MAYOR’S MESSAGE

Regardless of how you get your news – papers, computer, television or radio – it is impossible not to know that as a country, a state and in many cities and towns across the country we are facing an economic crisis. Piscataway, unfortunately, is not immune to this national and global reality. For the last few years, as a result of these circumstances, we have been streamlining government operations by exercising fiscal restraints and knowing where costs could be curtailed without elimination of services and we will continue to do so.

A large part of our economic problem is that many Township companies or businesses have downsized or just simply gone out of business. And as a consequence the Township has lost $37 million dollars in ratables in 2008. So far in 2009, the Township has lost close to $8 million dollars. This fact, coupled with decreased state aid and the fact that New Jersey cities and towns are subject to a tax levy cap of 4%, has created the perfect storm. Even in this economy we remain positive and continue to work to attract new businesses and, to date, we have had some success. We are pleased at this time to be able to congratulate two of our long-time businesses: I.E.E.E. celebrates the 150^th anniversary of their founding and L’Oreal celebrates their 100^th year in business. We wish them continued success.

These are challenging times for so many people and Piscataway Township is not immune from that reality. We have reviewed all Township positions, and through pay freezes, attrition, not filling open positions, and through the painful process of employee layoffs we have downsized the Township government. We will continue to explore all options available to us so that services can be maintained. We cannot burden our taxpayers with undue added costs, many of whom are experiencing their own economic crisis. Our resolve is to take advantage of our many assets while always keeping in mind that our job is to serve our residents so that Piscataway remains a great place to live, work and play for many years to come.

Although it is only the beginning of the summer months Santa arrived not only early, but unexpectedly in the Township as members of the VFW Piscataway Memorial Post 7504 distributed significant gifts as a result of selling their property on Sidney Road. Their first and very important donation was to the military in Kuwait and Afghanistan so that our men and women in uniform could call their loved ones on Easter Sunday. It added up to 97,763 calls for a total of 1.2 million minutes! In Piscataway, a grand total of $156,310 was distributed to support a wide variety of programs and organizations. The Senior Center has a brand new piano, and the van that transports our senior residents to medical appointments is now equipped with handrails and remote steps as a result of the VFW’s generosity. They funded a new $10,000 Computer Lab for the Piscataway Public Library and purchased equipment for the Township Police Swat Team. The Piscataway School Board was a recipient of their generosity as were the Boy and Girl Scouts, the F.I.S.H. organization and other donations benefiting veterans. I mention but a few of the many donations that have dramatically affected so many lives, from school children to senior citizens and so many others in between. We are extraordinarily grateful and thank Dominic Ciardi, Sam Laudino, Joe Nigro, and all the members of the VFW Post 7504 for their largess and generosity to their fellow citizens.

Switching gears to remind us all to keep in mind that there are more children out and about during these summer days and evenings and we should all drive extra carefully. I wish you all a relaxing summer and if you have any questions, please feel free to contact my office.