Fall 2003 Edition 

Council Race There is not much of a race for borough council, in November.  Three men for three seats. The Republicans did not find candidates they wanted to field.  So, two Democratic councilman will return (Deputy Mayor Marty Etler and Deputy Mayor Steve Weinstein) and one newcomer (Owen McCarthy) will join the Council.  Fair Lawn News asked all three a few questions.     Steve Weinstein     What would you like to accomplish in the next 4 years? I want to continue to make progress in areas that I have initiated.   In business development I would like to see revitalization of Broadway and Radburn. We have a 100% commitment  for this by the Mayor and Council.  We need a commitment of the business community to form a partnership for this revitalization.   With respect to recreation, we have already seen improvement in our recreation facilities. We are in the preparation stage of building a multipurpose Arts and Recreation center. I am fully committed to this project.   There was no increase in municipal/taxes this year. Was that because we sold the Arts Center on River Road? What happens in the next couple of years, when we can’ t sell assets?   There is no correlation between the sale of the Arts Center and the zero tax increase for 2003. Any funds received for the Arts Center could not be used in the 2003 budget. The budget was prepared prior to the sale and a budget cannot include anticipated revenues.   The sale of the Arts Center was based on a need for a larger state of the art facility. It was not sold for revenue purposes.   In the next couple of years the Mayor and Council will continue to remain fiscally responsible and anticipate continued stable taxes.   Who are you supporting for President? The Best Candidate.   What do you think of Fair Lawn News? Fair Lawn News does a very good job in reflecting the issues of Fair Lawn. Many of Fair Lawn’s residents consistently read Fair Lawn News and have gained a better understanding of the current issues which concern Fair Lawn.   What do you think of Fair Lawn Speaks (the discussion forum)?  It was and continues to be a great idea! It allows Fair Lawn residents to express themselves from the confines of their homes and offices. Through this forum Borough officials and employees are able to learn and understand what are some of the concerns of our residents.       Marty Etler   Do you think Fair Lawn is better off than it was 4 years ago? Yes, we haven't gone backwards.   What accomplishments as Deputy Mayor are you most proud of? a.  Completion of the DPW building b.  Upgrading Memorial and Walsh pools. c.  Completing the new parking lot behind City Hall d.  Purchase of new Fire Engines and Ambulances e.  Selling the old Arts Center (building a new one) f.  Closer contact with our citizens g.  Very little municipal tax increase over the last 4 years.   Who do you think was the best president since WWII? President Harry S. Truman with a close second Bill Clinton.  Worst?  Current George Bush   Who are you supporting for president in 2004? Way to early to tell!   What would you like to accomplish in the next 4 years? Try to hold taxes steady See the new Arts Center to fruition Seeing Berkshire Road flooding cleared up   What do you think of Fair Lawn Speaks (the discussion forum)?  I don't watch it because I am not on the Internet much.   As for discussion, there is no substitute for honest discussion on any topic of interest other than at our Council Meetings.  Talking via a computer is not the same thing as "bein there".       Owen McCarthy   What would you like to accomplish in the next 4 years? Over the next 4 years, I will continue the pattern of responsible government that the current Council has been able to provide to the citizens of Fair Lawn. I look forward to the opportunity of being able to work with and learn from the experience of the other Council members. Further, I believe that I am fortunate to be a young professional and a 30 year Fair Lawn resident and will utilize this combination to get more people involved in our community and to ensure that I am accessible to all of our residents.   Unfortunately, Fair Lawn, like all municipalities in New Jersey, is plagued by severe financial constraints. It is critical that all of our elected officials, including myself, make every effort to ensure that we have both financial accountability and responsibility. While we must try to control spending, we must not sacrifice the services and programs that we have all learned to enjoy and expect from the Borough of Fair Lawn. I will continue to support the programs and initiatives that the current Council has taken in the areas of recreation and other capital programs, most importantly safety. However, we must ensure that spending remains reasonable and maintain stable taxes so that senior citizens and other long-term residents are not forced to move from the community.   I look forward to the four years ahead and will make every effort to ensure that Fair Lawn continues to be the community that I have been proud to call home for the last thirty years.     What is your opinion on two issues that are often raised in Fair Lawn News: enhancing Broadway and improving pedestrian safety?   As someone who grew up less than two hundred yards from Broadway, I share the same view as most residents that Broadway is an area in need of assistance. Improving Broadway benefits not only those living in a close proximity to the area, but all residents who benefit from the new merchants and the additional taxes from the area. However, anything that is done in this region must involve a joint effort of the Council, the business community and most importantly the residents. We cannot, and I will not let, any improvement efforts ignore the concerns of the families living in this area. Any improvement in this region must involve a balancing of interests of the three parties. With a group effort of the three parties and the realization that the improvements will not occur over night, there is nothing preventing the Broadway area from being revitalized.   As an attorney, I see first hand the horrors that are caused when pedestrian safety is compromised. The first, and easiest, response is that all of us, whether we are driving or walking, must be fully aware of our circumstances. Inattention of both drivers and pedestrians is the largest cause of pedestrian accidents. Additionally, and with the assistance of the members of the community and our police department, we can ensure that appropriate speed limits are placed on the streets and are being followed by our drivers. When necessary, we can place the appropriate traffic control devices and/or adjust traffic patterns at intersections where the problem warrants the attention.   Other Questions   Note:  Fair Lawn News did ask Mr. McCarthy other questions (such as what is his favorite newspaper, favorite place to walk in Fair Lawn, favorite five web sites, etc.).      He said " I do not believe that they involve any issues that are relevant to the upcoming election. I am more than willing, either before or after the election, to answer any questions that involve issues that are before the Borough and the Council. If you have any other questions that you may like me to answer please forward them over and I will get them back to you promptly."