2009-01-22 Mayor On Ewing

Mayor on Ewing: It's an oasis in an economic desert Thursday, January 22, 2009 By JOAN GALLER Staff Writer

EWING — “Ewing is an oasis in a desert of economic depression,” says Mayor Jack Ball, still moving forward in growth and development despite the difficult economic times besetting the nation Ball painted a decidedly rosy picture for Ewing’s immediate future in his second annual State of the Township address, delivered last night before an audience of 50 residents at the monthly mayor’s meeting in town hall. “My goal is to keep real estate taxes in check, continue to bring new businesses and employment to our town and maintain our level of service to the community,” Ball said. That job is “made harder every day by the state and county government who (occupy one-third of Ewing yet) do not pay their fair share ... and we have no control over” this. The mayor ticked off a list of new businesses, housing, hotels and corporate construction — which arrived in 2008 or will open in 2009. “I’m proud to say we were one of the first four municipalities that have complied with the state’s affordable housing requirements,” he said. “In a few short weeks, we will have the codification of Ewing’s ordinances completed and up to date, the first time in over 10 years,” Ball said. Ball’s 2009 wish list calls for: n An agreement between the township and school board to share services, thus saving taxpayer dollars. n Construction of both a post office with Ewing’s zip code and also an animal shelter. n Completion of improvements at the Ewing Senior & Community Center. n Create the position of economic development director by the township council. n Continued improvements on the township Web site “to make our government open to the public ... and easier for residents to gain information.” “Our Web site needs to be incorporated into our marketing plan to show the world the benefits of living and working in Ewing,” Ball said. Ball recapped some accomplishments from 2008: n Ewing’s $1.5 million debt to the Ewing Lawrence Sewerage Authority has been paid, and township’s debt has been reduced by more than $7 million in the past two years.

n Township employee prescription drug plan costs have been kept “level,” thanks to “shopping” for a better deal, saving several hundred thousand dollars this year alone.” n Ewing paved 53 streets in town at no cost to taxpayers thanks to a $1.84 million grant from the Delaware River joint Toll Bridge Commission; 300 storm grates were replaced and hundreds of handicap-accessible curbs were installed at township corners. n Ewing reaped $250,000 from the sale of township surplus property, namely old and no-longerneeded equipment. Ball noted that last year he “reinstituted” the Fire Advisory Board, which includes three fire chiefs, and this year reactivated the 11-member Ewing Township Arts Commission and sevenmember Ewing Cable Television Citizens Advisory Board. All of Ewing’s boards and commissions are fully staffed except for the rent control board, Ball said. He urged residents who wish to serve to submit a letter to his office. “In fact, in the last week we had a lot of interest in the board as a result of Judge Mathesius’ striking down our rent control ordinances,” Ball said. “I am committed to recommend to council to adopt ordinances that will pass the legal muster to protect our community from unruly tenants and slumlords.” Ball commended Ewing’s police for service to the community, congratulated Chief Robert Coulton, who will become president of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police in June, and offered kudos to Officer Todd Jones and his K-9 partner, who received the state police chiefs’ valor award for apprehending three armed bank robbery suspects last April. The PBA contract awaits ratification by township council, but Ball said thanks to the cooperation of Coulton, the PBA and SOA, the police department has a new schedule that increases the number of officers for emergency response without increasing the total staff. “There is no current need to add two additional officers, which is a definite savings for the township,” the mayor said. The police are now installing community cameras “strategically around our community to enhance security and help in investigations,” using money previously allocated. Cameras are also being installed at town hall’s interior and exterior. Ball urged Ewing residents to attend his monthly mayor’s meetings at 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month to voice questions or concerns. Next month’s meeting, he said, will celebrate Ewing’s 175th anniversary, with a talk about Ewing’s history by Councilman Don Cox and “a few surprises.” After his address, Ball swore in members of the arts commission and cable TV advisory board. URL: http://www.trentonian.com/articles/2009/01/22/news/doc4977e82184ad1787823832.prt © 2009 trentonian.com, a Journal Register Property