RICH CRATER, CORY FULLER AND JIM COLLANDER ARE THREE HARD-WORKING COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS.
Each has a demonstrated record of community involvement and leadership. Our candidates bring a unique diversity of perspectives and areas of expertise. They share a common belief that Borough government must be operated in a fiscally prudent and professional manner that is responsive to the concerns of Borough residents and encourages volunteerism. Our approach to local government is responsible for Chatham’s designation as one of the 10 best towns in which to live in the United States.
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OPEN GOVERNMENT
We have created and expanded a website for the Borough that continues to make municipal government more accessible to residents. Agenda and minutes of the Council and most of the boards and committees are available on ChathamBorough.org. More and more general information is posted on the website, and residents can sign up for e-mail notification services so that they will be alerted when new information is posted on the site. We recently conducted an opinion survey on the website and residents can pay taxes, sign up for recreation program activities and view recreation schedules on the website.
We have been broadcasting Council meetings and, when subjects are going to be addressed that will have broad interest in the community, meetings of other committees and boards. The new Community Bulletin Board Service we inaugurated this year is another tool for residents to keep informed of what’s going on in the community. Tune in to Channel 21 frequently to keep up to date.
And, we have made meetings of committees open to the public even when not required by state law. This further encourages resident participation in local government.
We will continue to explore ways to improve ChathamBorough.org, our broadcasting capabilities and to take other steps that will make municipal government even more open.
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TRAFFIC SAFETY
Traffic has long been an issue in our Borough that all administrations have had to address. In the late 70s and 80s, the focus was on getting the state to complete Route 24. More recently, we have had to work hard to address traffic flow and parking issues on Coleman and Elmwood Avenues arising from the multiple uses operating at Ogden Presbyterian Church and congestion issues arising primarily from school bus traffic at ECLC in the Lum Avenue/Chatham Street area. We're also addressing traffic flow issues on Fairview Avenue and are working on solutions with the School District to the traffic in and around the Washington Avenue School.
We have also stepped up strict enforcement of traffic laws to enforce speed limits and stop illigal (and unsafe) turns. To reduce speeding, we approved the purchase of two speed indicators, which we are now positioning in key areas to alert motorists that they may be exceeding the speed limit. We also have obtained a trailer-mounted message board that allows us to alert motorists of road closures and other traffic issues (and is also useful for alerting residents of other issues that may arise).
We are dedicated to maintaining and improving the safety of residents and those who work in or visit our Borough.
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MAINTAIN AND IMPROVE OUR INFRASTRUCTURE
We have repaved roads and will continue repaving roads as needed. We’ve replaced sewer lift stations, rebuilt our downtown cross-walks and are currently in the process of installing new street lighting. We plan to install new sidewalks in the central business district keeping our historic character in mind. We have upgraded water piping, wells and tanks, replaced sewer lines and are upgrading pumping stations. We have purchased improved equipment for our Public Works Department and evaluating ways to protect and augment our water supply.
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 IMPROVE OUR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
With very limited space for playing fields in the Borough we are proud of the recreational opportunities available to all residents, young and not-so-young alike. After months of planning and meetings with residents, a new artificial turf field was opened at Lum Avenue. In addition to the new field, attractive fencing was installed in and around the property and the traffic flow through the driveways at the Municipal Building was changed to provide alternate access to the field and remove ECLC School bus traffic from neighboring streets. This artificial turf field was the first jointly funded recreation facility project by Chatham Borough, Chatham Township and the Chatham Athletic Foundation, and a major accomplishment for our new Joint Recreation Program. With the new artificial turf fields also at the High School and Middle School, the recreation and school sports teams have had more opportunities to play their regular practices and game schedules without cancellations due to weather or poor field conditions.
We look forward to working with Chatham Township in the development of an artificial turf field in that community and will continue to look for ways that we can enhance recreational opportunities for all citizens, young and old!
Additional improvements to Borough recreational facilities include new drainage and irrigation systems for Shepard Kollock Park, scheduled for completion in spring 2008, as well as the reconfiguration of Memorial Park. We’re moving forward aggressively and responsibly to serve the recreational needs of our community.
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CONSERVATIVE FISCAL MANAGEMENT
Municipal taxes account for about 21 cents of every property tax dollar, down from 24 cents of every property tax dollar in 2000. The balance goes to the school system—nearly 62 cents—and the County—nearly 17 cents. Despite increased wages, health care and pension costs and the lack of increase in state aid, the Borough has the 5th lowest equalized tax rate in Morris County.
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FOCUS ON PUBLIC SAFETY
In addition to providing our police and fire departments with the tools, including computers, traffic safety and management software, they need to do their jobs well to keep residents and their property safe, we have trained our police officers and fire department personnel to handle a wide range of emergencies. We have also created an Emergency Services Unit and trained civilian volunteers to assist in an emergency through the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program and are in the process of creating a Medical Reserve Corps. |
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| SERVICES TO SENIORS
We are deeply involved with the Senior Services of the Chathams, Inc., a non-profit corporation formed to provide services for the elderly, appropriate to their needs, so they can remain independent in the community. The Senior Center provides information and referral services in areas such as recreation, social services, health services and educational programs. With help from Trenton, we are hopeful of adding housing options for our seniors.
We are fully supportive of the Senior Services of the Chathams, Inc.’s efforts to begin a “ride provide” service whereby seniors are afforded transportation to routine matters such as shopping at the supermarket, doctor’s appointments, etc.
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 PRESERVE OPEN SPACE
We are continuing to preserve and protect open space in the Borough for recreation and conservation purposes. The Borough has purchased over 50 acres of vacant land in the past 5 years to preserve our open space and keep our community beautiful. Over half the funds to do this have come from the county and the state. We support continuing the current open space tax and expanding its uses to include cleanup and maintenance of open space and historic preservation. |
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PRESERVE CHATHAM'S HISTORY
Part of Chatham’s charm is the mix of historic, architectural styles reflected in its buildings, ranging from Colonial to Victorian and, perhaps most noticeably, the various American styles of the early 20th century. These styles blend to give Chatham its’ “all-American” small town character and we support efforts to preserve that character. The land use regulations we have put in place over the years have helped Chatham avoid the worst impacts of the “McMansion” plague that has affected so many nearby communities. However, we do continue to lose historic homes. Our Historic Preservation Commission has worked hard to ensure that new buildings reflect styles that are compatible with Chatham’s character. We support taking further steps to preserve Chatham’s unique, small-town feel. |
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