The Haddonfield Republican Club recently held its first Commissioner Candidate’s Forum at Borough Hall. Although I was unable to attend, I understand that this nonpartisan public event was well attended.
I am, however, disappointed by the failure of the Haddonfield Civic Association to air the recent forum. From discussions I have had with several residents who attended the forum, they indicated that the debate revealed a real contrast in the candidates who are seeking resident support in this May’s commissioners’ election.
While I commend Commissioner Borden for his service to Haddonfield, his closing remarks at the debate reflected a fundamental disconnect with local residents. Specifically, Commissioner Borden told the audience: “If you’re one of those people who think Haddonfield is going to hell in a handcart, don’t vote for me.” The commissioner’s comment struck me as trivializing the concerns that many residents have about the lack of spending priorities in our town.
As many of us know, Haddonfield has serious problems with its existing roads, water/sewer system, and school buildings. At a high level, for example, anyone who has driven our roads can attest to the seemingly endless potholes. Greater attention must be paid to such critical infrastructure issues or it will cost us more down the line.
This past winter, I voted against the Bancroft proposal negotiated by Commissioner Borden. I didn’t vote no because I believed Haddonfield was “going to hell in a handcart.” Instead, I voted no because the bond failed to address existing infrastructure, spent millions on items such as artificial turf, overpaid Bancroft to the tune of several million dollars, and risked untold additional millions for future projects at the Bancroft site. At this point, I wish the Bancroft issue would simply go away.
But I echo the concerns of fellow resident, Jerrold Schwaber, who wrote recently in The Haddonfield Sun that some of the commissioner candidates, specifically Neil Rochford and Lee Albright are more than happy to entertain yet another proposal on Bancroft. As Mr. Schwaber stated, the commissioners, unlike the school board, will not be legally obligated to hold a referendum on a further Bancroft proposal, but will instead be able to pass the proposal on their own initiative. Therefore, the commissioners’ election will be the only chance for residents to avoid a replay of the Bancroft proposal.
Is our town headed to hell in the handcart if we fail to elect the right commissioners this May? Certainly not. If we fail to choose wisely, will we be stuck with commissioners who will have their hands in our pockets time and time again for misguided projects? Quite probably, yes.
For a new beginning and better government please pull Levers 1, 2, 3 on Tuesday, May 14!
