Mayor Kennedy O’Brien’s  State of the Borough - 2010

The mayor’s annual address is often used as a time to celebrate the positive initiatives that have been accomplished in the previous year and to focus on many new victories to come.

But, with deep economic challenges here in Sayreville and across this great nation, this type of speech would seem empty and unimportant. There are many worries in this room. They are personal. They are real.

And, for many, there does not seem to be a solution in sight.

In my role as your mayor, I have spent countless hours in 2009 listening to the people of Sayreville.

I have heard about job loss, about struggles to pay the mortgage and concerns about how to pay for health care if a loved one should fall sick.

I don’t know if there is anyone here today who does not have a very personal story about how the economy has affected them.

I know of no family in Sayreville that has not experienced the pain of tighter budgets, of trying to help an unemployed friend or wondering what their own job outlook will be in 2010.

I can tell you, as I have told the many, many people who have come to me for help and guidance, that Sayreville is a family. We take care of our own. We always have.

When this economy recovers, and we all pray to God it does in 2010, I believe Sayreville will be at the forefront of the recovery.  That is because we are a special breed of people, living in the greatest town in the free world.

To quote John F. Kennedy: “The American, by nature, is optimistic. He is experimental, an inventor and a builder who builds best when called upon to build greatly."

It is simply not in our nature not to succeed. It never has been. America was built by overcoming one challenge at a time. And so was Sayreville.

This is a community that is based on a strong foundation of volunteerism. Just look at the local houses of worship in town, or the emergency squads, or the schools, or the libraries.

They are filled with caring people who want to help their neighbor, even in the darkest of hours.

In 2009, I have referred people in need to the many community groups that are here to help….Organizations such as Raritan Bay Hospital. In keeping with their strong commitment to the community, when a resident was having difficulty placing a family member in a nursing home with the necessary level of care, they recommended and worked to facilitate admission to Arista Care at Alameda Center in Perth Amboy, which offered the high-tech equipment and intensive rehabilitation program to best serve the patient’s needs and work on getting him walking again.

 When residents need food, housing assistance, or any type of outreach, Reverend Bulluck and Faith Fellowship ministries has been there. He also put together a federally certified counseling program for people in danger of losing their homes.

The Saint Vincent DePaul Society at Our Lady of Victories has been very active with their food pantry, coat and blanket drives, and many other forms of assistance for local families. OLV parish’s Respect Life group raises funds to help support several crisis pregnancy centers.

St. Stan’s also has a food pantry, and helps support the work of Rachel’s House, which offers many kinds of practical assistance to homeless pregnant women.

  There is our Senior Center - when a resident lost her employer sponsored health insurance and was now transitioning to Medicare and was scared and confused, we had people to help her and anyone else who needed assistance.  No matter the need, Sayreville opens its arms to its own.

And we always take great pride in our VFW and American Legion for their service to their country and all they continue to do, such as the Mission of Honor, in which our own Nelly Malet also took such an active part.

It is not possible to name them all here, but the open hearts and hands of Sayreville’s people are second to none, and I am proud and grateful.

On the dais here today, you see two new faces on the Borough Council – Nick Perrette and Frank Bella. I have spoken with Frank and Nick about leadership. They agree it is about putting politics and personal aspirations aside to do what is best to serve the people.

I want to repeat that: To serve the People. In serving the people, elected leadership must put aside who is a Democrat or who is a Republican or whatever. I think we can all agree that the challenges of the day are too serious to focus on who ran for office against whom.

This governing body, working with me and the department heads in Borough Hall, must work as a unified voice to do what is best for every single person in this community.

That doesn’t mean that we will always agree.  While the majority of us sitting on this dais share the same political party, we are individuals with varied backgrounds, experiences, and beliefs.

Dissent shouldn’t be perceived of in a negative light.  Rather, it should be welcomed. 

To quote President Kennedy once more: “Without debate, without criticism, no administration and no country can succeed -- and no republic can survive”

Rest assured, just as in every family, we will disagree; however, in the end, we will be guided by the simple and most profound philosophy: Living up to the trust and faith that YOU have placed in us, to make this town that we all love so dearly, an even better place. 

And in the matters that we disagree on, we will work to find common ground, and will not sit mired in politics.  We will rise above pettiness, and will not lose sight of what needs to be accomplished. 

I, and the other members of this governing body, have heard your call for change, and I am committed to that end.

We can take pride in the strides we made.  The governing body, working with the police department and the apartment owners, came up with a proposed agreement to increase and enhance the security at our largest apartment complex.  This agreement should enable the residents living in this complex to rest a little easier at night, in the knowledge that the governing body continues to address their concerns.

We also closed two local bars – businesses which were run badly, which failed to remember that a liquor license is not a right, but a privilege. 

In December of 2008, at a crowded Town Hall meeting, I promised the residents of Sayreville that I would create an advisory committee to deal with the issue of the Main Street Bypass.

It is with a sense of gratitude that I inform you that not only has this committee been formed, and has spent countless hours meeting this past year, it continues to diligently address all the various issues and concerns that surround this project. 

I am in receipt of the committee’s first phase of recommendations and am reviewing them. I will be inviting the members of the Main Street Bypass Committee to an upcoming Council meeting to share their Phase 1 findings with the members of the governing body.

I wish to thank all the members of this committee for their hard work and commitment to this project. 

Sayreville is embarking on an economic renaissance for the Raritan Bay.  When Sayreville was first settled, the Raritan River was the source of almost all our revenue; we now look to find a new economic source of property tax relief from the water side. 

Although the design may be different than our original vision, one thing, one very important thing, remains the same: the redevelopment of this property will undoubtedly stabilize the property tax burden our residents face, create jobs, and present a source of pride and family enjoyment for Sayreville residents and visitors. 

We took HUGE steps in 2009 towards accomplishing our redevelopment goals on the former National Lead site. The land is being cleaned up and we look forward to a groundbreaking this year.

Unfortunately, we will have to make tough choices in 2010.  The economic crisis our nation is facing has not excluded Sayreville.  Just as you, your family and friends have had to cut back, so will Sayreville.

There are no “sacred cows” in the municipal budget. I am tightening the belt to the point where we need to add new holes.  Any and all spending is subject to review and adjustment.

For example, I will be recommending that the Borough put a moratorium on subsidizing the trip elected that officials and Board and Commission members take to annual League of Municipalities conference in Atlantic City.  Funding three nights in Atlantic City with taxpayer money is a cut I am prepared to recommend. Despite the fact that this may hinder some from continuing to attend this function, we need to exercise prudence with taxpayer money.

We will also carefully look at staffing in 2010.  I will be seeking a moratorium on hiring. We will be carefully reviewing all positions. We may look to save money through attrition and ensuring there is no waste.

I consider it an honor and privilege to serve the good, hard-working people of Sayreville.  I take the trust and faith that you have placed in me very seriously, and I am humbled by your continued support. 

In 2010, I will continue to do my level best to live up to the trust you have continued to place in me.  On behalf of my family, I ask each and every one of you to ask in your daily prayers for the safety and protection of our troops, both at home and abroad, and to fly the flag of this great country daily as a sign of your support for these brave men and women. 

And may God continue to bless the United States of America and the Borough of Sayreville.