Dear Community Friends,
To lead a great community like Mantua Township, it’s not about politics or political partisanship, it’s about leading independently as a visionary and leading by example. Doing the right thing for the community as a whole, so to speak.
Like the vast majority of you, I am tired of the vitriolic political climate at levels above us. There is no place for that in local government, and there is no place for nastiness, divisiveness and disparaging behaviors here in Mantua Township.
As mayor, I have been persistently communicative striving for a more cohesive and highly transparent governance. We have stayed focused on what we can control as your local elected leaders here in our own community, avoiding outside hindrance and distractions.
Let’s think about Mantua Township for a minute, great governmental services. Safe place to live. Exceptional Park system, senior citizen services and recreational programs. Great schools. Great residents. No local property tax increase. Highly desirable housing market. We were recently ranked the third best community to live-in within Gloucester County out of 24, and the tenth best municipality to live-in out of 169 communities in Southern New Jersey. We should always strive to be better, but we should also be exceptionally proud of this incredible place that we call our home.
My goal as your mayor has always been to represent every single resident with equity and impartiality to bring us together. To be great leaders, you have to have strong moral and ethical standards. Be able to make the difficult and sometimes unfavorable decisions, while putting personal feelings aside. That’s how this township committee has led over the years, and that’s how we will continue to lead today and into the future.
We are truly a socially bonded community of family, friends and neighbors. Don’t bicker over people at the national level who don’t even know your name or anything about Mantua. Let’s remain optimistic and work together. Let’s continue our vision of moving Mantua forward positively and responsibly, and let’s stay honed-in on our little slice of greatness that’s within our own control.
I recently met with Jerry McGough and Michael Lloyd from the Total Experience Foundation (TEF). Jerry is one of the founders of the Total Turf Experience (TTE) on Lambs Road in Mantua Township (a first-class sports and entertainment facility) and has started the TEF which is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization operating out of the Total Turf Experience facility located at 614 Lambs Road.
TEF’s two main focuses are Thanksgiving’s Turkey and Trimmings dinners and a Christmas Breakfast with Santa for those less fortunate. Last year the TEF fed 8,800 people for Thanksgiving, and fed 1,200 people for Christmas along with providing toys, etc.
In a partnership, TEF is offering both these programs “free of charge” to our community. Mantua Township will be participating this year during the upcoming holiday season.
This past Monday evening I attended Mondays in Mantua, a weekly car show that’s held at the Toll House Plaza on Rt. 45.
The show typically has well over one-hundred cars on display every Monday night throughout the summer. It’s a great opportunity to support the car enthusiasts who participate, and to patronize our local businesses at the same time. I really want to encourage residents to check out this great event on Mondays beginning at 5:00 p.m.
Deputy Mayor Pete Scirrotto recently lost his brother, Mark Scirrotto at the young age of sixty-five. Pete looked after his younger brother who has been dealing with some health-related issues. For those who know Pete, you know that he’s truly one of the kindest people in our community, and he was a loving and caring older brother to Mark. Please keep Pete and the Scirrotto family in your thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.
Upcoming Township Meetings and Events:
- Saturday, July 13 is the next MTPD Car Seat Safety Checkpoint at the Sewell Fire House between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Saturday, July 13 is the next Convenience Center Drop-Off at our Public Works Facility between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
On behalf of Deputy Mayor Pete Scirrotto, myself and the entire Township Committee, we look forward to continuing our service with honesty, integrity and trustful leadership.
Respectfully,
Mayor Robert T. Zimmerman, MAS
