“KEEPING A GOOD THING”

 

 

 

Being the third generation of a family who has lived in Mount Arlington, NJ for approximately 100 years, I myself currently 55 years, cannot believe what this mayor and counsel are trying to do!  I can remember when we had just one Police officer and special officers as the seasons warranted them. Today our fine Police department has grown just as our fine town has grown.  Who in their right mind would want to change this?  When you lookout your window on our side streets any time of the day, they are patrolling.  Anytime you drive through town their presence is seen.  Mr. Mayor, let’s ask the residents of our Landing and Jefferson borders how often do they see their township patrol cars.

 

Eighteen years ago or so, my daughter was crossing Howard Blvd., from the old library stairs.  A new officer at the time, “named Reggie”, was parked in front of the firehouse.  As he saw her trying to cross the street, he got out of his car and walked her to the other side.  Are we going to still have this type of care and personal rapport the officers have with the residents of our town?  I THINK NOT!   A merge would most likely mean a quick drive through every so often. 

 

As long as I can remember and up to 4 years ago, my father was a very ill man.  Many times he required immediate assistance from the rescue squad and Mount Arlington Police department.  I myself live just 2 1/2 streets from my parents’ home and when I would get a call for ill health, by the time I would arrive the MAPD was already there caring and administrating first aid to him.  Will we get this care?  I THINK NOT!

 

I could go on and on with many stories to show my support for our fine police department as I am sure many of us can.  If the mayor and counsel could respond to a question at a meeting as quick as the police department responds to a call a lot of issues would be solved in a quicker and more cost efficient way.

 

I myself do agree that this town has grown in the last forty years, but let’s take a look back.  We have added Seasons Glen and 2 Kara home developments.  Forty years ago we had a 3 man road department and their duties were:

 

·        Picking up the garbage twice a week

·        Plowing the streets of snow

·        Mowing town lawns

·        Repairing  town roads

·        Installing storm drains

·        Cleaning every street of leaves, salt and sand every spring

·        Clean up weeks (2 per year)

·        Maintaining all town equipment and buildings

Today we have a much larger road department with a superintendent and a secretary AND they have much more equipment at their disposal.  The following is what we get now.

 

·        Picking up the garbage (contracted out) paid by residents

·        Mowing town lawns (contracted out)

·        Installation of storm drains (contracted out)

·        Repairing of town roads (need of care)

·        Clean up weeks (Gone!)

·        Cleaning streets (a thing of the past)

 

 

Approximately 2 years ago when demolition started on the old Police station, our DPW was working on Sundays (Premium Time).  2 years later, project status…not completed.  The new parking lot behind the old library; haven’t seen a car in it yet!  Sidewalks that are overgrown with grass make it safer to walk on the road. The most used project is the sewers, because you keep dumping money down it.  Thirsty for more, well don’t go to the concession stand at Fireman’s field because you will walk away dry (built but never opened).

 

So what’s so wrong about the Police department wanting 2 officers on duty at night for our safety and theirs?  If the counsel wants to cut man hours and costs, let’s look elsewhere.  Just take a walk through our town hall and see all the bodies; however when you call you get a machine.  The Police department can walk a child across the street, but yet it seems no one can pick up a phone at the borough hall.  Also, how in the name of God can you justify having a part time town administrator making more money per year than a patrolman who puts his life on the line everyday for us.

 

In closing, this town was built on many citizens who cared for the people, for example:

 

 

And many more.   Not to see their name on a street sign, but for the love of Mount Arlington and its residents. 

 

Thank You MAPD!

 

 

                                                                        Lawrence Andico, Mt. Arlington Resident