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Politics & Government

Mayor Hosts a Successful Second Brown Bag Lunch

With topics ranging from environmental issues to the dilemmas arising from the recent budget cuts, Mayor Spitzer barely had time to chew his food as he engages in conversation with his fellow residents.

On March 20, Mayor Scott Spitzer held his second "Brown Bag Lunch" at the Spring Ridge Clubhouse where thirteen residents came to listen and speak to Spitzer in what he calls his "outreach to the community."

First, the mayor discussed his wellness campaign and urged everyone to participate and "come out and exercise." Through this campaign, the mayor aims to promote a healthier lifestyle and to address sky-rocketing healthcare costs.

Spitzer first reviewed previous events that have been held by the campaign. He told everyone about the success of the two hour Zumba class held in February. As a participant himself, Spitzer noted that it was extremely rigorous and that it took him a day to recuperate from the intense workout Zumba provided.

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"Scott, you can't do Zumba for two hours!" exclaimed Spitzer emphatically, as he quoted a fellow participant of the Zumba class that day. The mayor also noted that the yoga class held this past weekend was also a success, despite a decrease in participation.

The mayor plans to continue his wellness campaign with upcoming events such as Tai-Chi at Harry Dunham Park, and a health hike at the new Sons of Liberty Farm, which will be held in April.

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The mayor also praised the task force for the township's 250th anniversary. He told the residents about plans to purchase and plant daffodils around the town. Residents will have the opportunity to buy these flowers to plant on their own property or donate them to the town. The local girl scouts have already planted daffodils at Oak Street Elementary School.

"[Daffodils will be a] unifying flower that will grow year after year in town" said Spitzer, "My wife also insists that the deer won't eat them."

The mayor addressed the town's efforts to help the environment. He talked about the new parks, such as the recently opened Sons of Liberty Farm and the English Family Woods, both across the street from each other on the intersection of Allen Road and Somerville Road. The goal of these new parks is to maintain a scenic view in highly developed area and to "create a greenbelt around The Hills."

Spitzer invites everyone to come to "Pride in our Parks Day" this Saturday, March 27, to enjoy the newly opened parks for passive recreation.

An important topic raised over lunch was the recent budget cuts for both the township and the school district. With over $400,000 cut from the township budget, Spitzer frankly stated that he "can't promise what the turnout will be" but says he will do his best to keep the tax burden on residents low.

Looking into solutions, the mayor cited that the township will pursue shared services, such as dispatch desks and healthcare, with neighboring towns. Spitzer stays optimistic saying that for the past three years, he has been very proud of how the town has kept its budget well balanced.

In regards to budget cuts within the school district, the mayor says it is an issue for the Board of Education to handle, as the "Township Committee has no jurisdiction" over the situation.

Other topics brought to the table during lunch included local illicit activity, the numerous performing arts centers in town, and other personal concerns of Spring Ridge Residents. The residents ceaselessly asked the mayor questions that Spitzer, with his mouth full, had to say, "Just let me finish this chew."

Overall, the mayor's community outreach through this "Brown Bag Lunch" helped Spitzer connect to the people and demonstrated his love for the township.  

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