1992 - 1995 (Vice Chairman 1993 & 1994).
Only member to hold dual membership since establishment of separate boards
SPECIAL ADVISOR TO TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE ON BUDGET PREPARATION, 1992 & 1993
Aided Committee on cost savings and program evaluations in preparation of annual municipal budgets.
UNION COUNTY BOARD OF CHOSEN FREEHOLDERS AD HOC TASK FORCE ON THE HOUDAILLE QUARRY, 1987 Chairman
Responsible for studying and publishing findings for compatible uses for a uniquely situated parcel under County control.
UNION COUNTY TRAP & SKEET COMMISSION, 1996 - 1998
Responsible for studying and publishing findings for design, development and management of County trap and skeet range.
DIRECTOR, SPRINGFIELD RECREATION YOUTH INDOOR SOCCER 1996 - 1998
Responsibilities include designing and administrating program; establishing training programs for coaches; equipment procurement; team scheduling and tournament scheduling; recruitment and training of referees.