I know that this is an idea you have all heard before, and I can’t blame you for suspecting it to be typical campaign babble, but I hope after being elected to convince the next Pt.Pleasant Borough Council to do away with the customary stipend provided to Councilmembers and Mayor. Some Councilmembers have said that the “salary” is insignificant and would not provide substantial savings but I disagree. The collective earnings of Council and Mayor could save a full-time employee’s salary and job. The work produced day in and day out by our town employees is certainly more valuable than a conciliatory gesture. Perhaps these savings could pay for a furlough day and prevent a lost day of the services our residents rely on? I have no illusions that this would impact our county’s patronage system or discourage those that use our council as a stepping stone, but I think it would be a small demonstration of good faith where much has been lost. Those that choose to serve the people of Pt. Pleasant should do whatever they can to dissuade the feelings of doubt and mistrust that plague their relationship with those they serve. I believe in Public Service and feel it is the central thread in our history, our achievements, and our national fabric. Those who seek part time office should volunteer their time and effort, but if that is too much to ask, perhaps they could submit receipts for re-imbursement, not to exede the former stipend, so that the residents, their employers, could review the “true cost” of Service.
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