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             The views and opinions expressed in letters published by 07663online.com do not necessarily reflect the opinion of 07663online.com staff. Letters must be brief, about Saddle Brook and of general interest to Saddle Brook residents. Submissions should include the writer’s name and contact information for editorial verification purposes. The publisher reserves the right to reject or edit any letter or opinion submitted for publication. Letters in poor taste or those that are mean-spirited or embarrassing to any organization or individual will be rejected without exception. Lets keep it civil and in the best interest of the community.

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2006

Promises Project Path For Progress

 

             It's finally over. Now what?

             During his bid for re-election this fall, Mayor Louis D'Arminio ran on a record of accomplishment. A stable township budget, improved services and new facilities were examined and judged by the voters. And a large majority - almost two-thirds - liked what they saw. So voters swept the mayor and his running mates back into office for another four years.

It's hard to not look at the election results as a mandate.              Township residents like what they see going on throughout the community and they want more of it. Approaches can be argued, as they were during this election season. However, arguments like "It cost too much" or "It's too big" or "It could have been bigger" are individual opinions that were generally not backed up by specific facts. As the voters showed us, it's public opinion that matters - and it's hard to convince the public that they are not really seeing what they witness happening in their own community.

             It's possible the Democratic Team was helped by good timing. The previous Republican mayor's administration praised itself for consecutive flat tax rates, but at what cost? It's easy to keep taxes stable by not paying the bills, or by ignoring failing buildings, services and infrastructure. But that does not serve the taxpayers, those who have a vested interest in a well-run, well-maintained community. The D'Arminio Team swept into office in 2002 promising change, and they delivered. They took advantage of low interest rates and an improving economy to finance a wide range of projects, and invested the necessary time and effort into producing responsible township budgets. They delivered on their campaign promises to the community - a rare occurrence this day and age.

             So now Mayor D'Arminio and Councilmen Edward Kugler and Omar Rodriguez have four more years to continue what they started. The election is over; political rhetoric is cheap. It's the actions that count. There are still many important issues facing Saddle Brook - continued tax stabilization, controlling overdevelopment, flood control for the Saddle River, and infrastructure improvements - and the D'Arminio Team has promised to work on delivering real results for these problems.

             Going on their past performance, we are optimistic they will keep their word.

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